Headlines News Hub (HNH) — Israel launched a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon early Sunday, describing the actions as preemptive against Hezbollah. The strikes came in response to Hezbollah’s claims of having fired hundreds of rockets and drones to avenge the death of one of its senior commanders last month.
The escalating violence raises the risk of a broader conflict that could involve the United States, Iran, and various militant groups across the region. It also poses a threat to ceasefire efforts in Gaza, where Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas, an ally of Hezbollah, for over ten months.
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According to the Israeli military, Hezbollah was preparing a significant rocket and missile barrage aimed at Israel. In response, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli military positions, citing retaliation for the death of Fouad Shukur, a key figure killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last month.
These developments occurred amidst ongoing peace negotiations in Egypt aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Hezbollah has indicated it would cease hostilities if a Gaza ceasefire is achieved. Iran, which supports both Hezbollah and Hamas, also backs militant groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, who could become involved if the conflict widens. Rocket Attack on Israeli-Occupied Golan Leaves Ten Dead.
Air raid sirens blared throughout northern Israel, prompting Ben-Gurion International Airport to temporarily divert and delay flights, which resumed later in the morning. Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani reported minimal damage but stated that the military remains on high alert, with about 100 aircraft involved in the strikes on Sunday.
In Lebanon, reports of airstrikes resulted in one confirmed death in the town of Khiam, and other strikes were reported across the southern region. Hezbollah claimed its attacks involved over 320 Katyusha rockets targeting multiple sites in Israel, including military positions and Iron Dome missile defense systems. Elon Musk Attends Netanyahu’s Congressional Speech as a Guest, While Many Lawmakers Boycott
Following the initial wave of attacks, Hezbollah announced the completion of the first phase of its retaliatory strikes and suggested that further attacks could target deeper into Israel. The group claimed successful hits with its drones and listed several Israeli military installations that it targeted.
In the United States, National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stated that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel’s right to self-defense and is actively working toward regional stability. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed this stance during discussions with his Israeli counterpart. Israeli Jets Target Houthi Sites in Yemen After Attacks, Says Military
The recent hostilities have prompted increased diplomatic efforts from the U.S. and European countries to prevent further escalation. Last week, Israel's defense minister announced the deployment of additional troops to the Lebanese border in anticipation of potential conflict with Hezbollah.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, another Israeli military spokesperson, described the airstrikes as self-defense measures against Hezbollah’s planned large-scale attack, urging civilians in Hezbollah-operated areas to evacuate for their safety. Key Highlights from the First Night of the (DNC) Democratic National Convention
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant are overseeing the current military operations from headquarters in Tel Aviv, with the Security Cabinet scheduled to convene later in the day.
Hezbollah has been targeting Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7. The ongoing exchanges have led to significant displacement on both sides of the border. While both sides have so far avoided full-scale war, Sunday’s escalation marks a significant shift. Phil Donahue, Daytime Talk Pioneer Who Paved the Way Before Oprah, Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Hezbollah, significantly more powerful than it was during the 2006 conflict with Israel, is believed to possess around 150,000 rockets capable of reaching any part of Israel, as well as advanced drones and precision-guided munitions. In contrast, Israel has a highly capable military and advanced missile defense systems, backed by a U.S.-led coalition that has successfully intercepted numerous missiles and drones in recent conflicts.
Israel has warned of a devastating response in the event of full-scale war, which would likely target critical infrastructure in southern Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, potentially causing massive displacement. Hezbollah’s alliance with Iran adds another layer of complexity, as Iran has also threatened retaliation following the killing of a senior Hamas leader in Tehran last month, an incident widely attributed to Israel, though not officially confirmed. América - Colorado: How to Watch Club America vs. Colorado Rapids in the Leagues Cup Quarterfinal on Saturday
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