By JERUSALEM — Israel conducted a series of intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon early Sunday, describing the action as a pre-emptive strike against Hezbollah. The militant group swiftly retaliated by launching what it called a “large number of drones” toward Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The Israeli military said the airstrikes were aimed at thwarting a planned heavy barrage of rockets and missiles by Hezbollah. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesman, stated, “In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the (Israeli military) is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians.”
Hezbollah announced its drone attack as an initial response to Israel’s assassination of Fouad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in Beirut’s southern suburbs last month. The group said it was targeting “a qualitative Israeli military target that will be announced later” as well as “targeting a number of enemy sites and barracks and Iron Dome platforms.”
The escalation follows a series of high-profile assassinations, including that of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which led to vows of reprisal against Israel by Iran.
As tensions mounted, air raid sirens were reported throughout northern Israel. The Israel Airports Authority began diverting incoming flights and delaying takeoffs at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Flight-tracking data showed at least two El Al flights swinging far south and diverting after the announcement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced an emergency cabinet meeting scheduled for 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) to address the situation.
Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the deployment of additional troops to the Lebanese border in anticipation of possible escalation. Hagari warned, “We can see that Hezbollah is preparing to launch an extensive attack on Israel, while endangering the Lebanese civilians,” urging civilians in areas where Hezbollah operates to evacuate for their safety.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been simmering since October 7, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack into Israel, prompting immediate retaliation from Hezbollah. Daily exchanges of fire have displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, raising fears of a broader conflict.
Until Sunday’s escalation, both sides had been careful to avoid a wider conflagration. However, the latest developments suggest a potential shift in the conflict’s dynamics, with both Israel and Hezbollah demonstrating a willingness to engage in more significant military actions.
The situation has drawn international concern, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has increased its patrols along the Blue Line, the border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel.
As the situation remains fluid, international observers and neighboring countries are on high alert, with many calling for immediate diplomatic intervention to prevent a potentially catastrophic regional conflict.
The escalation between Israel and Hezbollah adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the Middle East, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional war involving multiple actors.
