Hezbollah continued its rocket attacks on Israel, causing thousands of Israelis near the Lebanese border to flee their homes. The Israeli military responded by sending more troops into southern Lebanon and conducting an airstrike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander.
Dozens of rockets were launched by Hezbollah, with some reaching as far south as Haifa. The Israeli government warned residents north of Haifa to limit activities and closed schools in response. According to the Israeli military, approximately 180 rockets were fired across the border.
Hezbollah’s acting leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, stated that the group’s military capabilities remain strong despite heavy Israeli airstrikes and the loss of top commanders. He mentioned that Israeli forces have not made significant advancements since their ground incursion into Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in years, claiming to have eliminated thousands of terrorists, including top leaders like Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last month, leading to speculation about his successor.
The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of hiding information regarding a recent strike in Beirut targeting a location where a senior Hezbollah figure, Hashem Safieddine, was believed to be. The military claimed to have destroyed terrorist infrastructure along the border and eliminated hundreds of Hezbollah fighters.
Hezbollah expressed support for efforts by Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to negotiate a cease-fire. Berri has been a key intermediary between Hezbollah and the United States. Hezbollah also affirmed its backing for Palestinians in Gaza.
The conflict escalated after Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Nasrallah and other key figures. Israel vowed to respond to the missile attack but did not provide specifics. The Biden administration opposed an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities to prevent further escalation.
In Gaza, heavy fighting ensued as Israeli forces engaged Hamas terrorists in urban areas. The Israeli military ordered the evacuation of hospitals in northern Gaza as the conflict intensified. The war began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
The situation remains volatile, with ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire. Both Israel and Hezbollah are entrenched in the conflict, with no immediate resolution in sight. The impact of the violence is felt by civilians on both sides, leading to displacement and casualties.
