Tensions have sharply escalated between Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, following a series of airstrikes and rocket exchanges. On Sunday, the Israeli military launched a major preemptive strike involving 100 fighter jets targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired more than 320 Katyusha rockets into Israeli territory, leading to significant military engagement and global concern.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah in “Self-Defense”
Israel’s military stated that the airstrikes were a self-defense measure in response to an imminent threat from Hezbollah. According to an official statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 40 air-to-surface missiles were launched at Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon after detecting preparations by the group to launch missiles and rockets towards Israel. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized, “In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians.”
Hezbollah’s Response and Retaliation
In retaliation for the airstrikes, Hezbollah launched a barrage of more than 320 Katyusha rockets towards Israel. The group claimed that their strikes were in response to the killing of their military commander, Fuad Shukr. Hezbollah announced that their operations targeted a “special military target” and Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense systems, stating that the “first phase” of their strikes had “ended with complete success.”
Hezbollah also dismissed Israel’s claims of preemptive self-defense, labeling them as “baseless” and “contradictory to the facts on the ground.” The group maintains that its actions were defensive in nature, following the loss of their commander.
In response to the escalating violence, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour state of emergency, emphasizing the need to protect Israeli citizens from further attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a high-level meeting to address the crisis, stating, “We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes, and continue to follow a simple rule: Whoever harms us — we harm them.”
The escalation has drawn international attention, with U.S. President Joe Biden closely monitoring the situation. White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett confirmed that Biden has been in constant communication with his national security team and Israeli counterparts, underscoring the U.S.’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself. U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin was also briefed on the developments by his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported three fatalities due to the Israeli airstrikes, while a woman in the coastal city of Acre, Israel, was injured by shrapnel from Hezbollah’s rocket attacks. Following the strikes, operations at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv were temporarily suspended, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on regional stability.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, raising fears of a broader regional war. Both sides are firmly positioned, with Israel emphasizing its right to self-defense and Hezbollah responding with significant rocket fire. The international community remains on high alert, seeking ways to prevent further escalation and ensure regional stability.
