Escalating Tensions: Israeli Warplanes Strike Southern Lebanon

On Saturday evening, Israeli warplanes carried out dozens of strikes in areas of southern Lebanon, targeting mountains, valleys, and riverbeds, amid escalating fears of a wider war.

The National News Agency reported that the bombardment affected several areas, including the valley between Ansar and al-Zariyah, Yahmar al-Shaqif, and the river between East and West Jutarin. Other affected areas include Wadi Rumin-Deir al-Zahrani, Al-Luizeh, Malik, Barti, Kafr Malki, Jabal Al-Rayhan Heights, and Basaliya area of Iqlim Al-Tufah.

In less than 40 minutes, more than 50 raids were recorded in the aforementioned area, amid intense flights of Israeli reconnaissance aircraft over the southern region.

Israeli Army’s Statement

Israeli army spokesman, Daniel Hagari, announced that “in the last hour, the Israeli army has launched a massive operation in southern Lebanon after observing the firing of rocket shells towards the area. We are targeting terrorist targets and missile platforms to eliminate threats to Israeli citizens.”

Hagari added that the Israeli army has targeted 400 Hezbollah missile platforms, including thousands of launch nozzles, and is taking away Hezbollah’s ability to launch missiles at Israel.

Shelter-in-Place Policy

The defense minister declared a “special case” on the home front due to an assessment of the military situation, leading to a change in shelter-in-place policy starting “from the Haifa area to the north”.

According to the “New Shelter-in-Place Policy”, it will be allowed to conduct educational activities and work centers in places where you can go to a safe place at the right time.

Hezbollah’s Response

Hezbollah announced the targeting of several Israeli military sites, including the Jibdin Barracks in Sheba Farm, the Ramtha site in the Kafr Shuba Hills, and the headquarters of the 210th Golan Division at the Nafah base.

Hezbollah’s attacks also included other locations such as the positions of forces of the 146th Division’s 300 Brigade at Admit Barracks, al-Sahel Battalion headquarters at Beit Hilal Barracks, and aircraft and missiles.

Rising Tensions

Tensions rose on Lebanon’s southern front after an assassination targeting Hezbollah leaders in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday. The strike killed 37 people, according to a statement from Lebanese authorities.

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, Hezbollah suffered a strike it described as “severe”, during which its members’ communication devices were targeted, killing 37 people, including 20 party members, and injuring thousands.