Hezbollah's Missile Strikes on Israel: A New Phase of Conflict
Hezbollah has escalated its military operations against Israel, targeting six bases and three military sites with high-quality missiles and drones. In a significant development, the group claimed to have bombed the Tserfin base near Ben Gurion Airport, utilizing the newly introduced Fateh 1 missile, which has a range of 300 km and carries a 500 kg warhead. This marks the first time such a weapon has been deployed against this strategic location, which houses military training colleges.
In addition to the Tserfin base, Hezbollah reported successful strikes on the Bilu base in Tel Aviv using suicide drones, and for the first time, it targeted the Haifa naval base with attack drones. The group also launched a complex operation against the Stella Maris naval base, utilizing both missiles and drones. The attacks extended to various locations, including the Zevulun military industries base and the Rawiya base in the Golan Heights, showcasing Hezbollah's tactical capabilities and strategic planning.
The group has also claimed responsibility for launching missiles at several Israeli settlements and military gatherings in northern Israel, indicating a broader strategy to engage multiple targets simultaneously. Hezbollah's operations have led to a significant escalation in hostilities, with the Lebanese Ministry of Health reporting 40 fatalities and 53 injuries due to Israeli airstrikes in the Baalbek region.
Israeli Response and Ongoing Conflict
In retaliation, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting command headquarters, weapons depots, and military structures. The strikes followed warnings issued by the Israeli army for residents to evacuate certain neighborhoods, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the region. Reports indicate that Israeli aircraft launched nine raids, affecting multiple neighborhoods known to be strongholds of Hezbollah, including Haret Hreik and Burj Al-Barajneh.
This escalation comes amid a month-long confrontation between Hezbollah and Israel, with both sides engaging in a series of attacks. The situation remains precarious as Hezbollah has warned Israeli settlers not to return to their homes, suggesting that they may become military targets in the ongoing conflict. The Resistance Operations Room in Lebanon emphasized its readiness to continue launching missiles and drones at Israeli targets, further complicating the security landscape in the region.
