Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Heavy Fire, Heightening Regional War Fears

JERUSALEM — In a decisive move, Israel undertook a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Sunday. The Israeli government characterized these attacks as a preemptive measure against Hezbollah, which had retaliated with rocket fire and drone strikes in response to the recent assassination of one of its prominent commanders, Fouad Shukur, in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last month.

The developments have raised serious concerns over a potential escalation into a broader conflict involving regional powers such as the United States and Iran. In the wake of the airstrikes, Israeli military officials stated that the action was necessary due to Hezbollah’s plans to launch a heavy barrage aimed at Israeli territory. Hezbollah confirmed that they had initiated a strike against Israeli military locations as part of their response to Shukur’s death.

By late morning, reports indicated that the exchange of attacks had subsided, with both sides claiming they targeted military installations exclusively. At least three fatalities were reported in Lebanon, while Israeli casualties remained unreported, reflecting a tense atmosphere in the region.

Amid these tensions, U.S. and Arab diplomats have been engaging in efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which has endured for ten months. The timing is crucial as talks in Egypt are underway, aimed at diffusing the escalating violence. Hezbollah has indicated a willingness to cease its attacks if a cease-fire in Gaza is established. Iran closely monitors the situation, providing support to both Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as various militias across the Middle East that could become embroiled in any larger conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation during a Cabinet meeting, asserting that the military had successfully neutralized a significant number of rockets aimed at northern Israel. He urged residents to follow safety protocols from the Home Front Command, emphasizing that Israel’s resolve to retaliate remains firm against any aggressors.

Throughout northern Israel, air raid sirens sounded as fears of incoming attacks prompted closures at Ben-Gurion International Airport, resulting in flight diversions for about an hour. The Home Front Command raised the alert status, advising citizens to remain close to bomb shelters. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, reported that Hezbollah was likely targeting various areas in northern and central Israel, although initial assessments indicated minimal damage from the attacks.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed the deaths of two individuals in southern Lebanon due to the Israeli airstrikes, while reports emerged of another fatality related to an attack on a vehicle associated with the Amal movement, an ally of Hezbollah.

According to Hezbollah, the group launched over 320 Katyusha rockets in its response, aiming at a range of locations within Israel and utilizing a notable number of drones. They claimed to target specific Israeli military sites alongside missile defense platforms such as the Iron Dome. Following the initial retaliatory phase, Hezbollah stated it had fulfilled its objectives for the day, positioning itself for potential further strikes.

According to analysts, the recent exchange of fire fits within ongoing engagement rules, and while volatile, it may not yet signal the onset of full-scale war. Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, remarked that while the tensions are palpable, the risks of a broader confrontation remain tempered for now.

In Washington, National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation in Israel and Lebanon, with U.S. officials maintaining open lines of communication with their Israeli counterparts. Savett reiterated the United States’ commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense and the pursuit of broader regional stability.

The Pentagon has been proactive as well, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussing Israel’s security measures with his Israeli counterpart. Meanwhile, military buildup in the region by U.S. forces continues, reflecting the heightened concerns over the conflict.

As diplomatic efforts unfold, the prospect of a cease-fire in Gaza remains central to preventing further escalation. High-level negotiations hosted by Egypt on Sunday aim to find common ground for a truce and address the plight of hostages held by Hamas. Key figures from intelligence and diplomatic circles, including U.S. officials and their allies, are expected to partake in these discussions.

While the situation remains precarious, the ongoing exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, alongside the geopolitical machinations in the region, continue to unfold in an unpredictable landscape.

Source: AP