An intense exchange of rocket fire between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement announced it launched over 320 rockets and drones toward northern Israel on Sunday, marking the beginning of what it described as a “large-scale” operation in response to the recent assassination of a senior commander in Beirut.
Hezbollah’s attack, which targeted 11 Israeli military sites using Katyusha rockets and drones, represents the “first phase” of its retaliation for the killing of Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, last month. The group warned that its full response would unfold over time, raising concerns of further escalation.
In response, Israel’s military conducted pre-emptive air strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, acting on intelligence that indicated an imminent large-scale attack. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour state of emergency across the country and warned that Israel would use all available means to defend itself.
“We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel,” Gallant said in a statement. “We are closely following developments in Beirut and are determined to defend our citizens.”
The escalating violence follows a period of rising tensions, particularly after a missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 youngsters last month, leading to Israel’s assassination of Shukr in Beirut. As the situation intensifies, Israel’s cabinet met early Sunday morning to discuss its next steps.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasised that Israel’s response would be measured and based on developments on the ground, with no desire for a full-scale war. Despite the volatile situation, no casualties have been reported in Israel so far, as the Iron Dome aerial defence system successfully intercepted rockets from southern Lebanon.
Flights at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv were temporarily suspended, though operations were expected to resume by 7 a.m. In northern Israel, air raid sirens sounded as residents were urged to stay close to shelters. The Israeli military has also issued civil defence instructions, limiting public gatherings while allowing work to continue for those who can quickly access shelters.
The ongoing hostilities mark a dangerous escalation in a region already fraught with tension, and both sides are now bracing for what could be a prolonged conflict.
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