On Sunday evening, Israel announced its preparation to launch an attack on locations related to the financial operations of Hezbollah in Lebanon within a few hours. Residents were instructed to evacuate the surrounding areas immediately. This warning comes as Israel is intensifying its military operations in Lebanon and Gaza.
According to Reuters, this warning was issued hours after Israel claimed to have attacked Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
An Israeli military spokesperson stated on social media platform X, “Lebanese residents, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will begin attacking infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah’s ‘Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association’ – please leave the area immediately.”
The financial institution linked to Hezbollah has over 30 branches in Lebanon, with 15 located in Beirut city center and its suburbs.
At the same time as Israel’s warning against Hezbollah, Gaza officials reported on Sunday that in northern Gaza, rescuers were still pulling out people who were attacked the previous day from the rubble. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Israeli assault on Beit Lahiya on Saturday resulted in the deaths or disappearance of 87 people, marking one of the highest death tolls from a single attack in months.
Israel stated that it is investigating reports about the incident.
Israel’s current actions also signify an escalation of its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Following the killing of senior Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar a few days ago, many believe there is hope for ceasefire negotiations to end the year-long Gaza war.
Officials, diplomats, and other sources in the Middle East have told Reuters that as the US election approaches, Israel is trying to protect its borders through military actions, ensuring that its adversaries cannot redeploy terrorist attacks.
Israel is also preparing to retaliate against Iran’s missile strikes earlier this month, while the US has been urging Israel not to target Iran’s energy or nuclear facilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his vacation villa was targeted by a drone strike on Saturday, which he described as an unsuccessful assassination attempt carried out by Iran’s proxy, Hezbollah. Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that he reiterated during a call with former US President Trump that Israel will make decisions on its next steps based on its own interests.
The US is Israel’s main ally and military supporter, but the Israeli government has repeatedly rejected US proposals for ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.