Israel is carrying out what appears to be its most extensive military operation against Lebanon since the 2006 war, targeting Hezbollah positions across the country.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted hundreds of airstrikes, resulting in nearly 500 deaths. Thousands have been hospitalized, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Why is Israel bombing Lebanon?
Israel has cited the air strikes as responses to Hezbollah’s military activities, including rocket attacks into Israeli territory.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have aimed at what they describe as Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, including weapons storage, launch sites, and command centers. This includes targeting areas in southern Lebanon and even reaching into Beirut, signaling an intent to degrade Hezbollah’s capability to launch attacks against Israel.
The IDF released pictures of weapons that it claimed were going to be used against Israel.
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu released a video message saying that Lebanese homes are being used by Hezbollah, and urged the Lebanese to get out of harm’s way.
Civilians affected
The IDF’s operations, which began intensifying over the weekend, have not only targeted Hezbollah’s military infrastructure but have also led to widespread civilian displacement.
Reports from Lebanon indicate that over 80,000 phone calls from Israel urged Lebanese citizens to evacuate, signaling an imminent expansion of the military campaign. This warning was accompanied by strikes that reached as far as Beirut and Kserouan, showcasing Israel’s intent to disrupt Hezbollah’s capabilities across Lebanon.
Countries like US and China have issued advisories to their citizens to leave Lebanon.
Meanwhile, global airlines, including Jordan’s Royal Jordanian and Germany’s Lufthansa, have suspended flights to Lebanon.
Hezbollah attempts to strike back, leading Israel to declare an emergency
Hezbollah, in response, has vowed an ‘open-ended battle,’ retaliating with rocket attacks, including new types of missiles like the Fadi 1 and Fadi 2, aimed at Israeli military installations. This back-and-forth has led Israel to declare a state of emergency, with the IDF preparing for further phases of conflict.
The situation has prompted a mass exodus in southern Lebanon, with roads packed as residents flee northward.
The United States, concerned about the spread of the conflict, has announced the deployment of additional forces to the region, signaling a strategic move to contain the situation.