The Israeli army conducted surprise maneuvers to test various war scenarios, amidst escalating tensions with Hezbollah along the southern border of Lebanon. The maneuvers involved the Fifth Brigade and the 920th Reserve Battalion, who trained to navigate complex environments, advance across mountain ranges, and respond to attacks on northern towns.
Hezbollah announced it had attacked four Israeli military sites, resulting in direct casualties. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry lodged a complaint with the UN Security Council, condemning Israel for its attacks on civilians and the agricultural sector in southern Lebanon. The complaint highlighted the use of white phosphorus by Israel, which led to the burning of 8,100 dunams of land.
In response to Hezbollah's actions, the Israeli army bombed various locations in southern Lebanon, including Hezbollah infrastructure and facilities. The situation has led to heightened fears of an all-out war between the two sides, especially given the daily bombardments exchanged since October 8.
Meanwhile, Israelis displaced from northern towns held a demonstration in Jerusalem, demanding a declaration of war on Hezbollah. They criticized the Israeli government for neglecting the northern region and called for a confrontation that would ensure long-term security.
In a related context, the Israeli army targeted the 'humanitarian zone' of Mawasi in the Gaza Strip, aiming to eliminate key Hamas figures, including Mohamed Deif and Rafa Salama. Deif, known for his elusive nature and multiple assassination attempts, is considered a mastermind behind many attacks on Israeli soil. The attack on Mawasi resulted in significant casualties, with at least 90 Palestinians dead and 290 injured.
