On August 25, 2024, Israel launched a significant pre-emptive strike across southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s rocket launchers to thwart a planned large-scale rocket and drone attack. Israeli jets destroyed thousands of these launchers early in the morning.
In the aftermath, Hezbollah and its ally Amal reported the deaths of three fighters. Despite these strikes, Hezbollah fired 320 rockets and drones into Israel, retaliating for the assassination of a senior commander. The violence resulted in the death of one Israeli Navy soldier and has escalated regional tensions.
The conflict’s intensity has increased since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, leading to near-daily exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border. Recent attempts to negotiate peace in Gaza, supported by the US, have failed to produce any significant progress.
Israel Launches Major Pre-emptive Strike on Hezbollah Rocket Launchers Hezbollah Retaliates with Rocket and Drone Attacks
Hamas rejected new Israeli conditions and accused Israel of not upholding previous agreements. Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to act aggressively in support of Hamas, exacerbating the overall instability in the region.
The ongoing violence has had severe humanitarian consequences. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, over 560 people have died, mostly Hezbollah fighters, with 26 civilians and 23 soldiers reported killed in Israel.
The UN estimates that nearly 200,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict. On August 25, a rocket from Lebanon caused damage in the Israeli coastal town of Acre, underscoring the direct impact of the cross-border attacks.
Israel’s recent airstrikes mark the most extensive military action since the 2006 war with Hezbollah. About 100 Israeli fighter jets targeted over 40 locations in southern Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah’s rocket launchers. The strikes were conducted in response to detected plans for a major Hezbollah aerial assault. Key areas hit included Beaufort Castle and surrounding towns, creating a scene of significant devastation.
In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting 11 Israeli military facilities with over 320 rockets. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, declared the operation successful and warned of potential further actions if needed.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for an end to the aggression and supports international efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict. The US is working to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution to avoid a broader regional war.
