Escalating Tensions: Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Strikes Amid Fears of Regional War

• Michael Herzog, Israeli Ambassador to the US: “I believe that the success of our operation yesterday prevented an escalation to a major war.” Herzog highlighted that while the threat from Hezbollah remains, Israel hopes to reach a diplomatic settlement to avoid further conflict. He mentioned the displacement of around 70,000 people in northern Israel and the need to ensure their safe return home​ POLITICO
• Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel: “Preemptive strikes against Hezbollah are not the end of the story.” Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s military actions are part of a broader strategy to neutralize threats and maintain stability in the region. He suggested that ongoing negotiations could potentially lead to a settlement with Hezbollah, but also warned of readiness for continued military action if necessary​ The Times of Israel

In the early hours of Sunday, Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon, describing the action as a preemptive strike against the Hezbollah militant group. This move threatens to escalate into a wider regional conflict, potentially undermining ongoing efforts to establish a cease-fire in Gaza.

#WATCH:Israel launched airstrikes inside Lebanon early on Sunday, August 25. #BreakingNews #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/MQQ0T0ol9D

— Jamal Amin (@JamalibnAmin) August 25, 2024

Shortly after Israel’s strikes, Hezbollah announced its own attack on Israel, deploying a large number of drones. The Iranian-backed group had vowed for weeks to retaliate after Israel assassinated one of its top commanders late last month.

“We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon to prevent an imminent threat against Israeli citizens,” stated Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “We are monitoring the situation in Beirut closely and are committed to using all available means to protect our citizens.” Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari added in a briefing that numerous Israeli Air Force jets were currently targeting locations across southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah reported that its attack included launching more than 320 Katyusha rockets at multiple sites in Israel, in addition to deploying a “large number” of drones. The group claimed the operation targeted a significant Israeli military target, which they planned to reveal later, as well as various enemy sites, barracks, and Iron Dome missile defense platforms. Hezbollah emphasized that these strikes were an initial response to the killing of Fuad Shukr, a prominent commander within the organization.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Israel Airports Authority briefly suspended flights at Ben Gurion International Airport, redirecting incoming flights to alternate locations. Operations resumed around 7 a.m. local time.

Amid these developments, Gallant had previously announced the deployment of additional troops to the Lebanese border, preparing for potential clashes with Hezbollah. On Sunday, Hagari stated that the Israeli military was acting in self-defense to eliminate threats posed by Hezbollah, which he claimed was preparing a large-scale attack against Israel that could also endanger Lebanese civilians. Hagari urged Lebanese civilians in areas where Hezbollah operates to evacuate immediately for their safety.

Hezbollah says it has attacked Israel with a large number of drones and rockets, in response to the killing of a top commander last month.

Israel in turn has launched airstrikes inside Lebanon, in what it called “an act of self-defence”.https://t.co/8ELiLMug2d

📺 Sky 501 pic.twitter.com/5kp5PCABsZ

— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 25, 2024

Lebanese media outlets confirmed strikes in the country’s south but did not provide further details. Social media videos circulated, showing what appeared to be the Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released images of Netanyahu and Gallant overseeing the military operation from the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet was scheduled to convene later Sunday morning to discuss the situation further.

A National Security Council spokesperson informed CBS News that President Biden, who was on vacation in Southern California, was closely monitoring the unfolding events in Israel and Lebanon. The spokesperson confirmed that Biden had been in continuous communication with his national security team.

Gallant’s office also issued a statement declaring a 48-hour emergency that allows the Israel Defense Forces to issue instructions to Israeli citizens, including restrictions on gatherings and the closure of certain sites. The IDF also implemented “partial restrictions” in specific areas, including parts of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

Gallant also spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to brief him on the ongoing military actions, as confirmed by both Gallant’s office and a Pentagon spokesperson.

These events unfolded as U.S., Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian delegations were engaged in another round of cease-fire talks in Cairo. Although a Hamas delegation was expected in Cairo, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawy clarified to the Associated Press that the group would not participate directly in Sunday’s discussions but would be briefed by Egypt and Qatar.

Concerns have grown in recent weeks that the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza could spiral into a broader regional conflict following Israel’s killing of Hezbollah’s Fuad Shukr and a suspected Israeli operation in Iran that targeted Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Hezbollah says it fired over 320 rockets towards Israel

Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv is filled with Travelers, with all Flights to and from the Airport having now been Canceled. pic.twitter.com/YnLtmbdxar

— Boar News (@PhamDuyHien9) August 25, 2024

Earlier this month, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby indicated that the U.S. was preparing for potential attacks by Iran and its proxies in response to these assassinations. The deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier equipped with F-35 fighter jets, and the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, to the Middle East underscores the heightened state of alert.

More… Sources

• Yoav Gallant, Israeli Defense Minister: “We are at a strategic crossroads and need to take advantage of the negotiations to bring about the release of hostages… but this is not our preferred way, and we still give a chance to the possibility of an agreement.” Gallant underscored Israel’s dual approach of preparing for continued conflict while also seeking a diplomatic resolution​( The Times of Israel
• Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah Leader: Nasrallah has been vocal about the group’s actions and intentions. He recently claimed that Hezbollah’s attacks were a calculated response to Israeli strikes, though he denied some of Israel’s claims about the effectiveness of their preemptive measures. He has also warned of potential future escalations if circumstances change​ The Times of Israel

Major Points:

• Israel launched preemptive airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, aiming to prevent an imminent threat, which risks escalating into a broader regional conflict.
• In response, Hezbollah attacked Israel with over 320 Katyusha rockets and numerous drones, targeting Israeli military sites, as retaliation for the assassination of a top commander.
• Israel issued emergency warnings to civilians in areas near Hezbollah operations and briefly suspended flights at Ben Gurion International Airport due to the conflict.
• The U.S., Israel, Qatar, and Egypt held cease-fire talks in Cairo amidst fears of a regional conflict, while President Biden closely monitored the situation.
• Israel increased its military presence near the Lebanese border, and the U.S. deployed military assets to the Middle East in anticipation of further escalations.

Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News