A significant escalation in the Israel-Lebanon conflict was reported as at least 40 Israeli airstrikes targeted towns in southern Lebanon, marking one of the heaviest bombardments since the hostilities began in October. Hezbollah confirmed the deaths of two of its fighters in Al-Tiri, while the Amal movement, aligned with Hezbollah, reported the death of a fighter in a strike on Khiam.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones into Israel early Sunday. Israel responded with airstrikes using around 100 jets in one of the most intense clashes in over 10 months of border conflict. The Israeli military reported that a naval soldier was killed and two others wounded during these strikes.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, convened a national emergency committee to address the situation. Flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport were briefly suspended, and flights to and from Beirut were also affected, leaving passengers stranded.
In northern Israel, warning sirens were activated, and explosions were heard in several areas. The Iron Dome defense system intercepted rockets launched from southern Lebanon. Local residents in Haifa and Zibqeen described the scenes as apocalyptic.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden was closely monitoring the situation and reiterated the US’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense while striving for regional stability. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to cease hostilities immediately. Egypt and Jordan also warned against further escalation.
The US, while not directly involved in the strikes, provided intelligence on Hezbollah’s planned attacks. Tensions have escalated following the recent Israeli airstrike in the Golan Heights, the killing of Hezbollah commander Shukr, and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has prompted threats of retaliation from Iran.
Amid these developments, Hamas has rejected new Israeli terms in Gaza ceasefire talks, further complicating the prospects for a breakthrough in US-mediated efforts to end the ongoing 10-month conflict.
