On Sunday morning, a large-scale clash broke out between Israel and the Hezbollah group supported by Iran, leading to a sharp escalation in the Middle East tension.
The White House stated that President Biden has been in contact with the National Security team and closely monitoring the situation development in Israel and Lebanon.
“On his instructions, senior U.S. officials have been in communication with Israeli officials,” said National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett. “We will continue to support Israel’s right to self-defense and work towards regional stability.”
Israel indicated that upon confirming Hezbollah’s preparation to launch missiles and rockets attacks on Israeli territory, the Israeli military preemptively targeted the armed group with airstrikes, thwarting a larger-scale assault. Over 100 Israeli fighter jets attacked more than 40 Hezbollah launch sites in Lebanon.
“This morning, we found Hezbollah preparing to attack Israel. After reaching consensus with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, we instructed the IDF to take action to eliminate the threat,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrikes destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers, most targeting northern Israel, with some aimed at central Israel.
Hezbollah countered the claim that their attacks on Israel were thwarted by Israeli preemptive strikes, stating that the militant group was able to launch drones as planned.
Hezbollah claimed to have launched 320 rockets and a series of drone attacks on Israel, hitting 11 military targets. The group remarked that this was the “first stage” retaliatory action for the assassination of senior Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr by Israel last month. Further responses to Shukr’s killing will require “some time,” according to Hezbollah.
The Israeli Defense Forces reported about 200 rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel. Hezbollah claimed success in this operation. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to deliver a speech later on Sunday.
As Israeli airstrikes sounded alarms and distant explosions illuminated the horizon, thick smoke rose above the sky in Khiam, southern Lebanon.
Lebanon confirmed three fatalities, while Israel has not reported any casualties. Hezbollah stated they do not have further attacks planned at the moment.
Although this intense exchange of fire has not led to full-blown war, it has exacerbated an already tense situation in the Middle East. Egypt is set to host high-level talks on Sunday to facilitate a 10-month ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas Gaza conflict. Diplomats hope this will ease regional tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement in response to Hezbollah’s attack on Sunday, saying, “We are determined to defend our country by all means possible, ensuring the safety of northern residents to return home securely, and continue to uphold a simple rule: harm us, we harm you.”
Israel’s Security Cabinet convened a meeting at 7 a.m. on Sunday, with a full Cabinet meeting scheduled for the afternoon. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency, while Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel will respond to the local situation development but does not seek all-out war.
Last month, the Golan Heights occupied by Israel was targeted in a missile strike, resulting in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers. Both Israel and the United States condemned Hezbollah for the act. Subsequently, in response, the Israeli military assassinated Shukr in Beirut. It is widely believed that Hezbollah will retaliate for Shukr’s death.
Defense Minister Gallant briefed U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the latest developments of the airstrikes. Gallant informed Austin, “We carried out precise strikes in Lebanon to stop the imminent threat against Israeli citizens.”
According to the Pentagon’s statement, Austin and Gallant discussed Israel’s resistance to Hezbollah attacks. Austin reiterated that the United States steadfastly supports Israel in repelling any attacks from Iran and its regional partners and proxies.
Gallant stated that Israel is prepared to deploy offensive and defensive means and thanked Austin for their continued cooperation.
Due to the regional instability caused by the mutual attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, Air France announced the cancellation of flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, and Beirut, Lebanon, at least until Monday.
“The restoration of these routes will depend on a new assessment of the security situation,” stated the airline. “Air France reiterates that the safety of passengers and crew is the company’s top priority.”
(This article contains information from reports by Reuters and CNN.)