Hezbollah announce throttling substantial assault, Israel proclaims state of urgency
Hizbollah asserted responsibility for launching a retaliatory assault against Israel, prompting Israel to declare a state of emergency. Israel initiated strikes on numerous targets within Lebanon. Since 6 am local time (5 am CEST), a nationwide state of emergency has been in place for the subsequent 48 hours, as announced by Defense Minister Joav Galant. According to Galant, Israel retaliated against Lebanese Hezbollah's immediate threat by attacking numerous strongholds of the Shiite militia in the adjacent nation. Lebanese security sources confirmed the attacks. Rockets were launched from Lebanon into Israel, resulting in a rocket alert in northern Israel. Hizbollah commenced its announced retaliatory operation against Israel, citing the recent assassination of senior Hizbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut as the motivation. The Israeli military confirmed that Hizbollah was preparing to launch rockets into Israeli territory, as stated by Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari in the early morning hours. The Israeli Air Force's fighter jets are currently targeting Hizbollah positions that pose an immediate threat to Israeli citizens. This is a self-defense measure, according to the Israeli military. The military noted that Hizbollah was preparing for a broad-scale attack on Israel and endangering the Lebanese civilian population, with rockets and potentially drones poised to strike Israeli territory "in the near future." The Israeli military warned civilians in areas of Hizbollah operation to evacuate the danger zone immediately for their own safety. Hagari stated in a video message that Hizbollah would soon launch rockets and possibly drones into Israeli territory. The continued aggression of Hizbollah endangers the population of Lebanon, Israel, and the entire region, potentially leading to further escalation. In light of the heightened security situation, the Israeli rescue service has called for a nationwide state of readiness. Due to the escalating conflicts, incoming flights to Israel's Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv are being diverted to other airports, as reported by the media. No departures will be permitted in the near future, as reported by the "Times of Israel," citing the Israeli airport authority. Incoming aircraft are being diverted to alternative airports in the vicinity. Passengers are advised to check for flight changes with the airlines.
Since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip following Hamas's large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, tensions between pro-Iranian Hizbollah in Lebanon and the Israeli army have significantly escalated. For ten months, Hizbollah has been shelling Israel's north from Lebanon nearly daily. Israel retaliates with attacks on Hizbollah targets in Lebanon. Following the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hizbollah military chief Fuad Shukr at the end of July, there is widespread concern about further escalation of the conflict. Iran and its allies are threatening revenge against Israel.
The European Union expresses concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Hizbollah, urging both parties to deescalate the situation. The European Union strongly condemns any acts of violence that jeopardize regional stability and civilian safety.
