Israel launches preemptive strikes against Hezbollah; group retaliates with drones

On Sunday, the Israeli military conducted preemptive strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, aiming to neutralize an imminent threat posed by the Iran-backed terror group. This action came as a response to heightened tensions following Hezbollah's firing of over 150 projectiles into Israeli territory. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the barrage, stating that the attack was a retaliation for the recent killing of their military commander, Fuad Shukr.

Hezbollah's assault specifically targeted "special military sites," including Israel's Iron Dome defense systems. The group indicated that this attack was just the beginning, with a more comprehensive response expected over time, as reported by Reuters.

“In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians.”

Listen to an update from IDF Spokesperson, RAdm. Daniel Hagari, regarding Hezbollah’s plans to attack… pic.twitter.com/fKvbUVSmbT

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 25, 2024

Emergency Measures and Diplomatic Responses

In light of the escalating conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a 48-hour state of emergency. Gallant engaged in discussions with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to coordinate responses. He emphasized the precision of the Israeli strikes, stating, “We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel. We are closely following developments in Beirut and are determined to use all means at our disposal to defend our citizens,” as quoted by The Times of Israel.

יחד עם ראש הממשלה בקריה - עוקבים מקרוב אחר פעולות צה״ל הנעשות להסרת האיומים השונים. pic.twitter.com/GER77ZJEZY

— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 25, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is overseeing high-level meetings at an undisclosed location to manage the crisis in northern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah was preparing to launch additional "missiles and rockets" towards Israeli territory, prompting Israel to launch 40 air-to-surface missiles at Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

IDF's Defensive Measures and Civilian Impact

IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari described the strikes as a "self-defense act," targeting locations from which Hezbollah planned to launch attacks on Israeli civilians. The IDF has advised residents in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates, to evacuate immediately. Fighter jets are targeting Hezbollah sites deemed an immediate threat to Israel’s home front.

In the wake of these attacks, Israeli media reports indicate that a woman has been injured by shrapnel in Acre, a coastal city. She is being transported to Bnai Zion Hospital in Haifa for treatment. Additionally, flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv have been temporarily suspended, with the Israel Airports Authority reporting a halt in operations at the international airport.