Israel Strikes Hezbollah, Group Promises Response
- Hezbollah has declared its intent to respond to Israeli airstrikes as confirmed by sources to Al Jazeera.
- The tension reflects a longstanding conflict involving military actions between Israel and Hezbollah.
- This development could escalate tensions further in the region.
The Israeli military has conducted airstrikes on multiple Hezbollah-linked targets in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. In a statement posted on X, the military reported hitting ten sites across at least seven locations overnight, resulting in the death of one Hezbollah fighter. These strikes follow a rocket attack that struck a playground in the Druze Arab town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, prompting Israeli officials to vow retaliation. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the rocket attack. In response to the Israeli strikes, a senior Hezbollah source indicated that the group would retaliate against any Israeli aggression, including a potential ground invasion. The group confirmed the death of one of its fighters and claimed that Israeli aircraft were forced to retreat due to their fire. Despite the escalating hostilities, Israeli officials have expressed a desire to avoid a broader conflict, emphasizing that while they aim to weaken Hezbollah, they do not wish to ignite an all-out war in the region. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, there have been ongoing low-level skirmishes along the Israel-Lebanon border. Israeli attacks have reportedly resulted in approximately 450 fatalities in Lebanon, including both Hezbollah fighters and civilians. Conversely, Israel has reported 23 civilian and at least 17 military casualties from Hezbollah attacks since the conflict began. The situation remains precarious as both sides navigate the complexities of regional security.