Hezbollah Fires 320 Rockets at Israel in Massive Escalation; Tel Aviv Responds with Fierce Air Strikes on Lebanon

Hezbollah's Rocket Barrage and Israel's Air Strikes

In a rapidly escalating situation, Hezbollah announced on Sunday that it had fired 320 Katyusha rockets at 11 Israeli military positions. This aggressive move, tied to tensions in the Middle East, prompted a swift response from Israel. The Israeli military confirmed launching air strikes in southern Lebanon in an attempt to neutralize the offensive from Hezbollah.

Retaliation Following a Commander’s Death

Hezbollah claimed that the rocket barrage was part of a broader retaliation, following the assassination of one of its key commanders in Beirut. Along with the rockets, the group reported launching drone strikes against Israel, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. According to Hezbollah, the attacks targeted an undisclosed high-value Israeli military site, in addition to multiple barracks and Iron Dome defense systems.

Israel's Pre-emptive Strikes

Earlier that day, the Israeli Defense Forces revealed that they had conducted pre-emptive strikes in southern Lebanon, acting on intelligence that suggested Hezbollah was preparing for a large-scale attack. The military indicated that the group had been planning a barrage of rockets and missiles directed at Israeli territories, positioning Israel on high alert.

Fouad Shukur's Killing and Promised Retaliation

The militant group's aggressive actions were partly driven by the assassination of Fouad Shukur, a senior Hezbollah commander. Israel’s military confirmed that Hezbollah had promised retribution for the killing, heightening fears of continued conflict between the two forces.

Civilian Warning and Safety Precautions

In response to the rocket attacks, Israeli officials sounded air raid sirens in northern Israel. Additionally, flights at Ben-Gurion International Airport were temporarily redirected as a safety measure. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesperson, urged Lebanese civilians residing near Hezbollah’s operations to evacuate immediately for their safety. He emphasized that Hezbollah’s actions were not only a threat to Israel but also posed a significant danger to the Lebanese population.

Netanyahu’s Emergency Meeting

In light of the escalating conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would convene an urgent Cabinet meeting to discuss the developments. The situation comes as Israel continues negotiations aimed at halting the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, further complicating the region's geopolitical landscape.

Ceasefire Conditions

Despite the ongoing clashes, Hezbollah hinted at a potential cessation of hostilities. The group stated it would stop its attacks if a ceasefire could be agreed upon, reflecting the delicate balance of power and negotiations in the region.