The Israeli military reported on Sunday that it conducted a series of preemptive strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, responding to intelligence that suggested the militant group was preparing for an attack. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari described the military’s actions as necessary for “self defense” to eliminate potential threats.
In retaliation, Hezbollah claimed to have launched rockets and drones towards Israel, stating that this was a response to the death of one of its senior commanders in July. The Israeli Defense Forces indicated that Hezbollah had fired over 150 projectiles into Israeli territory.
U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett remarked that President Biden is “closely monitoring events” unfolding in Israel and Lebanon.
As tensions escalated, an Israeli Air Force fighter jet was seen firing flares during an interception of hostile aircraft in northern Israel, which had originated from Lebanon.
This outbreak of violence coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations being held in Egypt, aimed at achieving a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, following nearly 11 months of conflict sparked by a surprise attack on Israel on October 7.
The health ministry in Lebanon reported three casualties as a result of the strikes, while no injuries or fatalities were noted in Israel. The IDF stated that it targeted more than 40 Hezbollah sites, claiming the destruction of “thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels” that were poised for immediate assault on northern and central Israel.