Late on Thursday, Israeli warplanes launched their most intense airstrikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The strikes, lasting over two hours, targeted hundreds of rocket launchers in response to recent Hezbollah actions, amid urgent international calls for restraint.
The White House emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution, with spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre expressing concern over the potential for further escalation. The U.K. also called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The strikes followed a series of attacks earlier in the week, attributed to Israel, that destroyed Hezbollah communications equipment, resulting in 37 deaths and approximately 3,000 injuries in Lebanon.
Israel’s military reported that the strikes targeted rocket launchers set to be fired at Israeli territory. Lebanese sources described these airstrikes as the most severe since the conflict began in October, although no casualties were immediately reported. Israeli military officials stated that around 100 rocket launchers and other targets were destroyed during the operation.
In a televised address, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned Israel’s actions, referring to them as “war crimes” and a “declaration of war.” Nasrallah also highlighted the widespread fear in Lebanon following the detonation of Hezbollah communications devices earlier in the week. These explosions, believed to have been orchestrated by Israel, took place in various civilian areas, including hospitals and marketplaces, further destabilizing the region.
The Lebanese government has condemned the attacks, with Prime Minister Najib Mikati urging the U.N. Security Council to take a firm stance against what he described as Israel’s “technological war.” The Security Council is expected to address the situation on Friday.
As tensions continue to rise, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed to sustain military operations against Hezbollah, stating that the militant group will face increasing consequences. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held emergency consultations with senior ministers regarding the escalating conflict.
Despite the heavy exchanges of fire, neither side has allowed the conflict to escalate into full-scale war. However, Hezbollah has warned that Israeli ground troops entering southern Lebanon would provide a “historic opportunity” for the group. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander, Hossein Salami, echoed this sentiment, threatening a “crushing response” from Hezbollah and its allies.
The international community, led by the U.S. and France, continues to call for restraint, seeking to prevent further escalation that could destabilize the region further.
