Hezbollah launches rockets at Israel in retaliation for Hamas leader’s assassination
Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group, carried out a targeted assault on a crucial Israeli military post, launching 62 rockets as a “preliminary response” to the recent killing of Hamas leader Sheikh Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut. The group stated that the attack was in retaliation for the assassination and warned of potential consequences if Israel escalates the situation.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah emphasized that all of Lebanon would be at risk if there was no response to al-Arouri’s killing. The Israeli military reported around 40 rockets fired towards the Meron air surveillance base, responding by striking a “terrorist cell” involved in the launches. No immediate casualties or damage were reported.
Air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The ongoing cross-border fighting raises concerns about the potential for further escalation. Nasrallah cautioned Israel against expanding the conflict, declaring “no ceilings” and “no rules” to Hezbollah’s response in case of war.
Amidst the tensions, there are strategic considerations for Hezbollah in Lebanon, aiming to avoid widespread suffering due to an all-out war while maintaining a strong stance. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, marked by near-daily exchanges since the Gaza war in October last year, continues to unfold. The situation remains volatile as regional tensions persist, prompting a visit from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Middle East.
