On Saturday, Israel’s military conducted extensive airstrikes in southern Lebanon, following its interception of three rockets purportedly launched from the neighboring nation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that these strikes specifically targeted numerous rocket launchers operated by the Hezbollah militant organization.
This military action threatens a precarious truce established last November, which was intended to halt 14 months of intense conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The group has denied any involvement in the rocket attacks on Israel, reaffirming its dedication to the truce agreement, as reported by the Lebanese daily L’Orient-Le-Jour.
Casualties and calls for restraint
According to a Lebanese news agency, the Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to eight others. In response to the escalating violence, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged for calm and cautioned against the potential outbreak of “a new war which would be devastating for Lebanon.”
Context of the escalation
This recent surge in military activity follows Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza just days prior. The situation is further complicated by a rising political and judicial crisis within Israel, particularly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial dismissal of the head of the Israeli domestic intelligence service. Furthermore, on Friday evening, the IDF announced the elimination of the head of Hamas’ military intelligence in southern Gaza, adding another layer of tension to the ongoing conflict.