Hezbollah Launches Over 100 Rockets at Northern Israel

The Israeli military announced a “targeted strike” in Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday, as reported by Reuters. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation but did not divulge further details. The military indicated that there were no changes to the home front command defensive guidelines at that moment.

On the same day, Israel formally challenged the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding recent arrest warrant requests for Israeli leaders linked to actions during the Gaza conflict. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that these challenges might delay a decision concerning warrants aimed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, which were requested in May. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan previously urged judges to issue the warrants, also targeting Hamas leaders.

Israel’s legal brief contended that the ICC lacks jurisdiction and claimed that the prosecutor disregarded established court procedures by not allowing Israel to investigate the allegations itself before proceeding with the warrants.

Concerns over rising tensions in Lebanon also caught the attention of UK officials. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy is examining evacuation plans for UK nationals in Lebanon, where Israel has ramped up its military actions against Hezbollah. Lammy urged British citizens to leave while commercial travel options are still available, as the situation in Lebanon could deteriorate quickly.

Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has promised retaliation following airstrikes that targeted their militants in southern Lebanon, underscoring increasing regional tensions that followed rocket fire exchanged between Israel and Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged regarding the precise number of rockets fired from Lebanon. Israeli military sources collaborated with reports from Hezbollah stating that around 140 rockets were launched, although other Israeli media suggested the number could be as high as 150. Thankfully, initial reports indicated no casualties from this cross-border firing.

In another recent escalation, Israeli forces conducted further strikes in northern Israel in response to additional rocket fire from Hezbollah. Eyewitnesses noted intense fighting and heavy shelling as the conflict heightened.

Adding to the troubling situation, reports emerged that a militant from Iraq’s Hezbollah Brigades was killed in a strike on pro-Iran factions in Syria, which has also been attributed to Israeli action. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the attack but could not verify the specifics of the strike.

Domestically, a controversial incident involving an Israeli soldier appeared to conflict with military values, as video footage surfaced of a soldier pushing what appears to be a deceased man off a rooftop during an operation in the West Bank. This incident prompted the military to announce that it is under review and does not align with the values expected of IDF soldiers.

In the health sector, the International Rescue Committee warned that rising violence in the West Bank could spell disaster for the healthcare system. Hospitals have been hindered in their operations, with increased violence obstructing access for Palestinians needing urgent medical care. Reports of surrounding hospitals and restricting access have emerged, worsening the situation for the local population.

Amid these developments, Bulgarian authorities reported that a Sofia-based company had no involvement in the exploding communication devices linked to Hezbollah. Following the explosion incidents, which resulted in numerous casualties in Lebanon, the Bulgarian National Security Agency confirmed anti-terrorism investigations to maintain accountability and trace the origins of the dangerous devices.

In southern Gaza, at least 14 Palestinians were reported killed due to Israeli tank and airstrikes on Friday. The attacks continued along with the ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, intensifying fears of further escalation in the already volatile region.

In light of these escalating tensions, U.S. officials have expressed skepticism that a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza is likely before President Biden’s term concludes. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, yet significant obstacles remain, not least the Israeli Prime Minister’s reluctance to pursue ceasefire negotiations that may destabilize his coalition government.

The Israeli government also lifted restrictions on movement and gatherings in some northern communities late on Thursday. This decision followed a series of intense aerial strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, highlighting the potentially dangerous implications of ongoing hostilities.

As the conflict continues to simmer, the international community closely monitors developments, with calls for de-escalation echoing across diplomatic channels.

Source: AFP, Reuters