Israel declares emergency and launches attacks in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah offensive
Hezbollah announced that Sunday's military operation was "concluded" for today, after carrying out a series of drone and rocket attacks on military targets in northern Israel on Monday morning.
A view shows smoke on the Lebanese side of the border with Israel, seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon - Photo Reproduction / Aziz Taher / Reuters
In a significant escalation of tensions in the region, Israel launched a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon this Sunday (25). The country described the action as a preventative measure ahead of a planned large-scale attack by Hezbollah against the country. In response, the Lebanese extremist group, known for its military and political activities, began a large-scale attack with a series of drones and rockets against northern Israel, which then declared a state of emergency.
The Intensification of the Conflict
Hezbollah, a Lebanese group backed by Iran, announced it had launched 320 Katyusha rockets and drones at Israel, hitting 11 military targets. According to the group, this action marks the first phase of its retaliation for the murder of Fuad Shukr, a senior commander killed last month. Hezbollah also said a full retaliation would take time, but despite the attack it indicated there were no immediate plans for further offensives. Among the targets hit were Israeli military structures, including the "Iron Dome" defense system, and a "special military target" that was not detailed. Images released by Israel show the Iron Dome in operation, repelling attacks
A Hezbollah drone crossing from Lebanon is intercepted this Sunday by an Israeli jet over an area near the countries' border - Photo Reproduction / Atef Safadi / EPA
In response, Israel carried out "preemptive" coordinated airstrikes against strategic Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, a region where the group has a strong presence. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that it mobilized 100 fighter jets to bomb 40 Lebanese group targets. Furthermore, they claimed to have hit and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers, after identifying an imminent threat of attack by the extremist group. Lebanese media reported that three people died as a result of an Israeli attack, while Israel reported no casualties.
Israel's Foreign Minister stated that the country does not seek a full-scale war. The Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, announced a 48-hour state of emergency throughout the territory from 6 am this Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defense Minister monitored the situation in Tel Aviv. At a security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu highlighted that the country's intelligence has been efficient in neutralizing threats.
Flights have been suspended at Tel Aviv airport, according to local media. Additionally, warning sirens were activated in northern Israel, and residents of the border area were instructed to leave their homes immediately. According to Netanyahu, they are firmly committed to doing everything necessary to protect our country, ensure the safe return of northern residents to their homes and maintain the basic rule: "whoever harms us will be harmed," said the prime minister of Israel.
Regional Repercussions
The escalation of the conflict has generated international concerns about the possibility of a large-scale war in the region. International organizations and allied countries have called for containment and dialogue, fearing that increased hostilities could further destabilize the Middle East, a region already marked by conflict and geopolitical tensions.
The Houthi rebels of Yemen, backed by Iran, welcomed Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and renewed threats to launch an attack in response to Israeli bombings of a port in Yemen last month. The White House reported that US President Joe Biden is monitoring the situation and stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself, but that the US will remain committed to promoting regional stability. Israel warned that Hezbollah's attack could represent an escalation in the 10-month-old Middle East conflict.
The Israeli Foreign Minister declared that, although the country does not want a "large-scale" war, it will act as events develop. The United States affirmed its commitment to defending Israel against any attack by Iran and its allies. The UN and Egypt have expressed concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict. Hezbollah, which operates as a political party in Lebanon, has an armed wing considered terrorist by the United States and Israel. The group, supported by Iran, has promoted attacks against Israel in solidarity with Hamas, due to the war in the Gaza Strip.
