Lagatar24 Desk
Beirut: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out one of the most extensive airstrikes this year on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on Thursday, hitting around 30 rocket launchers and 150 Hezbollah nests. The bombardment followed heightened tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group, especially after the remote detonation of Hezbollah members’ communication devices earlier this week.
The IDF confirmed the strikes in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “With the direction of IDF intelligence, the IAF struck approximately 30 Hezbollah launchers and terrorist infrastructure sites, containing around 150 launcher barrels ready to fire projectiles toward Israeli territory.” In addition to the rocket launchers, the strikes targeted Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and a weapons warehouse in southern Lebanon.
This escalation follows Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s vow of retaliation against Israel, accusing the country of crossing a “red line” by remotely detonating pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria. Nasrallah warned that “retribution will come” for Israel’s actions, which led to several deaths and thousands of injuries.
Northern Israel Residents Put on Alert
For the first time since the conflict erupted, the IDF directly warned residents in northern Israel to restrict movement and remain close to shelters, bypassing the usual communication through local authorities. Residents in communities such as Merom Galil, Upper Galilee, Safed, Metula, and the northern Golan Heights were urged to avoid gatherings and secure village gates.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Hezbollah would continue to face increasing consequences for its actions. “Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price. The sequence of our military actions will continue,” Gallant stated.
US Issues Travel Warning Amid Rising Tensions
Amid the escalating violence, the US State Department has reiterated its warnings to American citizens in Lebanon. The US Embassy in Beirut issued alerts on Tuesday and Wednesday, advising Americans to maintain a low profile, enhance their security awareness, and consider leaving the country. This comes in light of the recent attacks on Hezbollah communications equipment and the subsequent military actions.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which has simmered for months, has drawn renewed global attention, with fears of further escalation in the region.
