Israel Targets Hezbollah Rocket Launchers in Escalating Conflict
Israel has confirmed its airstrikes on over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and additional "terrorist sites," including a weapons storage facility located in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the targeted launchers were poised for imminent use against Israel, although the casualty details remain unclear.
On Thursday evening, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israel executed at least 52 strikes in the southern region, while Lebanese forces targeted military sites in northern Israel. This surge in violence follows Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s declaration that recent explosions represented a "declaration of war," marking a significant escalation in ongoing tensions.
Israeli authorities have not officially claimed responsibility for the earlier attacks that reportedly resulted in 37 deaths and over 3,000 injuries. However, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that Israel is entering a "new phase of the war," focusing its military efforts on northern operations.
Since the onset of intensified cross-border fighting on October 8, subsequent to an unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas, hundreds of individuals—primarily Hezbollah combatants—have lost their lives, displacing tens of thousands on both sides of the border. Hezbollah maintains its actions are in solidarity with Hamas, both of which are supported by Iran and labeled as terrorist organizations by Israel, the UK, and other nations.
In a statement on Thursday, the IDF reiterated its commitment to dismantling Hezbollah’s operational capabilities, asserting that its aircraft targeted approximately 1,000 barrels and infrastructure intended for immediate use against Israel. Lebanese security sources have described these strikes as among the most intensive since the Gaza conflict erupted last year.
Amid rising tensions, the IDF advised residents near the Lebanese border to avoid large gatherings and to remain close to bomb shelters. Hezbollah has continued its offensive, launching anti-tank missiles and drones into Israeli territory.
In a televised address on Thursday, Hassan Nasrallah condemned the recent Israeli attacks, characterizing them as a grave violation of legal and ethical standards, and a declaration of war. He acknowledged the substantial damage inflicted on Hezbollah but asserted that the group’s communication and operational capabilities remain intact.
Nasrallah further indicated that assaults will persist unless a ceasefire in Gaza is established, and he expressed that ongoing Israeli actions will not deter residents from returning to their homes. Meanwhile, the IDF’s chief of staff has finalized plans for enhanced military operations in the northern sector.
Defense Minister Gallant acknowledged significant opportunities and risks in the current phase, asserting that Hezbollah is under pressure and that military actions would continue. He emphasized the Israeli objective is to ensure the safe return of northern communities, projecting that Hezbollah’s repercussions will increase over time.
The future strategy remains uncertain, but earlier reports suggested the possibility of establishing an Israeli-controlled buffer zone within southern Lebanon. The international community, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has urged all parties to exercise restraint to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza amidst the escalating conflict.
