Escalating Conflict: Israel's Intensive Raids on Southern Lebanon
In a significant escalation of military actions, the Israeli army conducted over 100 air raids across southern Lebanon on Saturday, targeting Hezbollah missile platforms and military sites. This surge in hostilities marks the most intense confrontations since the outbreak of conflict last October. Reports from Yedioth Ahronoth indicate that the Israeli forces bombed strategic locations from the upper West Bekaa region down to areas near the Litani River and Mays al-Jabal, with the aim of neutralizing perceived threats from Hezbollah.
The Israeli government's justification for these operations is centered on the need to eliminate the danger posed by Hezbollah and facilitate the safe return of residents to Galilee settlements. However, the consequences of these actions have been dire, resulting in numerous casualties among Hezbollah fighters and civilians alike, with hundreds reportedly injured.
Hezbollah's Retaliation: Rockets Target Israel
In a direct response to the Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah launched a barrage of Katyusha rockets aimed at military installations in the Galilee and the occupied Golan Heights. The Israeli army reported detecting 65 incoming shells, with the Iron Dome intercepting several, while some rockets landed in open areas. However, reports suggest that up to 90 rockets were fired, causing damage to buildings in northern Safed and igniting fires in nearby forests.
Hezbollah has claimed successful strikes on key military bases, including air defense systems and reconnaissance battalions, indicating that some of their missiles managed to bypass the Iron Dome defense system. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant destruction, with both sides suffering heavy losses, including hundreds of fatalities predominantly on the Lebanese side, and tens of thousands displaced from their homes.
