Israel institutes a 48-hour nationwide crisis situation.
Israel has engaged in a series of strikes on numerous targets within Lebanon, leading to the declaration of a nationwide state of emergency that commenced at 6 a.m. local time (5 a.m. CEST). The emergency status will remain in effect for the subsequent 48 hours, as announced by Defense Minister Joav Galant. The Israeli military has been justified in executing these attacks against the positions of the Shia militia, Hezbollah, within Lebanon due to the perceived imminent threat posed by this militia. Confirmation of these attacks has been obtained from Lebanese security sources. Missiles were launched from Lebanon towards Israel, resulting in a rocket alert in the northern regions of Israel.
Israeli military personnel had recently uncovered Hezbollah's plans to launch missiles towards Israeli territory, as disclosed by the Israeli army's spokesperson, Daniel Hagari. As a result, Israeli Air Force fighter jets are currently in the process of attacking Hezbollah targets that directly pose a threat to the residents of the State of Israel. These actions can be deemed as self-defense measures.
The Israeli military has observed that Hezbollah is seemingly planning a comprehensive attack on Israel, placing Lebanese civilians living in southern Lebanon in danger. The Israeli military has thus urged civilians living in areas where Hezbollah operates to evacuate immediately to ensure their own safety.
In a video message, the Israeli military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, stated that Hezbollah intends to launch missiles and potentially drones towards Israeli territory "soon." In addition, continued aggression from Hezbollah could potentially trigger further escalation, putting both the Lebanese and Israeli populations at risk, as well as the entire region. The Israeli emergency services have thus heightened their preparedness to the utmost level, as reported by "Times of Israel" early in the morning.
Aviation Disruptions
The heightened security situation in Israel has led to incoming flights to Ben Gurion Airport, located near Tel Aviv, being redirected to other nearby airports, as indicated by a media report. Take-offs from the airport have also been temporarily halted for a few hours, as reported by "Times of Israel," in collaboration with the Israeli airport authority. Aircraft bound for Israel will be rerouted to other airports situated in the vicinity. Passengers are advised to stay informed about any flight modifications by contacting their respective airlines.
Since the onset of the conflict following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, the tensions between Hezbollah, who shares pro-Iranian sentiments in Lebanon, and the Israeli army have become increasingly intense. In recent months, Hezbollah has regularly launched shells towards Israel from Lebanon. In response, Israel has carried out attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Following the deaths of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, and Hezbollah military commander, Fuad Shukr, at the end of July, concerns regarding the further escalation of the conflict have been heightened. Iran and its allies have issued threats to Israel, implying potential retaliation.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East, specifically between Hezbollah and Israel, has led to ongoing tensions. The recent revelation of Hezbollah's plans to launch missiles towards Israeli territory has prompted Israel's self-defense measures, resulting in strikes on Hezbollah targets within Lebanon.
These conflicts in the Middle East have also impacted civil aviation, with incoming flights to Ben Gurion Airport being redirected due to the heightened security situation. Passengers are advised to stay informed about any flight modifications.
