In the latest escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has conducted a series of preemptive airstrikes against Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon. This marks the fifth round of Israeli airstrikes in the region since the beginning of October, raising fears of a full-scale war.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, stated that the strikes were launched after intelligence indicated Hezbollah was preparing to launch attacks into Israeli territory. Hagari highlighted Hezbollah’s practice of using civilian homes as launch sites for missiles and rockets, a tactic common among anti-Israel terrorist groups in the region.
Hagari issued a direct warning to Lebanese civilians living in Hezbollah strongholds, urging them to evacuate for their safety. He emphasized that Hezbollah is utilizing civilian infrastructure to store weapons and launch attacks, effectively turning southern Lebanon into a battlefield. He provided details on the types of weapons being hidden in civilian homes, including cruise missiles, rockets, launchers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Israeli military has vowed to continue its aerial campaign, aiming to dismantle Hezbollah and protect Israelis from rocket attacks. While Israel has ruled out a ground invasion for now, Hagari indicated that further airstrikes are imminent.
This latest round of strikes has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Israelis living in the north, near the Lebanese border, who are constantly under threat of Hezbollah’s rocket attacks. The Israeli military has stated its commitment to dismantling Hezbollah and ensuring the safe return of displaced Israelis to their homes.
The situation remains tense, with concerns that the conflict could escalate into a full-scale war. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to de-escalate the conflict.
