Israel launches 'preemptive' strikes on Lebanon, Hezbollah retaliates
Israel launched a series of air strikes in southern Lebanon early Sunday in what it said was a preemptive strike against Lebanon-based Hezbollah. The military said Hezbollah was preparing to launch a massive barrage of rockets and missiles at Israel. "In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians," Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.
Hezbollah fires more than 320
Shortly after, the Iran-backed organization stated it had launched several explosive drones. It also claimed to have fired "more than 320" Katyusha rockets at 11 Israeli military bases and barracks. In a statement, it said that its attack on Israel was in response to "the brutal Zionist aggression, which led to the martyrdom of...Fuad Shukr." Israel has been exchanging fire with the militant group since the start of the war with Hamas last October. Iran backs both Hamas and Hezbollah.
Israel deploys Air Force in response to Hezbollah threat
The IDF announced the deployment of Israeli Air Force fighter jets to neutralize threats from Hezbollah. The focus of these strikes is on positions that pose an immediate danger to Israeli civilians. The Israeli military said about 100 fighter jets had "struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels." Over 40 launch areas in Lebanon were also hit in the strikes, the IDF added.
Hezbollah's retaliation targets Israeli military installations
Hezbollah stated that its air attack, which began with a large number of drones, was an initial response to the killing of Shukr. The group targeted "a number of enemy positions and barracks and Iron Dome platforms... with a large number of rockets." Hezbollah added that the operation was targeting "a qualitative Israeli military target that will be announced later" as well as "enemy sites and barracks and Iron Dome (missile defense) platforms."
Massive strikes by Israeli Air Force
Israel declares state of emergency amid Hezbollah threat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting early Sunday. Following the meeting, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency for the next 48 hours. This "special situation on the home front," as officially termed, grants the IDF Home Front Command expanded authority to impose restrictions on civilians. "Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets are currently striking targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization that pose an imminent threat to...Israel," the milirary said.
