On Saturday night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a new wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. The military stated that they had uncovered Hezbollah’s preparations for a large-scale rocket attack on Israel.
According to the Israeli newspaper “Israel Times,” prior to the latest Israeli operation, fighter jets attacked around 180 targets in southern Lebanon on Saturday afternoon, destroying thousands of rocket launchers ready to launch attacks against Israel.
At the same time, officials issued new restrictions for residents in the Haifa and northern regions. With Hezbollah having been repeatedly targeted and severely hit in recent days, Israel is prepared to face the possibility of a large-scale attack from Hezbollah in the next few hours.
“If there are any further developments tonight or tomorrow, we will update immediately. Hezbollah may launch rockets and other threats against Israel in a short period of time,” said IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari. “We urge you to follow the guidelines from the rear command. Remaining vigilant is crucial as we have been in days of battle.”
Hagari stated at a press conference on Saturday evening that IDF had targeted over 400 Hezbollah rocket launchers within a day.
During the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to hold a security consultation with various ministers and defense officials on Saturday night.
The IDF reported that on Saturday, armed groups launched approximately 100 rockets from Lebanon towards northern Israel. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack.
So far, there have been no reports of casualties caused by the rockets, but the police have received reports of rocket impacts causing damage and fires.
Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar stated that the Israeli Air Force is on the highest alert level.
Due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah,
The US Embassy in Lebanon urged American citizens to leave Lebanon on commercial flights when available.
The US State Department issued the latest travel advisory on Saturday, warning Americans: “Due to the risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and armed conflict, do not travel to Lebanon.”