Israel launched preemptive airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Sunday morning to stop a large rocket and drone attack planned by Hezbollah.
Israel’s military said it destroyed many of Hezbollah’s rocket launchers, while Hezbollah retaliated by firing 320 rockets and drones at Israel after the assassination of one of its top commanders.
These intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah are the worst escalation since their 2006 war, raising fears of a wider conflict.
Since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October, there have been daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Over 560 people have died in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, while in Israel, 26 civilians and 23 soldiers have been killed. Both groups are supported by Iran, and the situation has displaced nearly 200,000 people on both sides.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said these strikes were necessary to protect Israel from further attacks, while Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, warned that they will continue to retaliate if the situation doesn’t change.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for an end to Israeli attacks and urged the implementation of a UN resolution that ended the 2006 war.
This intense conflict has involved many international efforts, with Israel’s security chiefs meeting in Egypt alongside U.S. and Qatari officials to try and find solutions.
The U.S. sees resolving the Gaza conflict as key to reducing tensions between Israel and Lebanon. (BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6rzvyz9p6o