On Sunday, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel, leading to one of the most significant clashes in over ten months of border warfare. In response, Israel’s military conducted a major airstrike on Lebanon, deploying around 100 jets. The exchanges resulted in three confirmed deaths, two in Lebanon and one in Israel. Both sides have signaled a desire to avoid further escalation, though warnings suggest more strikes could occur.
The attack was a response by Hezbollah to the Israeli bombing that killed its commander, Fuad Shukr, recently. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the group's commander, declared that the bombardment went according to plan but said that additional measures might be taken if needed. The attacks were directed on an intelligence base close to Tel Aviv, and Israel asserts that all drones meant for key spots were deflected.
Following Hezbollah's attack, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon, with at least 40 hits reported in several locations. Significant harm and injuries have resulted from the strikes, including the deaths of Hezbollah fighters and an attack on a vital location in central Israel. Moreover, Israeli forces have been on high alert as rockets fired from southern Lebanon have been intercepted by the Iron Dome defensive system.
Conflicts have caused flights at Ben Gurion Airport in Beirut and other sites to be suspended. In addition to President Joe Biden and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of the United Nations expressing concern over the escalation and calling for an end to hostilities, the United States has strengthened its military presence in the region by deploying two aircraft carrier strike groups.
The recent missile assault in the Golan Heights and subsequent retaliatory attacks have intensified the continuing war between Israel and Hezbollah. A wider war might jeopardize the fragile power balance in the region, and both regional and international actors are pleading for moderation.
