Israel’s main international airport, Ben Gurion, has returned to normal operations after being temporarily shut down amid strikes between Israel and Hezbollah. Some planes were diverted to alternative airports during the closure. Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant explained in a call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Israel’s military action was preemptive to protect its citizens. This move was made in response to ongoing strikes with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, with a declared “special situation on the home front” to increase safety for Israelis. The Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, stated that preemptive strikes were conducted as Hezbollah was preparing to attack Israel, urging vigilance from Israelis with nearby shelter available.
In response to these actions, Israel launched intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon, a preemptive strike against Hezbollah. Hezbollah had been planning to launch rockets and missiles toward Israel in retaliation for the assassination of a top commander. As a response, Hezbollah launched a drone attack on Israel, triggering air raid sirens in northern Israel and delays at Ben-Gurion airport. These actions threaten to escalate the conflict and potentially impact efforts to forge a cease-fire in Gaza. Amanda Goldstein is a staff writer at The Washington Post, where she reports on national security and foreign policy.
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