Cairo, Aug 25 – Israeli and Hezbollah forces engaged in heavy fighting early Sunday morning along the Israel-Lebanon border, marking a major escalation in their conflict. Hezbollah announced it had launched hundreds of missiles into Israel in retaliation for the killing of its commander, Fouad Shokor, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut last month. Israel responded with preemptive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon.
Risk of Broader Conflict
The escalation heightens the risk of a broader conflict involving regional and international actors, including the United States and Iran. It also threatens ongoing ceasefire efforts in Gaza, where Israel has been in a prolonged conflict with Hamas for over 10 months.
Israeli Actions and Statements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the destruction of thousands of Hezbollah rockets during an emergency national security cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv. He stated, “This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. We instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that about 100 Air Force fighter jets conducted preemptive strikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers. Despite these efforts, Hezbollah launched a large-scale assault on Israeli targets.
Casualties and Damage
Hezbollah claimed it fired over 320 rockets and drones at northern Israel. The IDF confirmed that around 210 rockets and 20 drones were launched from Lebanon. Some were intercepted, while others caused damage and injuries. In Acre, a coastal city in northern Israel, a woman suffered light injuries from Hezbollah shrapnel. Lebanese sources reported four militants killed and six wounded in southern Lebanon due to Israeli raids.
Emergency Measures and Travel Disruptions
In response to Hezbollah’s attacks, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour nationwide emergency. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 30 people, indoor gatherings to 300, and beaches near the Lebanon border are closed. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv faced delays and flight redirections but reopened at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT). Airlines including Royal Jordanian, Turkish Airlines, and Air France canceled flights to Beirut.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The situation remains tense as Iran and its allies threaten further retaliation for the deaths of Shokor and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Israel has warned of a strong response if the conflict escalates, potentially targeting critical infrastructure in southern Beirut and Lebanon.
The Houthi group in Yemen and Hamas praised Hezbollah’s actions. The Houthi group congratulated Hezbollah and its leader Hassan Nasrallah for what it called a “significant and courageous attack” against Israel.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati convened an emergency meeting, calling for international intervention to halt “the Israeli aggression.” Egypt urged calm and de-escalation, emphasizing the need to maintain Lebanon’s stability and prevent “comprehensive instability.”
Ongoing Diplomatic Talks
Egypt is hosting high-level talks in Cairo to negotiate a cease-fire and discuss the release of hostages held by Hamas. Expected participants include U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egypt’s chief intelligence official, Abbas Kamel. Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea is also anticipated. Hamas has sent a delegation to Cairo for briefings but is not participating directly in the negotiations.
Also Read: Hezbollah Launches Attacks On Israeli Military Sites
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