Tensions between Israel and Lebanon escalated dramatically on August 25, 2024, after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at Israel. The attack, which targeted multiple military positions, came in retaliation for the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, at the end of July.
Hezbollah, in a statement, claimed responsibility for launching over 320 rockets, targeting Israeli military bases, including sites in the occupied Golan Heights. They declared the attack as the first phase of their retaliation.
Israel responded swiftly with airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting what it claimed were Hezbollah launch sites. The Israeli military, in a pre-emptive strike, deployed 100 jets to destroy thousands of launch sites, aiming to prevent further attacks.
The escalation has sparked widespread concern, with the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging all parties to refrain from further escalatory actions. Both the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) expressed worry over the situation.
In the wake of the attacks, Israel declared a nationwide “special situation” for 48 hours, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to defend Israel from any threats. “Whoever harms us – we harm him,” he said.
The attack adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the region. Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, now in its 11th month, has been a source of heightened tensions. The assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, also attributed to Israel, has further fuelled fears of a wider regional conflict.
Despite the escalation, Egypt is facilitating a new round of negotiations to end the Gaza war. Hezbollah has indicated that it will cease hostilities if a ceasefire is reached. Meanwhile, the United States has expressed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself and has been in constant communication with Israeli officials.
The latest exchange of fire underscores the fragility of peace in the region and raises serious concerns about the potential for a wider conflict. The international community is urging all parties to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions.
