Overnight, Israeli jets and artillery rained down on multiple targets in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the already tense situation on the border. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, targeting Hezbollah positions in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela, as well as a weapons storage facility in the Khiam area.
The strikes come in the wake of a series of attacks targeting Hezbollah communications devices this week, leading to a surge in tensions. While Israel has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for these attacks, multiple security sources have attributed them to its spy agency, Mossad.
Israeli media outlets reported that several civilians were injured by anti-tank missile fire originating from Lebanon, although official confirmation of these reports is still pending. The latest Israeli strikes follow a period of escalating tensions on the border, with both Israeli forces and Hezbollah exchanging fire for months.
The situation escalated further on Wednesday, when Hezbollah fired around 20 projectiles towards Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems without causing any casualties. Approximately 10 missiles targeted the Mount Hermon area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, a strategically important location housing key Israeli surveillance, espionage, and air defense installations.
In a significant shift in focus, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared on Wednesday that the ongoing war in Gaza, which began last October following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, was entering a new phase. Gallant announced the redeployment of military units and resources to the northern border, emphasizing the growing concern about potential escalation with Hezbollah.
The forces deployed to the border include the elite 98th Division, known for its commando and paratroop units, which has been actively engaged in the Gaza conflict. While both sides have engaged in heavy exchanges of fire since the Hamas attack on October 7th, neither has allowed the situation to escalate into a full-scale war. However, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated on both sides of the border, mounting pressure on the Israeli government to secure their return.
Addressing the escalating tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Wednesday to return the evacuated Israelis “securely to their homes.” The current situation on the Israel-Lebanon border remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation looming large.
