The reality on the ground indicates Israel may be preparing for the possibility of a much bigger war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. If so, the fight could get bloody.

Hezbollah is preparing for a long war of attrition in south Lebanon, after Israel wiped out its top leadership, with a new military command directing rocket fire and the ground conflict, two sources familiar with its operations said.

Israeli airstrikes have hit the headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping force and other positions in south Lebanon in recent days, drawing widespread condemnation from around the world.