Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, launching air strikes and imposing restrictions on gatherings in Haifa and surrounding northern regions, as it targets sites associated with Hezbollah.
Dozens of Israeli fighter jets conducted extensive strikes in southern Lebanon, responding to intelligence that Hezbollah was preparing to fire missiles into Israeli territory, according to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.
This latest offensive follows a recent air strike in Beirut by Israeli forces that reportedly killed several senior Hezbollah commanders, with local reports indicating at least 37 casualties, including three children.
In the aftermath of escalating violence, the US government has advised its citizens in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible using available commercial travel options.
Cross-border confrontations erupted anew on Friday, with the IDF reporting the destruction of approximately 180 sites and numerous rocket launchers. More than 90 rocket attacks from Lebanon targeted Israeli positions, with Hezbollah claiming to have struck 11 Israeli military sites during the day.
In a significant retaliation, Hezbollah announced it fired dozens of rockets at the Ramat David Airbase in northern Israel over the weekend, further escalating tensions.
Earlier this week, explosions linked to devices used by Hezbollah resulted in 39 deaths and thousands of injuries across Lebanon, prompting widespread condemnation. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah characterized the situation as a dangerous overstep by Israel, pledging retribution.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk emphasized that the recent incidents breach international humanitarian law.
In response to the growing unrest, the IDF has enacted new limitations on gatherings in northern Israel, effective at 20:30 local time. Open-air events are restricted to 30 participants, while indoor gatherings can accommodate up to 300, although educational activities and work are permitted where safe spaces exist.
With the conflict’s potential for expansion increasing, the US State Department has released updated travel advisories urging American citizens to depart Lebanon promptly. The US Embassy in Beirut highlighted the diminishing availability of commercial options, warning that assistance for citizens who remain may be severely limited.
Jordan’s foreign ministry has echoed these advisories, recommending its citizens exit Lebanon swiftly.
The cross-border tensions have escalated significantly since October 8, 2023, following an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas, which saw Hezbollah launching attacks in solidarity with Palestinian factions. The IDF has since outlined a strategic shift focused on operations in northern Israel, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicating a transition into a “new phase of the war.”
