In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 492 individuals, including 35 children and 58 women. This devastating attack marked the deadliest single day for Lebanon since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
The Israeli military, citing the presence of Hezbollah weapons caches, urged residents to evacuate areas in southern Lebanon. This call led to a massive exodus, with thousands fleeing towards Beirut, causing severe congestion on the main highway.
The Health Ministry reported over 1,645 people injured in the airstrikes. The Israeli military expanded its operations to include regions in the Bekaa Valley, near Lebanon’s eastern border, targeting Hezbollah weapon sites. Residents of southern Lebanon shared images on social media showing their towns under attack.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Pentagon announced the deployment of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East. While specific details on the number of troops and their mission remain undisclosed, Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, stated the deployment aimed to augment existing forces in the region.
After nearly a year of war against Hamas in Gaza, Israel has shifted its focus to its northern frontier, where Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel in support of Hamas. The Biden administration is working to contain the conflict to Gaza and has emphasized the importance of diplomatic resolution for the Israel-Lebanon border crisis. This call for diplomacy was reiterated by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during daily discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
During their phone call on Sunday, Austin stressed the need for outside actors to refrain from intervening in the conflict. The Pentagon also issued a statement emphasizing the United States’ commitment to protecting its forces and deterring any attempts to exploit the situation or expand the conflict.
In a separate development, Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones in an attack on Israel on April 14th. While the attack caused only limited damage, thanks to air defense systems provided by the United States, Britain, and other regional allies, it marked Iran’s first direct attack on Israel.
