Israel and Hezbollah Escalate Conflict With Airstrikes, Rocket Attacks as US Monitors Situation
By The Media Line Staff
Israel launched airstrikes early Sunday across southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah in what it called a pre-emptive move. This followed Hezbollah’s claims that it had fired hundreds of rockets and drones in retaliation for the death of one of its key leaders, Fuad Shukr, last month. The escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah risks drawing in larger powers such as the US and Iran, as well as militant groups across the region. It also threatens to derail ongoing cease-fire negotiations in Gaza, where Israel has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Hamas for over 10 months.
Israel’s military accused Hezbollah of planning a major rocket and missile attack against northern and central Israel. Shortly after, Hezbollah announced its own strike on Israeli military positions, claiming the attack was just the first phase of its retaliation for Shukr’s death in Beirut. The situation is also unfolding as Egypt hosts talks aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Hezbollah indicating that it would cease fighting if a Gaza truce is reached.
Sirens sounded across northern Israel, forcing Ben-Gurion International Airport to temporarily divert and delay flights. While Israeli officials reported only minor damage, the military remains on high alert, with around 100 aircraft involved in the strikes. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state media reported casualties, including a fatal strike on a car in Khiam.
Hezbollah claimed it had fired over 320 Katyusha rockets and used a large number of drones, aiming at military targets in Israel, including the Iron Dome missile defense system. The group hinted at deeper attacks into Israel as retaliation continues.
In response, US officials emphasized their commitment to Israel’s defense. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed US support for Israel in conversations with his Israeli counterpart.
Diplomats from the US and Europe have been working to prevent further escalation, as Israel moves additional troops toward the Lebanese border. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, are overseeing operations, while Hezbollah’s continued involvement threatens to push the conflict into a wider regional war.
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