Today, Sunday, Lebanese media reported that dozens of Lebanese, including army soldiers, were killed and wounded as a result of raids launched by Israeli warplanes on towns in southern and eastern Lebanon, and Hebrew media announced that hundreds of thousands headed to shelters after sirens were activated in central Israel following the launch of missiles from Lebanon. While the Israeli army ordered the residents of 5 towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate in preparation for their bombing, Hezbollah confirmed attacking Israeli forces in Metulla and Khiam.
Israeli Army Radio reported detecting 5 missiles launched from Lebanon towards the Sharon area, noting that 4 were intercepted and the fifth fell in an open area.
Israeli Channel 13 confirmed the sound of explosions in central Israel after monitoring missiles launched from Lebanon.
Israeli Channel 12 also reported monitoring the launching of two missiles from Lebanon towards Safad, confirming that no casualties were reported.
In the Galilee in northern Israel, the Israeli army indicated that it intercepted two drones launched from Lebanon towards the western and upper Galilees, after the Israeli home front reported that sirens had been activated in Admit and Arab Al-Aramshe.
He confirmed that 30 missiles had been launched from Lebanon at the Upper and West Galilee regions, indicating that some of them had been intercepted.
In turn, Hezbollah announced that it had bombed, with a missile salvo, a gathering of Israeli army forces at the Metulla site in northern Israel, and a gathering of Israeli forces east of the city of Khiam in southern Lebanon. It also bombed the settlements of Hatzor Haglilit and Ma’alot-Tarshiha in northern Israel with missile barrages.
In Lebanon, the Israeli army warned the residents of the villages of Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Arnoun, Yahmar, and al-Qasiba in the south of the country to evacuate in preparation for the bombing, and asked them to head north of the Awali River.
For its part, the Lebanese News Agency said that Israeli aircraft launched a fire belt this morning targeting the towns of Shaqra and Baraashit, and destroyed a number of buildings and residential apartments.
The Israeli army is intensifying its targeting of all parts of Lebanon following the visit of the American envoy to Lebanon, Amos Hockstein, with the aim of reaching a ceasefire agreement, after Israel expanded its war on Lebanon since last September 23 through air strikes, and also began a ground invasion in its south.
The death toll as a result of the Israeli bombing rose to 3,670 dead and 15,413 wounded.
Last updated: November 24, 2024 – 13:32
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How do recent military escalations impact civilian safety in both Lebanon and Israel?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle Eastern Security Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our program. Today, we’re delving into the escalating tensions between Lebanon and Israel, which have intensified over recent days. Joining us is Dr. Samira Rami, a leading expert in Middle Eastern security and conflict resolution. Dr. Rami, thank you for being here.
Dr. Samira Rami: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here, though the circumstances are unfortunate.
Editor: Absolutely. To get straight to the point, recent reports indicate that dozens of Lebanese, including army soldiers, have been killed and wounded due to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. Can you provide some context on what has led to this situation?
Dr. Rami: Certainly. The tensions we are witnessing are rooted in a long history of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, with periodic escalations. The recent violence seems to have been triggered by an increase in cross-border missile fire. This retaliation from Hezbollah, confirmed after their attack on Israeli forces in Metulla, indicates they are responding to ongoing provocations.
Editor: You mentioned Hezbollah’s attacks. They have announced the use of missile salvos against Israeli positions. How significant is this militarily and politically?
Dr. Rami: Militarily, it’s a tested strategy for Hezbollah to assert its capability to retaliate against Israel. This not only serves to maintain its credibility among its supporters in Lebanon but also sends a message to Israel about the risks of aggression. Politically, it complicates the already volatile situation. Iran’s backing of Hezbollah plays a critical role here, as it extends the conflict beyond the immediate regions involved.
Editor: There are reports of sirens sounding in central Israel, leading to hundreds of thousands of civilians seeking shelter. What does this mean for civilian safety and the psychological impact on the population?
Dr. Rami: The activation of sirens and the need for civilians to seek shelter indicate a significant threat to Israeli security. This kind of environment creates a high-stress atmosphere, exacerbating fears of war. The psychological impact can be profound, leading to long-term issues such as anxiety and trauma, particularly among children. This escalation may also lead to calls for stronger military responses from the Israeli government.
Editor: Israeli media has confirmed multiple missile launches from Lebanon, some intercepted. What does this say about the current military capabilities of both sides?
Dr. Rami: The interception of missiles by Israeli defense systems demonstrates their preparedness and technological advancements, particularly with systems like the Iron Dome. However, the fact that some missiles still get through highlights the ongoing challenge for Israel in terms of threats from its northern neighbor. On Hezbollah’s end, this shows that they are escalating their military capabilities, which could suggest an intention to engage in prolonged confrontations.
Editor: Given the complex dynamics at play, what can we expect in the coming days or weeks? Is there a likelihood of broader conflict?
Dr. Rami: It’s hard to predict precisely, but the risk of a broader conflict is high if both parties continue with military actions. Diplomatic interventions might become crucial in de-escalating tensions. The international community, including nations with influence in the region, must step in to encourage dialogue before this situation spirals into a larger war.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rami, for your insights. The situation remains critical, and we will be monitoring it closely. Your expertise helps illuminate the complexities faced by both regions.
Dr. Rami: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue to pay attention to these developments and their implications for peace in the region.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We will keep you updated on this ongoing situation. Stay informed with Time.news.