What happened
Dozens of rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel on Saturday, igniting fires and causing property damage near the city of Safed and elsewhere. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with targeted airstrikes against Hezbollah rocket launchers in the region.
Why it matters
This escalation underscores the persistent threat posed by Hezbollah, a militant group operating freely in Lebanon. The ongoing attacks endanger Israeli civilians and demonstrate Hezbollah’s defiance against international norms, compromising regional stability.
What they’re saying
The IDF confirmed about 30 rockets were fired early in the day, impacting open areas near Meron and triggering a response to neutralize launchers. Additional rockets landed in the Western Galilee, some intercepted by air defenses but others hitting the community of Shlomi and causing a fire near Liman. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
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Response from Lebanon
The Lebanese health ministry released a statement claiming three emergency responders were killed in an Israeli airstrike while attempting to extinguish fires caused by these defensive measures. Lebanese authorities condemned what they termed as Israeli “aggressions,” despite clear provocations from Hezbollah.
Israeli Standpoint
Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon and Hezbollah have labeled the defensive measures as violations of international laws. Despite this rhetoric, Israel remains firm that these operations are crucial to protect its citizens from terrorist threats. Hezbollah exploited southern Lebanon to launch attacks on Israeli territories, showing disregard for Lebanese sovereignty and civilian lives.
The bigger picture
This incident is part of a broader conflict where Hezbollah and allied groups, emboldened by support and unchecked by Lebanese military, have persistently targeted Israeli positions. Israel’s defensive actions reiterate its stance against tolerating hostile presence along its borders, and highlight the challenges in achieving peaceful conditions amid ongoing aggression.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.