In southern Lebanon, heavy airstrikes rocked the region as Israel and Hezbollah engaged in an escalation of hostilities. Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, claimed responsibility for launching explosive drones and powerful rockets at Israeli targets on Wednesday. This marked a significant escalation after seven months of simmering tensions along the border.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted that the mission in Israel’s north, particularly in the conflict with Hezbollah, was not yet complete. He expressed determination to ensure the safe return of evacuated residents to their homes.
Gallant’s remarks hinted at the possibility of further escalations in hostilities along the northern border with Lebanon.
The airstrikes conducted by Israel resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Lebanon, according to security sources. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border since October, raising concerns about the potential for a larger-scale war between the two adversaries.
The Israeli military targeted military structures and infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah in multiple locations in south Lebanon.
This included over 20 strikes on Hezbollah targets in the Ramyeh area. In response, Hezbollah launched explosive drones at a military headquarters in the Israeli border town of Ya’ara and fired powerful Burkan rockets at a barracks in Biranit.
Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency indicated Israeli strikes on 28 towns and villages in south Lebanon, which is considered a stronghold of Hezbollah. The Israeli military’s use of powerful munitions suggested an effort to target Hezbollah underground bunkers, according to Lebanese security sources.
During the Israeli attack in the Ramyeh area, secondary explosions were observed, indicating the presence of weapons storage facilities at the location. The displacement of tens of thousands of residents in northern Israel and Lebanon has spurred calls within Israel for stronger military action against Hezbollah.
Both Israel and Lebanon have witnessed significant displacement, with over 60,000 residents of northern Israel and approximately 90,000 people in Lebanon displaced by the ongoing hostilities. The Israeli forces had previously announced preparations for a possible war with Hezbollah, focusing on logistics and mobilization of reservists.
Since October, more than 250 Hezbollah members and 75 civilians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, while approximately 20 individuals, including military and civilians, have lost their lives in Israel.
Efforts by the United States and France to defuse the conflict through diplomacy continue amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
ALSO READ: “US Temporarily Halts Weapon Shipment to Israel Amidst Growing Tensions in Gaza”
Comments