Hezbollah carried out a retaliatory attack on Israel, launching over 320 Katyusha rockets at military bases and barracks in response to the killing of commander Fuad Shukr. Israel responded with intense air strikes on southern Lebanon, leading to a state of emergency and closure of Ben Gurion airport. The conflict has raised concerns of a regional escalation, with global fears of a full-blown war. However, both Hezbollah and Israel are said to be trying to avoid such a scenario, with Israel exhausted from its war on Gaza and Hezbollah facing economic challenges in Lebanon. The United States has pledged its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Talks aimed at ending Israel’s war on Gaza are ongoing, with Hezbollah stating it will stop fighting if a ceasefire is reached. Despite these efforts, no diplomatic settlement seems imminent, and Israel is determined to change the rules of engagement in the region. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation as both sides navigate a delicate balance between retaliation and de-escalation.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
