Israel Launches Strikes on Hezbollah and Hamas Targets in Lebanon
Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Israel initiated strikes on targets associated with the extremist groups Hezbollah and Hamas in Eastern and Southern Lebanon, reportedly killing two Hezbollah operatives. The strikes were launched after Israel issued evacuation warnings to four Lebanese villages, leading to dozens of families fleeing the area.
Background
Despite the existence of a year-old ceasefire, Israel has been regularly conducting strikes on Lebanon, typically identifying the targets as being affiliated with Hezbollah, and occasionally, Hamas. The recent escalation, however, has been marked by the evacuation of Lebanese villages prior to the attacks, signalling a significant development in Israel's military strategy.
Developments and Details
According to The Times of Israel, the drone strike occurred near Jmaijmeh, a location about 8 kilometers from the border, where Israel claims the operatives were working to restore terror infrastructure. The Israeli military, in a statement cited by The Hindu, confirmed that it had begun striking Hezbollah and Hamas terror targets in Lebanon
. Lebanese media reported that one strike specifically targeted the home of a slain Hamas leader.
The Israeli strikes follow evacuation warnings issued to the villages of Kfar Hatta, Ain al-Tinah, Annan, and Al-Manara, as reported by Folha de S.Paulo and The Times of Israel. The Al Jazeera English added that drone activity was also reported in the area.
In response to the strikes, the Lebanese army has pledged to dismantle military structures of the movement between the Israeli border and the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers further north, according to Le Monde.
Reactions and Implications
The strikes have sparked a response from Iran, a key ally of Hezbollah. As reported by RT (Russia Today), Tehran warned of an immediate and harsh retaliation to any act of aggression following renewed military threats from the U.S. and Israel. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, threatened to knock the hell
out of Iran if it tries to rebuild its nuclear or ballistic missile projects.
The situation in Lebanon is precarious, with Tehran Times pointing out that the country is caught between war and 'neutralization', and is being asked to believe in a condition-laden calm at a time when the region is defined by pressure, not peace.
Current Status
While the situation remains tense, there is no immediate indication of further military action. However, the consequences of the strikes and the ensuing reactions from involved parties are likely to further complicate the volatile situation in the Middle East, and particularly in Lebanon, a nation already grappling with internal crises and regional pressures.