The Israeli Defense Forces reported conducting a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The strikes were described as a direct response to rocket fire directed at northern Israel, which prompted civilian alarms and evacuations in border communities.
Hezbollah is a paramilitary organization with ties to Iran and the Jihad movement as a whole. They were formed in 1982 following the first Israeli invasion of Lebanon. They have a long history of violence which has caused them to be labeled as a terrorist organization.
Hezbollah responded by claiming responsibility for the rocket fire, asserting that its actions were a justified retaliation against Israeli aggression. The group vowed to continue its military response if Israel persists in its operations.
In a general statement, the IDF emphasized its commitment to defending Israeli citizens, stating that the military operations aimed to disrupt Hezbollah’s capability to launch further attacks. The strikes were targeted at Hezbollah leadership and munitions stores . Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in a strike, but up to 1,000 civilians have been killed as well.
Reports from local sources indicated casualties on both sides, with injuries noted among civilians in northern Israel and damage to infrastructure in Lebanon due to the airstrikes. Israel has continued airstrikes against Gaza.
These events have further been escalated by a ballistic missile attack on Israel sanctioned by Iran. In response to the mounting rocket attacks, Israel has engaged in ground operations along the southern border of Lebanon. The US has deployed more forces to the region in order to assist Israel with air defense.
A US senior official from the Pentagon explained to NPR that the US will be sending “a few thousand” troops.
Tamir Hayman, Israel’s head of military intelligence directorate until 2021, said in an interview on Israeli Army Radio on Monday that Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon had successfully shaken Hezbollah’s operations.
He also said that Israel should weigh the purpose of a ground invasion. “Are we there in order to reach a deal and then leave? Are we there in order to stay?” Hayman said.
The United Nations Secretary-General issued a statement urging all parties to engage in productive dialogue to prevent further violence, protect civilians and UN personnel.
“UNIFIL peacekeepers remain in position, and the UN flag continues to fly despite Israel’s request to relocate. The safety and security of all UN personnel must be ensured.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres wrote in a letter to the UN Security Council.
As the situation develops, both Israel and Hezbollah appear prepared for ongoing military engagement according to a statement from Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif, leaving local populations in a state of uncertainty and fear. The UN and several democratic nations are closely monitoring the situation, with Secretary-General Gutteres hoping for a resolution that avoids further bloodshed.