The Israeli Army announced early Sunday morning (25.08.2024) that it had initiated bombings in Lebanon after confirming that Hezbollah “is preparing to launch a significant attack” on its territory, shortly before the pro-Iranian Shiite militia revealed a considerable shipment of drones and rockets intended for Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces stated, “We have identified that the Hezbollah terrorist organization is preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In light of these threats, our forces are targeting terrorist infrastructures in Lebanon.”
Hezbollah claimed it carried out a drone strike on Israel in retaliation for the killing of one of its commanders in Beirut.
Following the Israeli announcement, air raid sirens were activated in northern Israel near the Lebanese border, and numerous explosions were reported in various locations while Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system intercepted rockets launched from southern Lebanon.
Israel’s Magen David Adom ambulance service reported being on high alert across the nation, although no casualties had been confirmed up to that point.
Israel urged civilians in Lebanon to avoid areas where the Shiite group operates, due to its attacks on Lebanese territory.
“From right next to the homes of Lebanese civilians in southern Lebanon, we can observe that Hezbollah is preparing to launch a large-scale attack against Israel, putting Lebanese civilians at risk. We urge civilians in areas of Hezbollah’s activity to evacuate immediately for their own safety,” the Israeli military stated.
Hezbollah: Attack will continue for some time
This morning, Lebanese Hezbollah declared that it had initiated a large-scale attack on Israel in response to the death of a senior military official in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on July 30.
The pro-Iranian group issued a statement claiming it “has launched an airstrike supported by a significant number of drones” targeting Israeli territory and a “military target” that would be specified later. They added that the attack would persist for a set duration.
Shortly afterward, Hezbollah asserted it had fired over 320 rockets at Israel overnight, targeting various military installations, even as the Israeli military stated it was conducting preemptive strikes against the group.
“The number of Katyusha rockets launched to date exceeds 320… targeting enemy positions,” a Hezbollah statement declared, indicating that it aimed at 11 Israeli bases and barracks. The group stated that the “first phase has concluded with complete success,” noting that this initial phase aimed to “target Israeli barracks and positions to facilitate the launch of attack drones toward targets” within Israel.
Flights canceled in Israel
The Israel Airports Authority announced that due to the security situation, flights departing from Ben Gurion International Airport had been delayed and would not take off in the coming hours, while incoming flights to Tel Aviv were being redirected.
In a statement shared on his Instagram account on Sunday morning, Ben Gurion addressed the security situation and advised travelers to check with their airlines regarding changes to their flight schedules.
Hezbollah aligned with the Islamist group Hamas during its conflict with Israel last October, and since then, violence along the Israel-Lebanon border has surged to its highest levels since the 2006 war.
Additionally, Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, has promised to execute a large-scale attack against Israel in retaliation for the death of its top commander, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli airstrike near Beirut on July 30.
The ongoing exchanges of fire along the border since October have resulted in the deaths of at least 636 individuals, primarily on the Lebanese side, including 392 Hezbollah members confirmed as casualties.
Overall, at least 586 people have been killed in Lebanon, including over 124 civilians, while in Israel, 49 individuals have died in the northern regions: 23 soldiers and 26 civilians, among them 12 minors from the attack on the Druze town of Majdal Shams, located in the occupied Golan Heights.
jc (efe, ap, reuters)
Escalating Tensions: Israeli Army Conducts Bombings in Lebanon Following Hezbollah’s Threats
The recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah has drawn international attention as both sides engage in military confrontations. Early on Sunday morning, August 25, 2024, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) publicly announced it had initiated bombings in Lebanon amid intelligence gathered about a potential offensive from Hezbollah, the pro-Iranian Shiite militia. This article delves into the implications of this conflict, outlining key events, military actions, and the humanitarian situation on the ground.
Israeli Military Response
In a decisive move, the IDF reported that it “identified that the Hezbollah terrorist organization is preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory.” In response to these threats, military operations targeting what they categorized as terrorist sites were activated in southern Lebanon.
- Air raid sirens were activated across northern Israel.
- Explosions were reported in various regions, with the Iron Dome intercepting strikes emanating from Lebanon.
- Emergency services, including Magen David Adom, have been placed on high alert, although initial reports indicated no casualties thus far.
Israel has also issued warnings to civilians in Lebanon, urging them to steer clear of zones where Hezbollah is operational, citing the danger posed to innocent lives due to the militia’s actions.
Hezbollah’s Justification for Attack
In retaliation for the killing of a senior military commander in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, Hezbollah announced the initiation of a large-scale assault against Israel. They claimed to have executed drone strikes on Israeli military targets and deployed over 320 rockets aimed at various positions within Israeli territory.
Key Points from Hezbollah’s Statement:
- Hezbollah conducted extensive airstrikes targeting military installations in Israel.
- They confirmed that the first phase of their retaliation was achieved with “complete success,” targeting Israeli barracks and ensuring the operational advantage for their drones.
- The organization confirmed the sustained nature of the assault, implying continued military engagements.
Rocket Fire and Military Targeting
The sheer volume of rocket fire—reportedly exceeding 320 rockets directed towards Israel—marks a significant increase in hostilities. Hezbollah’s choice of target includes:
| Type of Target | Description |
|---|---|
| Israeli Bases | Strategic military installations used by the IDF. |
| Barracks | Facilities housing Israeli soldiers. |
Travel and Security Implications
Please be aware that, as a direct consequence of the intensified conflict, the Israel Airports Authority has announced that all flights departing from Ben Gurion International Airport will face delays or rerouting. The security situation demands that travelers remain vigilant and stay updated with their respective airlines.
Historical Context: A Cycle of Violence
The backdrop of this current conflict is rooted in a long history of violence along the Israel-Lebanon border. Since October 2023, when Hezbollah sided with Hamas against Israel, relations have severely deteriorated, leading to the worst clashes since the 2006 Lebanon War. The human cost has been significant, with:
- At least 636 casualties documented in the Lebanon-Israel border skirmishes, primarily among Hezbollah militants.
- Loosely organized military actions have resulted in the deaths of civilians, with a toll that includes over 124 Lebanese civilians and 49 Israelis, comprising both soldiers and civilians.
Humanitarian Considerations
As military actions unfold, the humanitarian situation remains precarious. Civilians within the affected zones confront both immediate threats from military escalations and long-term security challenges. Israel has underscored the importance of civilian safety in its announcements, urging individuals to vacate areas near Hezbollah operations.
The ongoing hostilities underscore the need for robust humanitarian responses to support displaced individuals and communities facing the brunt of these military confrontations.
The Role of International Actors
As the conflict evolves, international responses to the violence and calls for de-escalation are pivotal. Stakeholders including the United Nations, the United States, and regional players have expressed concern over the potential for a broader conflict, which could destabilize not only Israel and Lebanon but also the entire region.
- International mediators are likely to push for a ceasefire and diplomatic talks to prevent further escalations.
- Humanitarian organizations may increase their aid efforts to address the needs of those affected by the violence.
Conclusion
The situation at the Israel-Lebanon border is critical, with the potential for further escalations as Hezbollah and Israeli forces engage in a cycle of retaliation. The implications for civilians, regional stability, and international relations are profound, raising urgent questions about the pathways toward peace and security in a historically volatile area.