Israel/Lebanon ,August 25 2024 : Israel conducted a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon early Sunday in what it described as a preemptive move against Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. The strikes come as Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching hundreds of rockets and drones in retaliation for the assassination of Fouad Shukur, a senior commander killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last month. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has raised fears of a broader war, potentially involving the United States, Iran, and various militant groups in the region. The situation threatens to derail ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Hamas, a known ally of Hezbollah.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the top spokesman for the Israeli military, stated that Hezbollah was planning a significant rocket and missile attack on Israel. In response, Israel launched airstrikes targeting positions in southern Lebanon. Hagari emphasized that the strikes were a self-defense measure aimed at neutralizing threats from Hezbollah. Hezbollah announced that its operation involved over 320 Katyusha rockets and multiple drones targeting Israeli military positions. The group claims that all the drones successfully hit their intended targets, although specific details have not been disclosed. The attacks reportedly focused on Israeli military sites, barracks, and Iron Dome missile defense systems.
In response to the escalating violence, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant managed the operation from military headquarters in Tel Aviv. Gallant declared a special situation on the home front, while Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet was set to meet later in the day. The United States, closely monitoring the situation, reiterated its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. The Biden administration has been actively communicating with Israeli officials and is working to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a regional war.
Both Israel and Hezbollah have been engaging in cross-border attacks since the war in Gaza erupted, displacing thousands on both sides of the border. However, until now, both parties had avoided full-scale war. With tensions reaching new heights, the potential for a devastating conflict looms large.
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