Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Heavy Fire, Heightening All-Out War Fears

Israel initiated a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon early on Sunday, describing these actions as a preemptive measure against Hezbollah. This military move follows a statement from Hezbollah claiming responsibility for launching a barrage of rockets and drones in retaliation for the death of one of its senior commanders, Fouad Shukur, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the previous month.

The exchange of fire has escalated concerns about the potential for a broader conflict involving powerful regional players, including the United States and Iran. The Israeli military’s assessment indicated that they struck targets to neutralize an imminent rocket and missile attack planned by Hezbollah against northern Israel. In response, Hezbollah reported launching an assault against Israeli military positions.

By mid-morning, the intensity of the exchanges appeared to diminish, with both parties claiming that their strikes were directed solely at military targets. The Attorney General of Lebanon reported at least three civilian casualties resulting from the Israeli attacks, while no casualties were immediately reported on the Israeli side, though the situation remained fraught with tension.

In the backdrop of these escalatory moves, U.S. and Arab mediators continue efforts to establish a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which has now lasted nearly ten months. These recent skirmishes coincided with renewed talks in Egypt aimed at finding a resolution. Hezbollah has indicated a willingness to cease operations if a truce in Gaza is achieved, while Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas, stands ready to involve itself if the conflict widens.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation at the beginning of a Cabinet meeting, emphasizing that the military had successfully targeted and destroyed “thousands of rockets aimed at northern Israel.” He urged citizens to adhere to safety instructions provided by the Home Front Command.

“Our commitment is to do everything necessary to protect our nation, assist citizens in returning safely to their homes, and uphold a crucial principle: those who threaten us will face our full wrath,” Netanyahu declared.

Across northern Israel, air raid sirens were triggered, leading to closures at Ben-Gurion International Airport as flights were diverted for about an hour due to threats of incoming attacks. In response to the escalated threat level, the Home Front Command advised residents to stay close to bomb shelters.

An Israeli military spokesperson shared insights that Hezbollah had aimed its efforts at striking targets situated within northern and central Israel. Preliminary evaluations revealed minimal damage within Israel as military readiness remained elevated, with approximately 100 Israeli aircraft involved in the Sunday airstrikes.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry has indicated that the Israeli strikes resulted in two fatalities, two additional injuries, and the death of a fighter from the Amal movement, an ally of Hezbollah, in a separate targeted strike on a vehicle.

Hezbollah reported that its assault on Israeli positions involved over 320 Katyusha rockets along with a number of drones. The group asserted that its operation was directed toward a significant Israeli military target, yet the specifics of this target would be publicly disclosed later. Hezbollah also dismissed Israel’s claims of having successfully thwarted a more substantial attack.

Randa Slim, a senior analyst at the Middle East Institute, commented that the intensity of exchanges from the morning fell within established rules of engagement and was unlikely to provoke an all-out war.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials, including spokesperson for the National Security Council, Sean Savett, indicated that President Joe Biden was closely tracking the developments in the region. He stated that senior U.S. officials have been in continuous communication with their Israeli counterparts. The U.S. reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defense while emphasizing the need for regional stability.

The Pentagon confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding Israel’s defense strategies as the U.S. military continues to enhance its regional presence.

Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in diplomatic activity from U.S. and European officials aimed at preventing escalation that could lead to regional warfare. Hezbollah began its offensive shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, set in motion by Hamas’s assault on October 7. This spiraling conflict has since resulted in daily exchanges of fire, displacing numerous civilians across the borders.

Hezbollah, which had previously engaged in a stalemate with Israel during the 2006 conflict, is now perceived to possess far greater capabilities. Estimates suggest that it has around 150,000 rockets, with increased ability to strike anywhere within Israel, complemented by advanced drones and precision munitions.

With Israel maintaining one of the most sophisticated militaries globally and an advanced missile defense system, it has received continual support from a U.S.-led coalition. The situation has prompted Israel to declare that a full-scale war would result in significant destruction of civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Beirut, potentially displacing thousands.

Iran, a close ally of Hezbollah, has also vowed retaliation over the recent targeted killing of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran, further complicating the already volatile security landscape in the region.

In a bid to address these pressing issues, Egypt is hosting high-level talks aimed at negotiating a potential ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Key figures in these discussions include CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, along with Israel’s Mossad chief.

While Hamas has sent a delegation to engage with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, it is not participating directly in the negotiations.

Source: Associated Press