In the news
On 22 October, the Times of Israel reported that the drone launched by Hezbollah on 18 October had caused damage to Israle’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea. 

On 20 October, IDF Colonel Ehsan Daksa, commander of the 401 Armoured Brigade, was killed in Gaza’s Jabalia by Hamas fighters in northern Gaza’s Jabalia. He was killed by a Hamas Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It exploded while he was dismounting his tank. He was the fifth high-ranking IDF officer to be killed in the Gaza War. According to the New York Times, the continuing deaths of IDF officers indicate that Israel has not fully degraded Hamas’ fighting capabilities because it remains a powerful guerilla group in Gaza.

On 19 October, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing: “The Israeli Air Force carried out a series of precise strikes on these Hezbollah financial strongholds.” According to the IDF, it was underneath a hospital in south Beirut. 

On 18 October, a drone fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon exploded in the central seaside town of Caesarea. It targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private home, his office said. 

Issues at large
First, Israel's continuing attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has increased targeted attacks on Hezbollah. The IDF assassinated the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah and now his heir as well. Despite being criticised by the international community over civilian killings, Israel is continuing its offensive in the region.

Second, Hezbollah's counter-attack. Hezbollah has enhanced its capabilities by installing precision-guided missiles and anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles. Despite their leader and heir being assassinated, the non-state armed actor has not toned down their attacks on Israel.  

Third, Israel's delicate distinction between civilians and militants. The IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Hagari, asserted that Israel is at war with Hezbollah and not the Lebanese people, adding that the IDF would not launch a strike on the hospital. However, more than 1,600 lives have been claimed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon. More Lebanese people have been killed than militants. 

Fourth, international response. Heads of the UN World Food Programme and UNICEF urged Israel to let the humanitarian aid reach the civilians in Gaza. However, Israel is continuing its stance that Hamas is blocking the aid and that the aid is strengthening Hamas. It maintains a similar strategy for carrying out attacks in Lebanon. 
 
In perspective
Despite the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah and IDF officials being attacked and assassinated, the warring parties have shown no sign of de-escalation. Instead, the intensity of the war has further increased. At this juncture, all actors directly involved in the conflict will likely look towards an escalation. Escalation would be through surprise attacks. The war is not slowing down as Hezbollah and Hamas are also intensifying their attacks. Ceasefire talks remain off the table. Important players like Iran and the US must assert influence for diplomatic solutions.

The international community is turning critical of Israel’s attacks in Lebanon. France has announced that it will not supply weapons to Israel. Gradually, with many countries imposing embargoes against Israel, it will face isolation. Israel's war in Gaza and Lebanon is also causing a divide between the US and the rest of the West. For the war to de-escalate, financial isolation of actors is also necessary.