What Happened
Hezbollah launched over 170 rockets, along with missiles and drones, at northern Israel on Wednesday morning. This offensive, the group’s largest assault amid ongoing border conflict, was supposedly in retaliation for the Israeli airstrike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander the night before.
Why It Matters
The relentless rocket fire forced tens of thousands of Israelis into shelters during the Shavuot holiday, showcasing Hezbollah’s capability for mass impact attacks. Despite the barrage, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully intercepted many of the rockets, preventing casualties and asserting their robust defense systems.
Details
The Attacks
Early Wednesday, Hezbollah fired 90 rockets into northern Israel, including areas like Tiberias, Safed, and Rosh Pina. Another 70 rockets targeted the Mount Meron area, home to a strategic air traffic control base. Additionally, individual rockets hit Kibbutz Zar’it, causing fires, and an anti-tank missile damaged the Plasan armored vehicle factory in Kibbutz Sasa. Later, a drone from Lebanon exploded near Zivon, but fortunately caused no injuries.
Response
The IDF confirmed its responsibility for the Tuesday night strike in southern Lebanon’s Jouaiyya that killed Taleb Abdullah, a top Hezbollah commander, along with three other operatives. Abdullah’s role as head of the Nasr unit made him a primary target due to his extensive involvement in attacks on northern Israel.
Strategic Defense
Israel’s advanced air defenses intercepted many of the rockets fired by Hezbollah, mitigating potential casualties. Despite several fires caused by rocket impacts, Israel deployed 25 firefighting teams and eight planes to contain the blazes efficiently.
Hezbollah’s Acknowledgment
Hezbollah not only claimed responsibility for the rocket and missile barrage but directly linked it to the death of Abdullah. Their openly stated motive was to send a message of retaliation and to assert their response to Israeli actions.
What’s Next
IDF’s Preparedness
The IDF has shown readiness to counter Hezbollah’s attacks promptly. Following the rocket strikes, the IDF responded by striking four crucial Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon’s Yater and launched operations on artillery positions in Hanine and Yaroun, demonstrating its commitment to defending Israel’s sovereignty.
Broader Implications
With ongoing skirmishes, tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border are likely to persist. The IDF has already stated that it is bracing for more potential attacks. While Israeli military leadership indicates a preference for diplomatic solutions, it maintains a stance of readiness to escalate if necessary to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.