In response to Hezbollah's 130 rocket assaults on Monday, Israel targeted roughly 120 sites in Lebanon with its fleet of 100 fighter jets. These aircraft pounded targets for nearly an hour. An IDF spokesperson cautioned Lebanese citizens to avoid the area south of the Avli river towards the coastal region or staying on boats until further notice. This surge of Israeli offensives against Hezbollah in Lebanon coincided with the anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas last year, which marked the commencement of a year-long conflict in the region.
On Monday, the IDF announced the designation of a new closed military zone in northern Israel. This marks the fourth such zone since the initiation of Israeli ground operations in Lebanon, extending eastwards from the Mediterranean Sea. Detailing the recent airstrikes, the IDF said in a statement, 'Our aircraft targeted various units of Hezbollah, including Southern Front regional units, Radwan forces, missile and rocket forces, and intelligence units.'
Israel Bombards Numerous Hezbollah Sites
According to the IDF, the air offensive aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's command and control capabilities and firepower. These airstrikes also intended to support ground forces in achieving their objectives. While memorial events for the October 7 attacks were ongoing in Israel, its military simultaneously fought on multiple fronts. Israel expanded its ground operations in Lebanon by including the IDF's third division.
Countering the memorial events for the October 7 attacks in Israel, Hamas launched rockets and vowed to continue its fight against Israel. However, its rocket-launching capabilities have significantly diminished due to a devastating 12-month-long Israeli onslaught in Gaza, which claimed nearly 42,000 lives. Israel has continually reported effective triumphs over Hamas in Gaza.
Over 130 Rockets Fired from Lebanon to Israel
Despite the accelerating Israeli military actions, Hezbollah launched over 130 rockets on Monday. Most were aimed at Haifa, Israel's third-largest city. As night fell, a ballistic missile launched by Houthis from Yemen was intercepted and destroyed mid-air by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system. The Israeli army reported that some rockets by Hezbollah from Lebanon were intercepted and eliminated by Iron Dome, while others fell in vacant areas.
The conflict in the region threatens to escalate further, as Israel pledged to retaliate for last week's substantial missile attack by Iran. An Israeli counter-strike on Iran could occur at any time. Tehran reiterated that it would respond to any Israeli aggression on its soil. There's a probability of American involvement in this intensifying conflict, as it provides Israel with crucial military and diplomatic support. Should Iran strike Israel again, the U.S. might join the war to defend the Jewish nation.
