The Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon claimed responsibility Saturday for launching a wave of attacks against Israel, targeting both military and intelligence facilities with missiles and explosive drones.
Among the targets hit were Israel’s Unit 8200 base in Glilot, a suburb of Tel Aviv, where Hezbollah said missiles made direct hits. The group also reported striking the Palmachim Air Base with drones, asserting precision targeting. Israeli officials declined to confirm any strikes, and the extent of damage inflicted remains unclear.
Hezbollah painted the attacks as retaliation for Israel’s deadly actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Tamar Abdel Hai, a resident of Tira, a town near the targeted Glilot base, expressed fear and called for global intervention to bring an end to the escalating conflict.
In addition to the base attacks, Hezbollah disclosed launching numerous rockets into several northern Israeli towns. Israeli media outlets aired images depicting damage attributed to a drone strike on a factory north of Nahariya. Israeli authorities confirmed the interception of one drone, acknowledging other successful strikes in the region.
As tensions escalated, an Israeli airstrike on a Beirut suburb claimed the life of one individual and injured fifteen more, according to Lebanese health officials. The air raid marked a resumption of attacks on the Dahiyeh district after a four-day hiatus.
Iran, a staunch Hezbollah ally, issued ominous threats against Israel and the U.S., vowing retribution for attacks on Iranian interests and its allies. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned both countries they would face severe consequences for their actions against Iran and the “resistancefront.” Iranian involvement in this conflict could dramatically escalate tensions throughout the Middle East. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the battle against Hezbollah in Lebanon have already inflicted a heavy toll, with extensive damage in southern Lebanon and thousands of casualties. Israel’s relentless airstrikes across Lebanon’s northeastern farming villages on Friday resulted in significant civilian casualties, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting at least 52 deaths and scores more injured. Since Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah began in 2023, Lebanon has reported over 2,897 fatalities and 13,150 injuries.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, as Egypt’s state-owned Al-Qahera News TV reported that Hamas has rejected a partial truce deal for Gaza, fearing renewed Israeli operations after hostage releases. Hamas maintains its stance for a complete cessation of hostilities and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces as prerequisites for a permanent ceasefire.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates further. Recent Israeli airstrikes on Nuseirat refugee camp lead to the deaths of 42 people, including numerous women and children, in a single day. The Israeli District Coordination Office reported two Israeli soldiers have been killed in southern Gaza.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Military Analyst Dr. Lisa Morgan
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr. Morgan. Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent escalation in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, can you provide some context surrounding these latest attacks?
Dr. Lisa Morgan (DLM): Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The situation is indeed serious. Hezbollah’s recent claim of responsibility for attacks against Israel marks a significant escalation in regional tensions. They targeted strategic military and intelligence facilities which speaks to a calculated approach, likely aimed at demonstrating military capability in response to perceived Israeli aggressions in Gaza and Lebanon.
TNE: You mentioned that these strikes were retaliatory in nature. Can you elaborate on the events that Hezbollah cited as retaliation?
DLM: Absolutely. Hezbollah has framed their attacks as direct responses to Israel’s recent military operations, particularly those in Gaza that have resulted in civilian casualties. The sentiment is that these attacks are not just about military objectives but also about a broader narrative of resistance against Israeli actions deemed unjust by regional players. For many, including civilians like Tamar Abdel Hai from Tira, there’s a feeling that this conflict is spiraling out of control, and there’s a pressing call for international intervention to restore peace.
TNE: Some reports indicate that Hezbollah successfully struck key military installations, including Unit 8200. What does this indicate about Hezbollah’s capabilities and strategic planning?
DLM: Hitting a high-profile target like Unit 8200, which is known for electronic intelligence operations, reflects a significant level of sophistication and precision in Hezbollah’s military planning. It suggests that they have not only improved their tactical capabilities but also means of intelligence gathering to identify vulnerable targets. However, it is crucial to note that Israeli officials have not confirmed the extent of the damage, which raises questions about the accuracy of Hezbollah’s claims and actual impact of these operations.
TNE: With rising tensions, how do you assess the potential repercussions of Israel’s military response, especially in light of the strikes on Beirut?
DLM: The airstrike on Beirut, specifically in Dahiyeh, is a clear escalation and signals that Israel is willing to retaliate decisively. Such actions can lead to further violence, potentially involving more countries in the region due to the alliances at play, particularly Iran’s support for Hezbollah. The situation could spiral quickly; any substantial loss of life on either side might provoke a broader conflict. The challenge lies in de-escalation, where diplomatic avenues are critical, though often difficult to navigate amidst such tensions.
TNE: Given the regional dynamics and the involvement of larger players like Iran, what are the prospects for resolution in this ongoing conflict?
DLM: Resolutions in conflicts like these require not just local dialogue but also international mediation. With Iran backing Hezbollah and continuously making threats towards Israel, the atmosphere is charged. The international community must play a role; however, there are varied interests at stake which complicates the situation. Until both sides can agree upon terms for cessation of hostilities and a commitment to dialogue, I fear we are in for a protracted period of violence.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Morgan, for your insights into this complex situation. It’s clear that the ramifications of these events are far-reaching and need careful monitoring.
DLM: Thank you for having me. I hope for peace and a resolution that ensures safety for all involved.