The situation in northern Israel has sharply deteriorated since 8 October 2023, following a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas that escalated violence in Gaza. Hezbollah has actively engaged, firing at Israeli positions in support of the Palestinians.
Since the increase in hostilities, Hezbollah has launched over 8,000 rockets targeted at northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. They have also utilized anti-tank missiles against armored vehicles and conducted drone strikes on military installations.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have executed air strikes, alongside tank and artillery fire, against Hezbollah’s positions in Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than 70,000 individuals in northern Israel, with an additional 110,000 fleeing their homes in Lebanon.
The situation intensified following a tragic incident on 27 July, when 12 children and youths were killed in a rocket attack in the Golan Heights, an attack which Israel attributed to Hezbollah, although the group denied involvement.
On 30 July, the IDF announced the elimination of senior Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in an air strike in Beirut. Subsequently, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran the next day, with Israel refraining from confirming any participation.
On 25 August, the IDF pre-emptively targeted Hezbollah’s rocket launchers after gaining intelligence on the group preparing for a retaliatory strike following Shukr’s death.
Despite this, Hezbollah managed to launch hundreds of rockets and drones toward Israel, notably avoiding major urban centers and more advanced weaponry.
Significant escalations occurred on 17 and 18 September, resulting in 39 fatalities and thousands injured after explosions involving Hezbollah’s communication devices. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused Israel of crossing “all red lines,” while Israel neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.
Subsequently, on 20 September, an Israeli air strike in Beirut killed at least 16 Hezbollah members, including key military leaders and civilians, including children.
Seeking retribution for these losses, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territory, prompting thousands of Israelis to seek shelter and causing property damage near Haifa.
As of 20 September, Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 613 fatalities, primarily among Hezbollah fighters, while civilian casualties numbered at least 147. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities confirmed at least 49 deaths from ongoing attacks.
In recent days, Israel has escalated its military response, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating the objective is to “defeat Hezbollah” and facilitate the return of displaced Israelis in the north.
A notable air strike in Beirut on 27 September led to the death of Nasrallah, along with at least six others and numerous injuries. Officials estimate that nearly 800 individuals have lost their lives, and around 90,000 have been displaced since 23 September.
