Israel launched a preemptive attack on southern Lebanon, claiming it was to prevent an imminent Hezbollah strike on northern Israeli towns. In response, Hezbollah stated it completed the first phase of its attack on Israel by firing over 320 rockets at Israeli military bases. This escalation follows weeks of tension due to targeted killings by Israel of senior Hezbollah and Hamas commanders. Israel’s Prime Minister has convened a Security Council meeting and declared a 48-hour state of emergency following the airstrikes.
Hezbollah claimed its attacks were to enable drones to reach targets deep inside Israel, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The Israeli military stated that it will strike anywhere there is a threat, raising concerns of the conflict spreading regionally. Despite the intensity of the attacks, both sides are reportedly trying to avoid a full-blown war, with Israel exhausted from the war on Gaza and Lebanon facing economic challenges.
The US has expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while international efforts to end the conflict have so far been unsuccessful. Talks hosted by Egypt aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Gaza are ongoing, with Hezbollah stating it would ceasefire if an agreement is reached. However, Israel is determined to change engagement rules to allow the return of Israelis evacuated from northern Israel due to the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation and a potential full-blown regional war.
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