Israel has launched air strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, claiming it is in self-defence against an imminent attack. The IDF warned of an extensive Hezbollah response, potentially involving rockets and drones aimed at Israeli territory. The cycle of escalation between the two sides must be contained to prevent all-out war. The recent attacks come after Hezbollah promised retaliation for the killing of its top military commander, Fouad Shukur, by Israel. Shukur’s assassination followed the deaths of 12 children in a missile strike, which Israel blamed on Hezbollah. The group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed retaliation for the killing of Shukur. US President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation and has reaffirmed support for Israel’s defence. Israel’s Ben Gurion airport is expected to resume operations after being temporarily suspended due to the attacks. Hezbollah claims the first phase of its attack on Israel, targeting military sites with drones and rockets, is complete. Israel has declared a 48-hour state of emergency, allowing the IDF to issue restrictions on civilian movement. The Israeli security cabinet is set to meet to discuss the escalating situation. The ongoing aggression between Israel and Hezbollah poses a risk to both Lebanese and Israeli civilians, as well as the wider region, signaling the importance of containing the conflict.
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Live coverage of Middle East crisis: Israeli Defense Forces launch airstrikes on Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s barrage of rockets aimed at Israel, claiming self-defense.
