Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon amid escalating tensions

Tension continues to rise in the Middle East as the Israeli military launched airstrikes and artillery strikes on multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight.

The targets included sites in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfarkela, as well as a weapons storage facility in Khiam.

The strikes follow a sophisticated attack on Hezbollah communications devices, which killed dozens and wounded thousands. Israel has not commented directly on the attacks, but security sources attribute them to the Mossad.

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Hezbollah retaliated with around 20 projectiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted by air defense systems. Ten missiles targeted the Mount Hermon area of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, where Israel has key surveillance and air defense installations.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a shift in focus from Gaza to the northern border, deploying elite military units, including the 98th Division, which has been fighting in Gaza

The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of evacuees on both sides of the border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to return the evacuated Israelis “securely to their homes.”

The exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since October, following a Hamas-led attack, but neither side has escalated to full-scale war.

The situation remains volatile, with heightened tensions and ongoing military activity. The international community is watching closely, concerned about potential escalation and humanitarian consequences.