Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon, launching a series of air strikes that reportedly targeted over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and various other sites deemed as terrorist infrastructure, including a significant weapons storage facility. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that these launchers were poised to be fired at Israel. At the moment, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties from these air strikes.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, at least 52 strikes were executed in the southern regions of Lebanon on Thursday evening. In retaliation, Hezbollah has claimed to have attacked military targets in northern Israel. This wave of Israeli air strikes, which persisted for over two hours, marks one of the most extensive bombardments seen during the ongoing conflict.
On Friday morning, the Israeli military lifted movement restrictions that had been in place for communities in the Golan Heights and parts of northern Israel. The IDF stated that they would conduct training activities in northern Israel over the weekend, warning residents that gunshots and explosions might be audible in surrounding areas.
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned recent explosions that occurred earlier in the week, claiming they represented a breach of all acceptable conduct and amounted to a declaration of war against Lebanon. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for these explosions—reportedly caused by the simultaneous detonation of pagers and walkie-talkies—Lebanese authorities reported that the blasts resulted in 37 fatalities and left around 3,000 injured.
The medical facilities in Beirut have been overwhelmed, with Chief Nursing Officer Hisham Bawadi describing the influx of patients as a “tsunami.” Most injuries have been facial, affecting the eyes and upper extremities, and many surgeries have been planned to address the high volume of casualties.
Two companies linked to the manufacturing of the devices implicated in the explosions, one from Taiwan and another from Hungary, have denied any connection to the incidents. The Taiwanese government has clarified that the components used in the devices were not sourced from Taiwan. Similarly, Bulgaria’s state security agency announced that none of the devices in question were linked to any imports or exports involving Bulgaria.
IDF Hits Over 100 Hezbollah Rocket Launchers in Southern Lebanon
Hezbollah maintains that its actions are in solidarity with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, which, like Hezbollah, is supported by Iran and labeled a terrorist organization by Israel and several other countries. The IDF reported that its recent operations struck around 100 launchers and additional sites associated with Hezbollah, aimed at diminishing the group’s capabilities in order to protect Israeli citizens.
Reports indicate that the scale of the Israeli strikes represents one of the most aggressive military actions since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. The IDF has urged residents in northern Israel to stay close to bomb shelters and avoid gatherings, while Hezbollah has responded to provocations by launching anti-tank missiles and drones into Israeli territory.
In a televised address, Nasrallah characterized the Israeli actions as a significant assault on Lebanon, declaring them war crimes or a declaration of war. While acknowledging the severity of the blow to his organization, he asserted that Hezbollah’s communication and command structures remain intact. He expressed a commitment to continue cross-border attacks unless a ceasefire in Gaza is established, making it clear that a return to normalcy for residents in northern Israel is contingent upon halting the violence.
The IDF’s leadership has indicated a shift in strategy, with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi recently approving new operational plans focused on northern Israel. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted that this “new phase of the war” presents both opportunities and risks, with Hezbollah feeling increasingly cornered due to ongoing military actions.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for restraint among all parties involved, emphasizing the importance of avoiding actions that could further complicate efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this sentiment, advocating for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and promoting a negotiated political settlement to facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes in both Israel and Lebanon.
As the situation continues to evolve, the region remains tense, with the potential for further escalation in hostilities. The ramifications of the ongoing conflict have led to significant displacement and humanitarian crises, raising urgent questions about stability and security for communities on both sides of the border. The international community is closely monitoring developments, hoping for a de-escalation of violence and a resolution to the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict for so long.