BEIRUT, Lebanon: Hezbollah launched a massive assault on Israel early Sunday, deploying hundreds of rockets and drones.
In response, Israel conducted a major airstrike operation, deploying around 100 jets to target Hezbollah’s positions in southern Lebanon. This exchange marks one of the most intense escalations in over ten months of border conflict between the two sides.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing 320 Katyusha rockets, targeting 11 military sites in Israel as part of its retaliation for the assassination of senior commander Fuad Shukr last month. Israel, however, stated that its pre-emptive strikes had thwarted a larger planned attack, destroying thousands of rocket launchers aimed primarily at northern Israel.
Despite this, Hezbollah disputed Israel’s claim, asserting that its attack proceeded as planned.
The violence has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict. The escalation coincides with ongoing efforts in Cairo to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, further complicating an already volatile situation.
In the wake of the attacks, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency, while flights at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport were briefly suspended. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to defend the country, emphasizing a policy of strong retaliation.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation posing significant risks for the region. The United Nations and Lebanon have called for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent a full-scale regional war.
