The Israel Defense Forces said it had attacked about 40 sites linked to the pro-Iranian militia Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. They said they attacked storage facilities and weapons in the Aita ash Shab area, as well as “additional targets used by Hezbollah.” This move indicates an escalation in cross-border attacks.
Hezbollah has many fighters stationed near the border, causing tensions with Israel.
The airstrikes appear to have been more intense than recent Israeli attacks on Hezbollah. So far, there has been no confirmed response from Hezbollah and no information on casualties.
Since fighting between the Islamic group Hamas and Israel began in October last year, Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in repeated cross-border battles. The United States and European countries are concerned that these conflicts could develop into a new, broader front.
A new phase in Israel’s conflict with Iran – direct confrontation as well as proxy forces
Israel’s Increasingly Focused On the Threat of Hezbollah
Like Hamas, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group sees Israel as a sworn enemy
Source: Bloomberg
Hezbollah is the most powerful militia in the Middle East and is believed to have more than 100,000 fighters, many of whom are located near the border with Israel. It also has a much larger and more sophisticated fleet of missiles and other weapons than Hamas.
Israel’s Defense Minister Gallant claimed that his army had already killed half of Hezbollah’s commanders in southern Lebanon. The goal, he said, is to restore border security and allow many displaced people to return to their homes.
Like Hamas, Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
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Original title: Israel Steps Up Cross-Border Strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon (1); Israel Strikes Around 40 Hezbollah Sites in South Lebanon (1) (excerpt)
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Tags: Israel ramps attacks Hezbollah southern Lebanon airstrikes Bloomberg
