Israel launched a wave of airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah in what it called a preemptive strike. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets and drones to avenge the killing of one of its commanders. The exchange of fire raised concerns of an all-out war involving the United States, Iran, and other militant groups in the region. It also jeopardized efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has been fighting Hamas.
The attacks coincided with peace talks hosted by Egypt to end the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hezbollah threatened to stop fighting if a ceasefire in Gaza was achieved. Iran supports Hezbollah, Hamas, and other militant groups across the region, potentially escalating the conflict further.
The U.S. government closely monitored the situation in Israel and Lebanon, expressing support for Israel’s right to self-defense. The ongoing tension led to increased military presence in the region, with Israel preparing to defend against possible attacks from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli military positions with rockets and drones, announcing the end of the initial retaliatory strikes. Israel’s prime minister and defense minister were managing the operation from Tel Aviv. The Israeli military warned Lebanese civilians to avoid areas where Hezbollah was operating.
Both Israel and Hezbollah have been engaging in daily exchanges of fire, displacing thousands of people on both sides of the border. Hezbollah, believed to be more powerful than during the 2006 conflict, possesses a significant arsenal of rockets and can target anywhere in Israel. Israel, backed by a strong military and missile defense system, has vowed a crushing response in the event of a full-scale war.
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