On Monday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, aiming at weapons hidden in residential buildings. This followed Israel’s announcement of a new phase of attacks on the Iran-backed militant group. Israeli authorities warned civilians to evacuate areas with Hezbollah’s military presence via automated phone calls, texts and hacked radio broadcasts. The escalation came after a weekend of heavy crossfire between the two sides.
Hezbollah responded by launching over 100 rockets into northern Israel, targeting civilian areas and wounding at least three people. Many residents in northern Israel had already evacuated due to the ongoing conflict. As Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) prepared for intensified operations, they warned of more raids on Hezbollah positions and urged civilians to leave homes where weapons were stored. Israeli officials stressed the goal of ensuring the safe return of northern residents amid continued attacks.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon as Conflict Escalates
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since the IDF’s war on Hamas began, with Hezbollah launching its own attacks. Both groups are backed by Iran, and their military operations are considered a significant threat by Israel and the U.S., which have both labeled them as terrorist organizations. As cross-border fire increased, Lebanon’s media reported widespread warnings to evacuate areas with Hezbollah support, signaling a possible escalation.
While Israel’s strikes aimed to eliminate Hezbollah’s military capabilities, the Biden administration has expressed concern about the potential for broader regional conflict. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense but emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to avoid further escalation. The threat to U.S. forces in the region from Iran-backed militias adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The latest phase of the conflict intensified after Israel conducted covert operations targeting Hezbollah members using rigged communication devices, reportedly killing dozens, including Hezbollah fighters and civilians. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned the attack as a “declaration of war,” while Israel has not officially acknowledged responsibility, though it is believed the U.S. was informed before the strikes began.
