Israel launched a series of preemptive strikes in southern Lebanon to prevent a major rocket and drone assault by Hezbollah.
On Sunday morning, Israeli jets obliterated numerous rocket launchers belonging to the Iran-supported armed faction, reportedly killing three fighters from Hezbollah and its Amal allies, according to Israel’s military.
In retaliation for the killing of a high-ranking commander, Hezbollah launched 320 rockets and drones at Israel, during which one Israeli navy soldier was fatally wounded.
The United States has expressed its commitment to preventing further escalations following ten months of continuous conflict, heightening fears of a full-blown war.
Since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7th, there have been nearly daily artillery exchanges across the Israel-Lebanon border.
Recent US-backed peace negotiations in Cairo concerning Gaza failed to achieve any significant progress.
Before departing, Hamas voiced its rejection of new terms proposed by Israel and accused it of reneging on earlier agreements, a claim Israel refutes.
Hezbollah has declared its actions to be in solidarity with Hamas, which also receives support from Iran. Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations by Israel, the UK, and several other nations.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the conflict since October has resulted in over 560 deaths, predominantly among Hezbollah combatants, while in Israel, the casualties include 26 civilians and 23 soldiers.
The United Nations reports that the conflict has displaced nearly 200,000 people on both sides of the border.
Israel’s most extensive attack on Hezbollah since their 2006 war occurred around 04:30 (01:30 GMT) on Sunday, with about 100 fighter jets striking Hezbollah positions across more than 40 areas in southern Lebanon.
Following significant preparatory measures against a suspected large-scale aerial threat from Hezbollah, the strikes were executed, as IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated.
Lebanese state media reported that Israeli aircraft targeted multiple locations including Beaufort Castle and the outskirts of several towns.
A drone strike executed by Israel in Khiam resulted in one fatality, as reported by Lebanon’s ministry of public health, while the Amal movement confirmed the death of a local fighter.
Another Israeli assault on the village of Tiri claimed two lives, with Hezbollah acknowledging the loss of two combatants from nearby Haris.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing his cabinet, remarked that the day’s events were far from conclusive.
Netanyahu emphasized that the IDF had not only destroyed short-range rockets but had also intercepted all drones launched by Hezbollah toward central Israel.
He cautioned leaders in Beirut and Tehran, indicating a strategic shift in the region’s dynamics.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, communicated to his international counterparts that while Israel does not desire a full-scale war, it remains prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect its citizens.
Following the Israeli offensive, Hezbollah claimed it had successfully attacked 11 Israeli military sites with over 320 Katyusha rockets, describing the action as a direct response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr on July 30 in Beirut.
Hezbollah asserted the completion and success of its operation, dismissing Israeli claims of preventing a larger attack as baseless.
Video evidence captured the Iron Dome system intercepting incoming rockets.
Subsequently, the IDF confirmed the death of an Israeli Navy soldier during combat activities in northern Israel, though specifics were not disclosed.
Israeli reports indicate the soldier’s death occurred near a Dvora patrol boat, roughly 4km from the Lebanese border, involving a Hezbollah drone and an Iron Dome interceptor.
In a televised address, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that the group had targeted a military intelligence base deep within Israeli territory, asserting the successful execution of their planned attack and the penetration of all drones into Israeli airspace.
Nasrallah warned of further responses if the outcomes were considered insufficient.
