Hezbollah Escalates Attacks on Northern Israel
Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has once again intensified its assaults, unleashing a barrage of over 100 rockets targeting northern Israel, according to reports from Israeli sources.
Sunday’s Attacks
On Sunday, the group launched multiple heavy barrages aimed at the city of Kiryat Shmona. These attacks, part of near-daily assaults that began last October in support of Hamas, resulted in the evacuation of Kiryat Shmona’s residents. The rockets struck dozens of homes, vehicles, including an ambulance, and critical infrastructure, leading to power outages lasting several hours. Three Israelis sustained light injuries from the attacks.
Additionally, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported detecting at least one rocket launch that landed within Lebanese territory.
Monday’s Escalation
On Monday morning, Hezbollah militants launched approximately 30 rockets at an IDF base located on the Golan Heights. Later, they deployed a drone targeting the town of Metula, following IDF retaliation earlier in the night.
In response, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on a Hezbollah military compound in the Baalbek area, approximately 100 kilometers inside Lebanon. Further strikes targeted locations across southern Lebanon in multiple waves since Sunday morning.
The IDF also reported detecting two rockets launched from Syrian territory, which landed in open areas on the Golan Heights without causing casualties. IDF troops retaliated with tank fire.
Other Developments
On Sunday night, the IDF intercepted a drone approaching Israel from Iraq. Though the drone did not pose an immediate threat, it was neutralized. The “Islamic Resistance” in Iraq, an Iran-backed proxy militia, later claimed responsibility for launching two drones toward Israel.
Impact and Response
Hezbollah’s rocket assault on Kiryat Shmona caused significant damage, with the ground reportedly shaking from the intensity of the fire. Despite the evacuation of approximately 80,000 Israelis from border areas, the attacks have inflicted widespread devastation in northern Israel.
Israeli authorities previously reported over 500 homes damaged by Hezbollah fire in Lebanon, a number that has since increased.
Human Impact
“The ground shook from the heavy fire,” recounted some remaining residents of Kiryat Shmona, reflecting the terror and destruction wrought by the attacks.
Conclusion
Hezbollah’s intensified attacks underscore the escalating tensions in the region, with both sides engaging in retaliatory measures. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and human suffering.
