Hezbollah is preparing for a prolonged campaign and intend to escalate; Israel PM Netanyahu is holding a security consultation on a possible ground operation while the Trump admin is losing patience with the Lebanese government's lack of action

• Hezbollah preparing for a prolonged campaign: “Intends to escalate”
• According to two Israeli sources, Hezbollah’s objectives are to deter the Lebanese government from dismantling the organization and to push the IDF to withdraw from its line of outposts. “ the terror org feels it has nothing to lose.” 
• Defense Minister Israel Katz, during a visit to Northern Command: “Not only will we not withdraw — we will exact a price.” In other words, he is hinting that Israel could seize additional territory in Lebanon. 
• Netanyahu is holding a security consultations on a possible ground operation 
• While the Lebanese are interested in advancing a diplomatic initiative, officials in the Trump administration are losing patience with the Lebanese government’s conduct and are angry that it is not taking action against Hezbollah.

The escalation of Hezbollah's campaign and Israel's response signal a potential deterioration in the regional security situation, which could lead to increased volatility in markets sensitive to geopolitical tensions. The speculation around a possible ground operation by Israel further heightens risks, particularly for energy prices and safe-haven assets like gold and the USD, as investors may seek refuge from potential conflict.