IDF strikes Hezbollah launch sites in Lebanon, averting major attack on Central and Northern Israel

Hezbollah has confirmed the initiation of “phase one” of its attack on Israel, begining by striking a wave of hundreds of Katyusha rockets and drones towards Israeli targets.

Israeli fighter planes targeted thousands of Hezbollah units in southern Lebanon early Sunday morning. The Israeli military has described it as a preventative operation against weaponry that might have been used in a major attack on central and northern Israel.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed it had already launched more than 320 Katyusha rockets, noting that it was hitting 11 Israeli military bases and barracks, calling it “phase one” of a multi-stage attack retaliatory attack.

In a statement, Hezbollah announced that its attack on Israel was in response to the “brutal Zionist aggression that led to the martyrdom of Fuad Shukr.” The senior military commander of the Shia group was assassinated in an Israeli air strike in Lebanon’s capital Beirut this July.

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the military was continuing to counter Hezbollah’s attacks on the country in the face of ongoing rocket and drone fire.

According to the IDF, around 210 rockets and 20 drones were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel in Hezbollah’s attack. Some of these strikes were intercepted, while others have caused damage and injuries.

“We are removing threats to the Israeli home front. Dozens of planes are now attacking targets in different areas of southern Lebanon,” Hagari mentioned in a morning press conference.

“Hezbollah is firing rockets and drones at Israel. Our air defense systems, Navy ships and Air Force planes are protecting the country’s skies, identifying and intercepting threats, and striking anywhere in Lebanon, where it is necessary to remove threats and hit Hezbollah,” he added.

Senior Israeli officials told Ynet that Hezbollah’s response was anticipated regardless of the outcome of the ongoing hostage-ceasefire talks. “Hezbollah doesn’t really care about the Palestinians,” the officials remarked. “In hindsight, they could use the negotiations as a pretext for their attacks.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that  Israeli forces were “determined to do everything possible to defend our country” and return tens of thousands of residents of northern Israel who have been displaced by the conflict.

“Whoever harms us – we will harm them,” he added.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz mentioned that Israel was “acting to protect its citizens and territory” and “does not seek all-out war” in the Middle East.

According to Channel 12, Israel has sent a clear warning to Hezbollah that if it attacked Tel Aviv, it will prompt a harsh Israeli response in Beirut and against “major assets” of Lebanon and Hezbollah.

The Israeli military’s Home Front Command has issued restrictions on the public from the Tel Aviv area and northward following Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declaration of nationwide emergency situation, known as a “special situation on the home front,” for the next 48 hours.

A “special situation” is a legal term used during emergency situations, granting authorities greater jurisdiction over the civilian population to enhance and streamline efforts to ensure public safety.

In response to these hightening tensions in the region, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to “supporting Israel’s right to defend itself.” 

US National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett stated, “At President Joe Biden’s direction, senior US officials have been in continuous communication with their Israeli counterparts. We will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself and remain dedicated to working towards regional stability.”

So far, the skirmishes on Israel’s northern border have resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and 19 IDF soldiers and reservists. Additionally, there have been several attacks from Syria, although no injuries have been reported from those incidents.