Israel Strikes Lebanon as Hezbollah Launches Drones at Israel

Israel executed a series of intense airstrikes early Sunday in southern Lebanon, citing a pre-emptive measure against the Hezbollah militant group. This escalation raises concerns of a wider regional conflict that could undermine ongoing cease-fire negotiations in Gaza. Shortly after, Hezbollah confirmed it had launched an attack on Israel using multiple drones.

The Israeli military indicated that Hezbollah was allegedly preparing to unleash a significant rocket and missile barrage aimed at Israeli territory. This response is linked to the recent assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, “We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel.” He reassured that Israel is prepared to defend its citizens using all available measures.

Hezbollah announced that its attack targeted “a qualitative Israeli military target” that would be disclosed later, alongside various enemy sites, barracks, and Iron Dome platforms. This assault is presented as a retaliatory measure for the killing of Fuad Shukr, a prominent commander within the group.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, accused Hezbollah of actively preparing to target Israel with missiles and rockets. He emphasized that the Israeli military initiated strikes against terror targets in Lebanon to neutralize these threats and protect Israeli civilians. Following this warning, sirens were activated across northern Israel.

The Israel Airports Authority reported a temporary suspension of flights to and from Ben Gurion International Airport, with some flights redirected to other locations. Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported airstrikes in southern Lebanon, though further details remained elusive at the moment.

In his remarks, Hagari cautioned that Hezbollah was poised for an extensive assault on Israel while endangering Lebanese civilians. He urged residents in areas where Hezbollah operates to evacuate for their safety.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office shared images of Netanyahu and Gallant coordinating the operation from the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. Gallant’s office disclosed that he had issued an emergency declaration allowing the Israel Defense Forces to provide instructions to the populace, including potential restrictions on gatherings and closures of certain sites.

The timing of the airstrikes coincides with ongoing cease-fire discussions involving delegations from the U.S., Israel, Qatar, and Egypt in Cairo. Although a Hamas delegation was anticipated to join the talks, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawy mentioned that the group would refrain from direct participation, opting instead for updates from Egyptian and Qatari officials.

The recent surge in violence has heightened fears that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip could escalate into a regional confrontation, especially following the Israeli strike that resulted in the death of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and a suspected operation that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.

Earlier this month, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby alerted that the U.S. was bracing for potential retaliatory actions from Iran and its affiliates in response to these targeted assassinations. In light of the rising tensions, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, featuring F-35 fighter jets, alongside the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, have been deployed to the Middle East.