Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Blows in Pre-emptive Strikes and Retaliatory Attacks

[Social Media]

 

Israel has launched a wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon early Sunday in what it described as pre-emptive strikes against Hezbollah. This move came in response to intelligence indicating that the Lebanese militant group was preparing for "large-scale" attacks on Israeli territory. The Israeli military, which had been on high alert, detected these preparations and swiftly acted to neutralize the perceived threat.

“In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians.”

Listen to an update from IDF Spokesperson, RAdm. Daniel Hagari, regarding Hezbollah’s plans to attack… pic.twitter.com/fKvbUVSmbT

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 25, 2024

 

Hezbollah launched over 320 rockets & drones at Israel, responding to the killing of terrorist Fuad Shukr

But before the strike, the IDF preemptively hit thousands of rocket launchers in Lebanon

Here is everything you need to know, including the latest safety instructions: pic.twitter.com/FyHik3aeIz

— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) August 25, 2024

The strikes from Israel were met with immediate and intense retaliation from Hezbollah. The group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for launching hundreds of rockets and drones deep into Israeli territory. According to a statement from Hezbollah, this assault was an act of vengeance for the killing of one of its top commanders, Fouad Shukur, last month in a strike that took place in the southern suburbs of Beirut. "We are targeting a qualitative Israeli military target that will be announced later," Hezbollah declared, adding that the attack also aimed at various "enemy sites, barracks, and Iron Dome platforms."

 

In response to the escalating situation, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency, beginning at 6 a.m. local time on Sunday. This announcement came as the Israeli military continued to carry out what it termed pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that both the prime minister and the defense minister were in a Security Cabinet meeting to assess and manage the crisis.

 

The situation drew international attention, with the United States expressing its unwavering support for Israel. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, reaffirming Washington's commitment to Israel's defense. A Pentagon readout of the call stated that "Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s defense against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies."

 

As Israel continued its heavy strikes in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah escalated its attacks, declaring that it had launched a significant assault on Israel using a "large number of drones." This was described as an initial response to the killing of their top commander, Fouad Shukur. Hezbollah claimed that the attack was part of a broader plan, targeting specific Israeli military sites and assets, the details of which were promised to be revealed later.

 

The situation on the ground remained tense as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued to strike targets in southern Lebanon. IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari stated, "We have identified extensive preparation by Hezbollah to fire towards Israel, which was intended to be aimed at our citizens." He emphasized that the IDF's operations were focused on "removing threats against the Israeli home front" and that "dozens of military jets are currently striking targets in various locations in southern Lebanon." Hagari further added, "We are continuing to remove threats and to intensively strike against the Hezbollah terrorist organization."

 

In the wake of these developments, Hezbollah reported that it had fired more than 320 rockets towards Israel on Sunday morning alone. The group claimed that the targets of this barrage included 11 military sites in northern Israel, using hundreds of Katyusha rockets. Hezbollah stated that this was only the "first phase" of its operation against Israel, describing it as the "phase of targeting Israeli barracks and sites." The group indicated that further details of their operations would be released later.

 

The exchange of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to expand into a broader regional conflict. The situation remains fluid, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation. The international community watches with concern, as efforts to forge a ceasefire in Gaza could be jeopardized by this new front in the north. As the violence continues, the possibility of a wider war looms, potentially drawing in other regional powers and complicating an already volatile situation in the Middle East.

 

Credit: BBC 2024-08-25

 

 

 

Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

[thaibeachlovers]

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

“In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians.”

LOL. Didn't do too well then. Hezbollah still sending hundreds of missiles and drones, which are overwhelming Iron Dome.

 

I'm sure they are blowing up lots of houses though, as usual.

 

US taxpayer funded bombs for Lebanon, but the US keeps bleating on about not escalating the conflict. Does anyone think they are serious about that?