The Lebanese-Israeli border witnessed a significant escalation this Sunday morning following Hezbollah's attack on Israel. This was in direct response to the assassination of the party’s military leader, Fouad Shukr, during an Israeli raid last month. The situation has raised concerns about potential wider conflict in the region.
In the early hours, Israeli forces launched air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting alleged Hezbollah missile launch sites. Israeli Army Radio reported that the military had intercepted plans for Hezbollah to launch hundreds of missiles towards central Israel, prompting a pre-emptive strike involving 100 aircraft.
Hezbollah retaliated with missile and drone attacks on northern Israel, claiming these actions were in response to Shukr's assassination. Reports indicate that one person was seriously injured in southern Lebanon, while casualties were also reported in Israel's city of Acre.
Hezbollah confirmed it targeted 11 Israeli military sites, including the Meron base and locations in the occupied Golan Heights, while Israel stated it destroyed several Hezbollah rocket launchers. Although the immediate situation is calm, tensions remain high, with both sides denying full-scale engagement.
The timing of the attacks coincided with the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein, a significant Shiite observance, which Hezbollah used to underscore the symbolic nature of their retaliation. Analysts express concern that this escalation could lead to a wider conflict, although both parties appear to be seeking to limit further hostilities.
