Hezbollah has announced the completion of the first phase of its retaliatory attack on Israel in response to the killing of commander Fuad Shukr. The Lebanese group fired over 320 Katyusha rockets at 11 Israeli military bases and barracks, including sites in the Golan Heights. Israel responded with air strikes in southern Lebanon, citing a preemptive attack as Hezbollah prepared to strike northern Israel.
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated, with concerns of a regional conflict mounting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a Security Council meeting, and a nationwide state of emergency was declared. Ben Gurion airport was closed, bomb shelters were opened in Israeli cities, and injuries were reported in northern Israel.
The Israeli military stated that attacks against Hezbollah are focused in southern Lebanon for now but will strike anywhere there is a threat. Global concern is growing that the conflict could expand into a full-blown war, especially after recent assassinations blamed on Israel.
Despite the escalation, both Hezbollah and Israel are reportedly trying to avoid a full-blown war. The United States has expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself and is in communication with Israeli officials. Talks aimed at ending the conflict continue, but a diplomatic settlement does not seem imminent.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is seen as dangerous and could spiral out of control, drawing the whole region into war. Both sides are wary of the consequences, with Israel exhausted from its war on Gaza and Lebanon facing an economic crisis.
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