The Israeli army announced on Thursday that Israeli Air Force aircraft bombed more than 110 targets belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon and to Hamas in the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours.
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted the army as saying, “About 20 of these raids took place in the regions of Baalbek and north of the Litani River, deep in Lebanon.” It was reported that “60 terrorists were killed.”
The targets included missile launch pads, military buildings, weapons depots and other vital infrastructure. The Israeli army added that the 91st Division is carrying out defensive and offensive operations in southern Lebanon alongside the 36th Division.
As for Gaza, the 162nd Division is leading the fight in Jabalia alongside the Kfir Brigade, while the 143rd and 99th Divisions are operating in the southern and central areas of the Strip, “where many terrorists were killed in the ongoing clashes.”
It is noteworthy that the border areas in southern Lebanon have witnessed an exchange of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, since October 8, 2023, after Israel declared war on Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on its territory, and Hezbollah announced its support. Gaza.
On the first of last October, the Israeli army announced the start of a focused ground operation in southern Lebanon.
Last updated: November 7, 2024 – 12:17
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Interview: The Escalation in the Israel-Lebanon-Gaza Conflict
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our exclusive interview, Dr. Rachel Cohen, a leading expert on Middle Eastern conflicts. Thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Rachel Cohen (RC): Thank you for having me. It’s a pressing topic that requires careful analysis.
TNE: Just yesterday, the Israeli Air Force announced that it carried out over 110 strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza within a mere 24 hours. Can you help us understand the significance of this escalation?
RC: Certainly. This surge in military activity marks a notable intensification in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli airstrikes, particularly in regions like Baalbek and near the Litani River, indicate a broader strategy to dismantle Hezbollah’s capabilities and to assert deterrence.
TNE: The Israeli army claimed that around 60 militants were killed during these operations. Does this figure reflect a shift in the effectiveness of military strategies in the region?
RC: While casualty figures can be contentious and often politicized, if accurate, they suggest that Israel is targeting key operatives and infrastructure. This might be seen as a tactical success in the short term, but we must also consider the long-term implications of such actions on regional stability and civilian populations.
TNE: That’s an important point. The article mentions that the strikes targeted missile launch pads, military buildings, and weapons depots. How critical are these targets in the context of the ongoing conflict?
RC: Hitting missile launch pads and weapons depots is crucial as it depletes the adversaries’ immediate ability to retaliate or carry out attacks. However, these strikes can also provoke escalation. For instance, Hezbollah may respond through increased rocket fire, and the cycle of violence can become even harder to control.
TNE: Speaking of escalation, how do you see this conflict affecting the broader geopolitical landscape, especially with significant international actors involved?
RC: This situation is highly interconnected. The U.S., Iran, and various European states each have vested interests in either supporting Israel or Hezbollah and Hamas. A large-scale conflict could lead to increased tensions, not just regionally but globally, especially if other actors feel compelled to intervene or take sides.
TNE: what can we expect in the near future? Do you see a possibility for a ceasefire or de-escalation?
RC: The path to peace is fraught with challenges. While both sides may seek temporary pauses for humanitarian reasons or to regroup, sustainable peace requires addressing underlying issues, including territorial disputes, governance, and a two-state solution. Without serious diplomatic engagement, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights on such a complex and rapidly evolving situation. Your expertise is invaluable in understanding these turbulent times.
RC: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to analyze these events with both context and compassion for those affected.