Israeli warplanes conducted their most extensive strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year on Thursday, escalating tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. This action came amid international calls for restraint, with the White House emphasizing the urgency of a diplomatic solution and Britain urging an immediate ceasefire.
The recent strikes followed attacks earlier in the week, attributed to Israel, that destroyed Hezbollah communication devices, resulting in 37 deaths and around 3,000 injuries in Lebanon. Israel’s military reported that its aircraft targeted multiple rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, claiming to have carried out over 52 strikes in a two-hour operation.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the attacks, stating they breached “all red lines” and could be viewed as war crimes. He accused Israel of exceeding moral and legal boundaries, suggesting the strikes might constitute a declaration of war.
In a letter to the UN Security Council, Lebanon accused Israel of responsibility for the detonation of the communication devices, which were allegedly rigged to explode upon receiving electronic signals. The Security Council is set to meet on Friday to discuss the situation, with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati calling for decisive action against Israel’s “aggression.”
As tensions escalated, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reaffirmed the country’s commitment to military action against Hezbollah, stating that the group would “pay an increasing price.” Meanwhile, two Israeli soldiers were reported killed in combat.
Following the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified, prompting evacuations along the border. Nasrallah expressed hope that Israeli troops would enter southern Lebanon, presenting an opportunity for Hezbollah.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for restraint, warning against actions that could complicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. The attacks on Hezbollah’s communication systems have incited fear in Lebanon, leading people to abandon their electronic devices amid concerns of hidden explosives.
Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah is framed as part of a broader regional struggle against Iran, which supports both Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as other militant groups across the Middle East.
