Israeli Jets Target Terrorists in Lebanon to Thwart Hezbollah attacks, says IDF

Israel has launched its most extensive airstrikes in Lebanon to date, targeting over 40 Hezbollah sites in what the Israeli military has described as an act of self-defence.

The airstrikes were conducted in response to what Israel claimed was Hezbollah’s preparation to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory.

According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military’s spokesperson, these strikes were necessary to neutralize imminent threats to Israeli civilians.

He issued a warning that Hezbollah was likely to retaliate soon with rockets, missiles, and drones aimed at Israel. Residents in areas where Hezbollah is active were urged to evacuate immediately for their safety.

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Zibqin in southern Lebanon on August 25, 2024.

The escalation has led to suspending all flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and some cancellations at Beirut’s airport.

Meanwhile, about 100 Israeli fighter jets targeted numerous Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon, including Chqif castle and several towns.

כ-100 מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר, בהכוונת פיקוד הצפון ואגף המודיעין, תקפו והשמידו אלפי קני שיגור של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה שמוקמו והוטמנו במרחב דרום לבנון. רובם כוונו לעבר הצפון וחלקם לעבר מרכז הארץ.

כמו כן, הותקפו למעלה מ-40 מרחבי שיגור pic.twitter.com/zTAmG9GZsW

— דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי – Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) August 25, 2024

Lebanese state media reported that one person was killed during an Israeli airstrike on a car in the town of Khiam.

Hezbollah responded more than an hour later by deploying drones and launching hundreds of rockets, targeting Israeli military sites and the Iron Dome defence system.

The attacks follow the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in a Beirut suburb last month.

The actions of the Israeli Air Force this morning are a justified and necessary act of self-defense against a terrorist organization which planned to fire indiscriminately at Israeli civilians.

The world should offer its
unequivocal support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

— יאיר לפיד – Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) August 25, 2024

Hezbollah has stated that this retaliation is just the first phase of a broader response, indicating that further actions will follow. The group vowed severe consequences if Israeli aggression continues, particularly if Lebanese civilians are harmed.

As the situation intensifies, international leaders are calling for de-escalation. Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, expressed concern over the potential regional war and urged all parties to avoid further escalation.

Similarly, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for an emergency cabinet meeting, while Hezbollah’s chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, is expected to address the nation.

This surge in hostilities occurs against the backdrop of ongoing efforts in Egypt to mediate an end to the conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions, which has now entered its 11th month. Hezbollah is willing to halt its actions if a ceasefire is reached.