The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has reached a critical point, with Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets killing 492 people in Lebanon on Monday. This marks the deadliest day of cross-border violence since the 2006 conflict. Hezbollah retaliated by firing 200 rockets into northern Israel, targeting cities including Haifa and Nazareth. Most rockets were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, with no reported casualties in Israel.
The violence has triggered widespread fear of a full-scale war, prompting tens of thousands to flee southern Lebanon for Beirut. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed the deaths of 492 civilians, including women and children, and reported 1,645 others injured. Israeli forces struck 1,600 Hezbollah targets, including long-range rockets and military infrastructure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military was changing the “security balance” along the northern border. Meanwhile, international concerns over the escalation are growing. US President Joe Biden and the Pentagon expressed support for de-escalation, while Egypt and Turkey called for immediate intervention by international powers. France has requested a UN Security Council meeting this week to address the situation.
As the conflict intensifies, regional airlines such as EgyptAir and Jordan’s national carrier have suspended flights to Beirut. The global community is closely monitoring the crisis, urging restraint to avoid further destabilization in the Middle East.
