Israel-Hamas War: The long-standing conflict between Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Israel has reached a new level of intensity, as both sides announced significant military operations against each other today. The Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah declared that it launched "more than 320" Katyusha rockets targeting key Israeli military sites, marking a severe escalation in the ongoing hostilities.
In response to Hezbollah's actions, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) quickly initiated pre-emptive strikes on targets within Lebanon. According to a statement from the IDF, the military detected preparations by Hezbollah for "large-scale" attacks on Israeli territory. In response, Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets were deployed to neutralize these imminent threats, focusing specifically on Hezbollah positions that posed a direct danger to Israeli civilians. Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed at least eight, including one child.
Escalation follows weeks of growing tension
This latest escalation follows weeks of growing tension, fueled by Hezbollah and its regional ally, Iran, vowing to retaliate for the assassination of Hezbollah's military commander, Fuad Shukr, last month. Hezbollah has characterized the assassination as a direct provocation and an act of war, leading to their aggressive military actions today.
Hezbollah claims to have launched a large-scale air attack
In what they describe as "an initial response" to Shukr's killing, Hezbollah claims to have launched a large-scale air attack involving numerous drones deep into Israeli territory. The group also reported targeting several enemy positions, barracks, and Iron Dome missile defense platforms with a substantial number of rockets, suggesting that these military operations are expected to continue for some time.
Netanyahu convenes security cabinet meeting
In Israel, the gravity of the situation prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene a security cabinet meeting at 0400 GMT. Following this meeting, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency across the country for the next 48 hours. This declaration, officially termed a "special situation on the home front," grants the IDF Home Front Command expanded powers to impose restrictions on the civilian population as a precautionary measure.
"The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In response to these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon," the Israeli military stated. "Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets are currently striking targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization that pose an imminent threat to the citizens of the State of Israel."
Israel's International Airport announces delays and diversions of flights
In anticipation of further escalation, Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport has announced delays and diversions of flights. Emergency services across the country have also raised their level of readiness, preparing for potential large-scale attacks from Hezbollah.
US reiterates support for Israel
The United States has responded to the heightened tensions by reiterating its support for Israel. US National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett emphasized that "At President Joe Biden's direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts. We will keep supporting Israel's right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability."
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has seen near-daily exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October. This recent surge in hostilities has intensified fears of a full-scale conflict in Lebanon, a nation already grappling with the severe impacts of ongoing regional instability.
Escalation follows a chain of events
This escalation follows a chain of events that began after Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, highlighting the devastating toll of the ongoing conflict in the region.
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