Israel intensified its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Monday, resulting in at least 21 deaths from an airstrike on the Christian-majority town of Aitou in northern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Previously, Israel had concentrated its strikes in the southern regions, the Bekaa Valley, and the suburbs of Beirut. The attack in Aitou targeted a house rented by displaced families, as confirmed by the town’s mayor, Joseph Trad. Alongside the fatalities, four individuals were reported injured.
In southern Lebanon, Israel has ordered the evacuation of residents from 25 villages to areas north of the Awali River, approximately 60 kilometers from the Israeli border. The Israeli military announced the killing of Muhammad Kamel Naim, a commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, in a separate strike in the Nabatieh area.
Tensions have also arisen between Israel and the U.N. peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, with Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen reiterating calls for the U.N. troops to withdraw. Both sides have exchanged accusations regarding violations, particularly after Israeli tanks reportedly entered a U.N. base, which Israel disputed, claiming that UNIFIL was enabling Hezbollah’s activities.
Amid these developments, the broader Middle East remains on alert for potential Israeli retaliation against Iran following a missile attack on October 1, which was in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon. The Pentagon announced it would send U.S. troops and advanced anti-missile systems to Israel.
