Hezbollah has declared that it has completed the first phase of a retaliatory attack against Israel, firing a significant number of missiles in response to the killing of its commander, Fuad Shukr, at the end of July. In a statement released on Sunday, the Lebanese group claimed to have launched more than 320 Katyusha rockets targeting 11 Israeli military bases and barracks, including the Meron base and several sites in the occupied Golan Heights. This response had been anticipated for weeks, as tensions heightened following Israel's targeted killings of senior commanders from both Hezbollah and Hamas.
The missile barrage was designed to disrupt Israeli military operations and facilitate the passage of drones aimed at deeper targets within Israel. Hezbollah stated, “the drones have passed as planned,” indicating a coordinated effort to enhance their operational capabilities. This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly in light of Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza, which have further strained regional stability.
In response to the missile strikes, Israel initiated a series of air raids on southern Lebanon, labeling them as “preemptive” attacks following intelligence that indicated Hezbollah was preparing to launch further strikes. Reports from Al Jazeera highlighted that most Israeli strikes targeted areas within a 5 km radius along the 120 km border with Lebanon. The situation in the border region has become increasingly volatile, with residents describing a night filled with the sounds of explosions and aircraft.
The conflict has led to civilian casualties, with reports confirming that at least one person was critically injured in a drone strike in Qasimia, and an Israeli air attack later killed another individual in the town of Khiam. The intensity of the exchanges has left the local population in shock, as many residents have never experienced such violence before. A resident from Zibqin remarked on the unprecedented nature of the sounds of war echoing through their town.
In light of the escalating violence, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a “special situation” and imposed a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency. This included the temporary closure of Ben Gurion Airport and restrictions on civilian activities in northern Israel and the Golan Heights. Defense officials indicated that Israeli military assessments suggested Hezbollah was preparing to launch hundreds of missiles into central Israel, prompting a preemptive strike by Israeli jets.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to defending itself, stating, “Whoever harms us, we harm him.” This rhetoric underscores the ongoing cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation that has characterized the relationship between Hezbollah and Israel for years. Analysts note that while both sides are engaged in a dangerous conflict, there is a mutual desire to avoid a full-scale war, particularly given the current economic and political challenges facing Lebanon.
As the situation develops, the international community remains on high alert. The United States has expressed its support for Israel's right to defend itself while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, Egypt is hosting talks aimed at addressing the broader conflict in Gaza, as Hezbollah has indicated a willingness to halt its attacks if a ceasefire is established.
The ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have raised concerns about a potential regional escalation. Experts warn that the current trajectory could draw neighboring countries into a larger conflict, particularly given the recent targeted killings attributed to Israel. As both sides continue to exchange fire, the prospect of a prolonged and destructive confrontation looms over the region.
