“More than 320 rockets” on Israel. State of emergency –

The situation in the Middle East is heating up again. Tel Aviv has declared a 48-hour state of emergency and is bombing targets in Lebanon in response to a “large-scale attack” by Hezbollah, which launched “more than 320” Katyusha rockets that the group said hit “11 military targets.” “We are observing Hezbollah’s preparations for attacks on Israeli territory,” the Israeli military wrote in a message in Arabic to residents of southern Lebanon. “Anyone near areas where Hezbollah operates must leave the area immediately to protect themselves and their families,” it urged. All flights departing from Tel Aviv have been postponed and incoming flights are being diverted to other destinations. In a post on its Instagram account, Ben Gurion Airport said the move was necessary due to a “security situation” and asked travelers to check with their airlines for more information.

The Israeli security cabinet has also been summoned. The announcement was made by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The army claims to have discovered the preparations of the Shiite movement Hezbollah for attacks against Israel, at war for more than ten months on another front, that of the Gaza Strip controlled by the Palestinian Hamas. The United States reiterates its “support” for Tel Aviv and Israel’s right to defend itself. This was announced by Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder, explaining that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant. “Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of Israel against any attack by Iran and its regional partners and proxies,” Ryder said in a statement. A Pentagon spokesperson added that the United States has “been very clear” that “it stands ready to support the defense of Israel.”

Now, there is more information. According to the New York Times, Israel’s preemptive strike was aimed at missile launchers in Lebanon that were scheduled to be launched at 5 a.m. in the direction of Tel Aviv. This was revealed by a Western intelligence official. And according to the Israeli network Kan, they were aimed directly at the Defense Ministry and other strategic Israeli targets. The official, who spoke to the NYT, said that all the targeted launchers were destroyed and that Israel expected a harsh response from Hezbollah.