Hezbollah and Israel both launched extensive military operations against each other today, marking a significant escalation in their ongoing conflict. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, reported firing over 320 Katyusha rockets at critical Israeli military installations.
In response, the Israeli Defense Forces initiated pre-emptive strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Early Sunday, the IDF revealed it had identified Hezbollah’s preparations for “large-scale” attacks on Israeli territory. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were dispatched to address these threats, focusing on Hezbollah sites deemed an immediate danger to Israeli civilians.
The IDF stated that its jets had targeted and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, aimed at northern and central Israel. Approximately 100 IAF fighter jets were involved in the operation, dismantling numerous rocket launcher barrels embedded in southern Lebanon.
This surge in hostilities follows weeks of mounting tension, exacerbated by Hezbollah and its ally Iran’s vow to retaliate for the assassination of Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr last month. Hezbollah has characterized the attack on Shukr as a direct provocation and an act of war.
In retaliation, Hezbollah claimed to have launched a large-scale drone attack deep into Israeli territory and targeted various Israeli positions, including barracks and Iron Dome defense systems, with numerous rockets. The group warned that its military operations would be prolonged.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting at 0400 GMT today. Following this, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour state of emergency across the country, granting the IDF Home Front Command broader powers to impose civilian restrictions.
The IDF announced that it had identified Hezbollah preparing to fire missiles and rockets towards Israeli territory and was conducting strikes against terror targets in Lebanon. The IDF emphasized that IAF fighter jets were targeting Hezbollah positions posing an imminent threat to Israeli citizens.
As a precaution, Ben Gurion International Airport has reported delays and flight diversions. Emergency services have heightened their readiness in anticipation of further attacks.
In response to the escalating conflict, the United States reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defense. U.S. National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett stated that senior U.S. officials, under President Joe Biden’s direction, have been in continuous communication with their Israeli counterparts, pledging ongoing support for Israel and efforts towards regional stability.
The recent flare-up adds to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has seen frequent exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border since the onset of the Gaza war in October. This latest escalation heightens concerns of a potential full-scale conflict in Lebanon.
The current violence follows increased tensions that began with Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians. Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza have led to over 40,000 Palestinian casualties, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
