Hezbollah Announces Large-scale Attack; Israel Launches Pre-emptive Strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting today in response to recent events. According to a statement from Hezbollah, explosive drones targeting key Israeli military sites were launched by the Iran-backed group. News agency AFP reported that over 100 rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel. In reaction to the threat, the Israeli military initiated pre-emptive strikes on targets in Lebanon.

The IDF announced these strikes early Sunday, citing detected preparations by Hezbollah for “large-scale” attacks. Israeli Air Force fighter jets have been deployed to neutralize these threats, aiming at Hezbollah positions posing immediate danger to Israeli civilians. This escalation follows increasing tension between Hezbollah, its ally Iran, and Israel, prompted by the assassination of Hezbollah’s military commander Fuad Shukr. The group views the attack on its commander as a direct provocation and an act of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting at 0400 GMT today. The Israeli Defence Minister declared a state of emergency across the country for the next 48 hours. Referred to as a “special situation on the home front,” this grants the IDF Home Front Command expanded authority to impose restrictions on civilians. Ben Gurion International Airport announced delays and diversions of flights, and emergency services raised their level of readiness in anticipation of potential large-scale attacks from Hezbollah.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has sparked near-daily exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since the Gaza war in October. This latest escalation has further heightened concerns about a full-scale conflict in Lebanon.