Hezbollah has launched a significant military operation against Israel, marking a dramatic escalation in the already tense situation in the Middle East. The Lebanese militia's response comes after an Israeli airstrike that it claims targeted its positions and followed the assassination of one of its leaders, Fuad Shukr. This military exchange has resulted in the largest scale of hostilities witnessed in two decades, with both sides engaged in a series of retaliatory attacks, raising concerns about a broader conflict in the region.
On Sunday morning, Hezbollah claimed to have successfully completed its first phase of retaliation, launching over 320 rockets and drones towards Israeli military bases. In response, the Israeli military conducted a preemptive strike involving approximately 100 aircraft targeting what it described as thousands of rocket launchers in Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized the necessity of these strikes to thwart an imminent threat to Israeli citizens.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, where violence has already resulted in significant casualties. The recent developments suggest a concerning intertwining of conflicts in the region, with Hezbollah's actions potentially escalating tensions not only with Israel but also affecting the broader geopolitical landscape involving Iran and its allies.