Israel conducted a new wave of air strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Tuesday, following Monday’s deadly bombardment that claimed 492 lives, including 35 children. This marked the deadliest assault since the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israeli forces said they targeted approximately 1,600 Hezbollah sites, resulting in a “large number” of militant casualties. In response, Hezbollah launched missile attacks on Israeli military bases, escalating the already tense situation. Over 180 projectiles and a drone breached Israeli airspace, forcing citizens in Haifa to seek shelter. Israel reported that over 50 projectiles were fired into northern Israel within 10 minutes, most of which were intercepted.
Lebanese health officials stated that Monday’s strikes left 1,645 people wounded, with thousands of families fleeing their homes. Journalist Nazir Reda described the panic in Lebanon as unprecedented since the 2006 war, which resulted in significant casualties and devastation.
The current exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing for nearly a year, exacerbated by the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been increasingly involved in the conflict alongside other regional militants.
Israel’s ongoing operation, “Northern Arrows,” represents a shift in its military focus from Gaza to Lebanon. Global leaders, including the United Nations and the European Union, have expressed growing concern over the escalating violence, warning of the potential for a regional war.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has deployed additional US military personnel to the Middle East as a precautionary measure, though US officials have expressed opposition to an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon.
