Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, conducting air strikes and imposing restrictions on gatherings in Haifa and other northern regions as it targets Hezbollah-related sites.
A significant aerial assault was initiated by dozens of fighter jets, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as extensive strikes aimed at southern Lebanon. This action followed intelligence reports indicating that Hezbollah was preparing to launch attacks into Israeli territory, according to IDF spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari.
This latest wave of Israeli airstrikes comes just a day after an operation in Beirut that reportedly resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders. The Lebanese government reported that 37 individuals, including three children, lost their lives during these attacks.
In light of escalating tensions, the U.S. government has advised its citizens in Lebanon to leave using available commercial options while they still exist.
On Friday evening, hostilities resumed with exchanges of fire across the border between Israel and Hezbollah. Prior to these renewed clashes, the IDF announced it had successfully targeted approximately 180 locations and destroyed thousands of rocket launcher barrels through its bombardments.
The IDF also reported over 90 rockets launched from Lebanon towards Israeli territory on that day alone. In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting 11 Israeli military installations throughout the day.
Earlier this week saw tragic incidents where explosions linked to devices used by Hezbollah led to casualties; reports indicated that 39 people were killed and many more injured due to detonations involving pagers and walkie-talkies across various locations in Lebanon over two days.
Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned Israel for these incidents on Thursday, asserting that Israel had crossed “all red lines” and promised retribution for their actions. However, Israel has not acknowledged involvement in those specific events.
Volker Türk, UN human rights chief, stated that such explosions contravene international humanitarian law standards.
In response to growing concerns about potential escalation into a broader conflict, new restrictions were imposed by the IDF on communities located in northern Israel as well as parts of southern Golan Heights starting at 20:30 local time (17:30 GMT). These measures limit public gatherings—capping outdoor events at 30 participants and indoor ones at 300—while allowing educational activities and work attendance provided there are safe spaces available for protection.
These limitations particularly affect areas northward from Haifa amid rising fears regarding an all-out war scenario. The U.S. State Department has updated travel advisories for American citizens currently residing in Lebanon amidst this turmoil; they have urged immediate departure while commercial travel options remain viable since services are operating at reduced capacity already.
The U.S Embassy emphasized its inability to assist American nationals who opt not to evacuate from Lebanon under current circumstances. Similarly echoing this sentiment is Jordan’s foreign ministry which has also recommended its citizens exit Lebanon promptly due to safety concerns arising from ongoing conflicts there.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated significantly following an attack by Hamas gunmen from Gaza on October 8th; this prompted retaliatory fire directed towards Israeli positions by Hezbollah as a show of solidarity with Palestinians affected by recent violence.
Israel’s objectives now include facilitating the return of individuals displaced due to cross-border skirmishes—a goal recently articulated amid ongoing military efforts against threats posed by militant groups like Hezbollah.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant remarked earlier this week about entering a “new phase” within their military campaign focusing intensively on operations concentrated further northward than previously executed strategies allowed.
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