Hezbollah Launches Major Offensive, Israel Initiates Preemptive Strikes

This escalation follows weeks of rising tension, as Hezbollah and its regional ally, Iran, have vowed to retaliate for the assassination of their military commander, Fuad Shukr.

Boston Brand Media brings you the latest updates: Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah and Israel have both initiated large-scale military operations against each other today. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, reported firing "more than 320" Katyusha rockets aimed at key Israeli military sites. In response, the Israeli military launched preemptive strikes on targets in Lebanon. The IDF disclosed these strikes early Sunday, stating they had detected Hezbollah's preparations for "large-scale" attacks on Israeli territory. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were deployed to neutralize these threats, focusing on Hezbollah positions that posed an immediate danger to Israeli civilians.

This escalation follows weeks of increasing tension, with Hezbollah and its regional ally, Iran, pledging to avenge the assassination of their military commander Fuad Shukr last month. Hezbollah has described the attack on its commander as a direct provocation and an act of war.

In response to the killing of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah announced that it "began an air attack with a large number of drones" targeting deep into Israel. The group also reported striking "a number of enemy positions and barracks and Iron Dome platforms" with a significant barrage of rockets, stating that "military operations will take some time to complete."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a security cabinet meeting at 0400 GMT today. A statement from Netanyahu's office revealed that Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency across the country for the next 48 hours. This "special situation on the home front" grants the IDF Home Front Command extended authority to impose restrictions on the civilian population.

"The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) detected preparations by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to launch missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In response, the IDF is targeting terror sites in Lebanon," the Israeli military stated. "Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets are currently striking Hezbollah targets that pose an imminent threat to the citizens of Israel."

As a precaution, Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport announced delays and flight diversions early Sunday. Emergency services have also heightened their readiness in anticipation of potential large-scale attacks from Hezbollah.

In response to the escalating tensions, the United States reiterated its support for Israel's right to self-defense. US National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett stated, "Under President Joe Biden's direction, senior US officials have been in continuous communication with their Israeli counterparts. We will continue to support Israel's right to defend itself and work toward regional stability."

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to nearly daily exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since the Gaza war erupted in October. This recent escalation has heightened concerns about the potential for a full-scale conflict in Lebanon.

The current escalation follows rising hostilities that began after Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which claimed nearly 1,200 lives, most of whom were civilians. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry.

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Source: NDTV