Hezbollah Fires 115 Rockets at Israel Following IDF Strikes in Lebanon
In a significant escalation of tensions, Hezbollah launched approximately 115 rockets and multiple drones from Lebanon into northern Israel on Tuesday. This marked one of the most intense days of cross-border violence in recent weeks.
IDF Responds to Rocket Fire with Targeted Strikes
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that while some of the projectiles were intercepted, the barrage of attacks targeted the Upper Galilee, Western Galilee, and the Golan Heights. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, although several of the rocket impacts sparked fires in open areas, requiring firefighters to act swiftly.
In retaliation, the IDF struck one of the rocket launchers shortly after the morning attacks, aiming to curb further assaults. Sirens blared across northern Israel as communities were warned to take cover amid the escalating hostilities.
Hezbollah’s Retaliation for IDF Strikes in Lebanon
Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, claimed responsibility for the rocket barrages, stating that they were directed at military bases within Israel. The group described the attacks as retaliation for IDF airstrikes on Hezbollah arms depots located deep within Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley late Monday night. These airstrikes reportedly followed the killing of a prominent Hezbollah operative earlier in the day.
The confrontation intensified earlier on Monday when an Israeli military non-commissioned officer (NCO) was killed in an explosive drone attack in northern Israel. Such deep incursions by Israeli forces into Lebanon are relatively rare and usually follow deadly attacks on Israeli soil.
Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Operatives and Infrastructure
In response to the ongoing aggression, the IDF launched several operations on Monday night. One of these strikes targeted a location in Deir Qanoun, near Tyre, resulting in the death of a Hezbollah operative, Hussein Suleiman, who was identified as a key figure in the group’s rocket and missile unit.
Additionally, Israeli forces destroyed two Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon’s Mansouri and Taybeh, which were allegedly primed for imminent attacks on Israel. By Tuesday, the IDF had also struck a building in Matmoura, southern Lebanon, where several Hezbollah operatives were reportedly located, as well as another structure in the vicinity.
The Broader Context: Iran, Hezbollah, and Regional Tensions
This flare-up in violence comes amid broader regional tensions. A Lebanese media report suggested that Hezbollah might resume its retaliation for the assassination of top commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month. The report followed news that Hezbollah’s ally, Hamas, had rejected truce terms aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Iran, too, has issued threats of a significant strike on Israel after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an attack widely attributed to Israeli forces. Tehran’s next steps may hinge on the outcome of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
Israel’s Strategic Shift: Preparing for Escalation on the Northern Front
As the situation escalates, Israel is adjusting its strategic focus. On Tuesday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel’s “center of gravity” is gradually shifting from the Gaza Strip to the northern front, as the country braces for a potential large-scale confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Gallant emphasized the importance of safely returning displaced residents to northern Israel. He noted that while Israel is open to resolving the situation through an agreement, it is prepared to take decisive action if necessary.
Ongoing Skirmishes and Casualties
Hezbollah-led forces have been engaging in near-daily attacks on Israeli communities and military posts along the border since October 8. The group claims these actions are in support of Gaza during Israel’s war with Hamas.
So far, these skirmishes have claimed the lives of 26 Israeli civilians, in addition to 19 IDF soldiers and reservists. Syria has also seen sporadic involvement, although no injuries have been reported from those incidents.
On the other side, Hezbollah has reported the deaths of 415 of its members, mostly in Lebanon but some in Syria as well, as a result of Israeli actions. In addition, 72 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and dozens of civilians have been killed in Lebanon.