In the most intense airstrikes on southern Lebanon since the conflict began in October, Israeli warplanes launched a series of attacks on Thursday night, targeting Hezbollah positions. The strikes come amid growing international calls for restraint, with the White House and the UK urging an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre expressed concerns about the potential for escalating violence.
The airstrikes followed earlier attacks, attributed to Israel, which targeted Hezbollah’s communications equipment, resulting in 37 deaths and over 3,000 injuries in Lebanon. Israeli forces reported striking hundreds of rocket launchers in southern Lebanon in over 52 strikes lasting two hours. Lebanese sources described the bombardment as the heaviest since the conflict’s onset, although no immediate casualties were reported.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of crossing “red lines” and labeling the strikes a violation of international law. Nasrallah suggested the attacks on communications equipment could be classified as war crimes or a declaration of war.
Lebanon’s UN mission has accused Israel of planting explosives in Hezbollah’s devices, a claim that has gained traction since the attacks. The UN Security Council is set to meet on Friday to discuss the situation.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated following Hezbollah’s missile attacks on Israel after Hamas’s cross-border assault on October 7, triggering the Gaza war. Despite continued hostilities, neither side has allowed the conflict to spiral into full-scale war, though tens of thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would continue its military operations, warning that Hezbollah would face increasing consequences. Meanwhile, Nasrallah declared that Hezbollah would welcome an Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon, viewing it as a “historic opportunity.”
As the conflict intensifies, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for restraint, cautioning that any further escalation could complicate efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
