Hezbollah Strikes Back: Tensions Soar as Israel Launches Preemptive Airstrikes
In a sharp escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah unleashed over 320 rockets on Israel early Sunday, retaliating against the killing of senior commander Fouad Shukur in an Israeli airstrike last month. This comes after Israel launched preemptive airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s rocket launchers. The Israeli Defense Ministry announced that approximately 100 fighter jets destroyed thousands of Hezbollah’s rocket launcher barrels, thwarting what it described as an imminent attack.
The Lebanese militant group, backed by Iran, claimed their attack for the day was complete and dismissed Israel’s claims of preventing their offensive as “empty.” The violence has heightened tensions between Hezbollah and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to an all-time high, complicating ongoing negotiations aimed at brokering peace through an exchange of Israeli and Palestinian prisoners.
The situation has drawn international attention, with the United States reaffirming its support for Israel. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett confirmed that senior officials are in continuous communication with their Israeli counterparts, as directed by President Joe Biden.
In response to the escalating conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour emergency, urging citizens to avoid large gatherings and stay out of exposed areas. Ben-Gurion Airport temporarily halted flights due to the airstrikes, adding to the country’s heightened state of alert.
As the situation unfolds, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz called on the international community for support, emphasizing that Israel’s actions are aimed at defending its citizens against threats from Iran and its allies.
