Open clash between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu: “We acted to prevent an attack”
Tensions skyrocket between Israel and Hezbollah after the killing of a military commander, resulting in airstrikes and truce efforts in Gaza. Netanyahu: "We acted to avert an attack." Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah: "Overcome all the red lines".
Open clash between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu: "We acted to avert an attack."
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has undergone a significant escalation in the last few hours, with serious consequences and international reactions. Tensions reached a peak after Hezbollah launched a retaliation against Israel, responding to the killing of its military commander, Fuad Shukr.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Israel had “crossed all red lines” with the attack on the southern outskirts of Beirut, which caused the death of civilians and the group's military leader. In response, Hezbollah initiated a series of attacks, although Nasrallah stressed that the targets of the attack were not civilians.
During this period of intense fighting, one Israeli navy soldier was killed and two others injured by shrapnel from a drone launched by Hezbollah. Israel's reaction was not long in coming; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah's attack did not represent the end of the situation and promised further action to change the situation in northern Israel. In response to Hezbollah attacks, Israel launched air strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and implemented extraordinary security measures, such as closing Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv and restricting gatherings in some areas.
At the same time, negotiations are taking place in Cairo for a possible 72-hour truce in Gaza. These talks aim to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas and facilitate the release of the hostages. However, the discussions are complicated, and the negotiations include issues such as the Philadelphia corridor and the Rafah crossing, as well as the technical details of the truce proposal.
Hezbollah has released a video showing preparations for an attack on Israel, revealing underground missiles and launch pads. At the same time, concerns extend beyond Lebanon, with the BBC reporting that there could also be attacks from Yemen, perhaps by the Houthis, who have not yet responded to the Israeli airstrike on the port of Hodeida.
In response to Hezbollah attacks, the IDF said it had struck around 40 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon and launched raids on hundreds of targets in Lebanese territory. Israeli attacks also caused casualties in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, for its part, claims to have launched over 320 rockets and drones towards northern Israel, targeting strategic military sites.
The UN and Egypt have made calls for a ceasefire and reduction of tensions. The UN urged all parties to cease hostilities and abide by resolution 1701, while Egypt called for a concerted effort to avoid further escalation and preserve regional stability.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called an emergency meeting to stop the escalation and stressed the importance of implementing UN Resolution 1701.
On the diplomatic front, Egypt is pushing for a solution that includes a staggered Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphia corridor and control of the Rafah crossing. At the same time, the IDF informed that Hezbollah was ready to launch 6.000 missiles in one hour and decided to act preemptively to neutralize the threat.
Israeli authorities have declared a state of emergency for 48 hours and launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon, while Hezbollah completed its attack operation for today. Despite the escalating conflict, Israeli negotiators are heading to Cairo to continue talks on Gaza and the release of hostages.
International reactions also include statements from China, which emphasizes the importance of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a commitment to peace. The United States, through President Joe Biden, is closely monitoring the situation and continues to support Israel's right to defend itself.
The situation is complex and constantly evolving, with intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, negotiations for a truce in Gaza and international concerns about the escalation of the crisis. Instability in the region remains high and the actions of the parties involved will continue to influence future developments in the conflict.
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