Israel’s Defense Forces have initiated air strikes on Hezbollah, framing them as preemptive self-defense measures against an imminent attack. Reports from Lebanon suggest that Hezbollah has already fired 150 rockets into northern Israel, with fears that longer-range missiles may be used on southern Israeli cities. The IDF has warned of an extensive Hezbollah response, urging civilians to evacuate to safety.
The situation has escalated to the point where US President Joe Biden is closely monitoring events, and the Pentagon has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Israel’s defense. Israel’s Ben Gurion airport is set to resume operations following a temporary closure in response to the conflict.
Hezbollah has declared the “first phase” of its attack against Israel complete, targeting military sites and using drones and rockets. Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has assured the US that the strikes were defensive in nature. The fear of a wider conflict looms, with Hezbollah vowing retaliation for the killing of its top commander in Beirut, and escalating tensions since Hamas’s attack on Israel last October.
Israel has declared a 48-hour state of emergency, giving the IDF powers to impose restrictions. The security cabinet is set to meet soon to discuss the ongoing crisis. As the situation intensifies, the possibility of a full-scale war in the region remains a concern, with both sides bracing for further violence.
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