The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that they have begun striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in order to eliminate threats against Israel. This action was taken after the IDF detected Hezbollah preparations to fire missiles and rockets towards Israeli territory. The IDF spokesperson mentioned that dozens of Israeli Air Force jets are involved in striking various locations in southern Lebanon to remove threats from the Hezbollah terrorist organization by intensively striking against them. The IDF is also utilizing aerial defense systems, the Israeli Navy’s ships, and IAF planes to defend Israel’s skies, identify and intercept threats, and strike any location necessary to eliminate threats and target Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with cabinet members to address the situation following the start of the strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Netanyahu expressed determination to protect the country, ensure the safe return of residents to their homes in the north, and uphold the principle that whoever harms Israel will face retaliation. The IDF has successfully intercepted several rockets and UAVs launched towards Israel already. Additionally, a warning was issued to civilians in southern Lebanon that they are at risk, as Hezbollah has been firing into Israeli territory near their homes.
Hezbollah released a statement claiming that it launched an offensive towards Israel with the successful launch of its drones crossing the Lebanese-Palestinian borders towards their intended targets. The military operation for the day was declared completed by Hezbollah. The statement dismissed Israeli claims about disrupting the resistance’s attack as empty claims that contradict the facts. Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, was expected to address the situation and provide further clarification on the events of the day. The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated as a result of these targeted strikes and military operations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz reached out to foreign counterparts around the world seeking support for Israel’s actions against Hezbollah to prevent attacks on the country. Katz emphasized that Israel is acting in defense of its citizens and territory against the axis of evil led by Iran, which has expressed a desire to destroy Israel. The Israeli government clarified that they do not seek an all-out war with Hezbollah but are targeting terrorist infrastructure in response to attacks on civilians. The IDF noted on social media that Hezbollah had launched over 150 projectiles from Lebanon towards Israeli territory, highlighting the ongoing conflict and exchanges of fire.
Following the strikes on Hezbollah targets, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant declared an Emergency Situation for 48 hours as a precautionary measure. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin engaged with Gallant to discuss the IDF’s activities and stress the importance of avoiding further escalation in the region. Gallant reiterated Israel’s commitment to defending its citizens by using all available means to eliminate imminent threats. The situation remains tense as Israel and Lebanon are engaged in military actions that are being closely monitored by the international community. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict are ongoing amid the heightened state of alert on both sides.
