Israel Launches Airstrikes in Response to Hezbollah Attacks
On December 2, 2024, the Israeli army initiated a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting areas including the Al-Rayhan Heights and the towns of Jbaa and Houmin al-Fawqa. This military action comes in retaliation to Hezbollah's shelling of the Ruwaysat al-Alam site in the Shebaa Farms, which Hezbollah described as a defensive measure against ongoing Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military reported that two rockets fired from southern Lebanon landed in open areas near military sites, causing no casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hezbollah's actions, labeling them a serious breach of the ceasefire and promising a strong response. He emphasized Israel's commitment to maintaining the ceasefire while addressing any violations. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has approved plans for large-scale attacks against Hezbollah, and Israeli officials have communicated their intentions to the United States, indicating a readiness to escalate military operations if necessary.
Escalating Tensions and International Concerns
The situation has drawn attention from international observers, with U.S. officials expressing concern over the potential collapse of the fragile ceasefire. Reports indicate that U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein has urged Israel to allow for a ceasefire monitoring mechanism amid escalating tensions. Meanwhile, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri criticized Israel for its actions, calling them a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli military has stated that its operations will continue against what it perceives as threats from Hezbollah, including targeting military infrastructure used for missile production in the Bekaa region. The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties, including the deaths of four individuals, one of whom was a soldier, alongside numerous injuries. The situation remains precarious, with both sides preparing for further military engagement.
