Israel and Hezbollah exchanged intense fire over the weekend, escalating a conflict that has raised fears of a broader regional war. Israeli warplanes conducted significant bombardments across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah launched rockets deep into northern Israel. The Israeli military reported striking around 290 targets, including rocket launchers, and promised continued operations until it is safe for residents to return.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the effectiveness of their strikes, stating, “If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand.” The conflict intensified after Hezbollah opened a second front in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing violence in Gaza.
The situation is precarious, with air raid sirens sounding throughout northern Israel. Approximately 150 projectiles, including rockets and drones, were launched toward Israel, most of which were intercepted. While several buildings were damaged, there were no reported fatalities.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for drone and rocket attacks on Israeli military positions as a retaliatory measure against recent Israeli airstrikes that killed 39 of its members, including high-ranking leaders. These strikes have been described as some of the deadliest in recent memory, significantly impacting Hezbollah’s command structure.
The violence has prompted tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to evacuate their homes. The UN has warned that the region is on the brink of catastrophe, underscoring the urgent need for a diplomatic solution rather than military escalation.
As the conflict continues, the toll in Lebanon has risen to at least 84 over the past week, with more than 750 casualties since hostilities reignited in October. The ongoing Gaza conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, has also seen significant loss of life, complicating the humanitarian situation in the region.
