BEIRUT: Lebanese group Hezbollah said that it destroyed three Israeli Merkava tanks on Wednesday as they advanced toward the village of Maroun al-Ras near the Lebanon-Israel border just hours after Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel.
Hezbollah reported that its forces used rockets to target the advancing tanks, asserting their successful strike amidst intensified fighting in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese group said it “destroyed three Merkava tanks with rockets as they advanced towards the village of Maroun al-Ras,” referring to an area where they reported clashes with Israeli troops earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that 10 soldiers have been killed during clashes with Hezbollah since initiating cross-border operations in Lebanon.
The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) stated that the death of a soldier earlier on Wednesday was the first since the commencement of cross-border raids against Hezbollah positions. “The IDF (Israeli army) announced that nine more soldiers have fallen,” it said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed severe repercussions for Iran’s missile attack on Israel, which involved around 180 missiles.
After the missile assault from Iran, which also caused panic in Israel and prompted mass sheltering, Netanyahu declared, “Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it.” He reiterated Israel’s policy of retaliating against any aggressors, while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that those who attack Israel will “pay a heavy price.”
Israeli forces have maintained pressure on Hezbollah by continuing airstrikes in southern Beirut, particularly targeting the group’s strongholds. Reports indicate that Hezbollah successfully repelled an Israeli attempt to enter another border village, leading to further confrontations in multiple locations.
