Jerusalem/Beirut – In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel launched its most extensive airstrikes in Lebanon since the beginning of the Israel-Palestine conflict, resulting in the deaths of at least 492 individuals, including 35 children and 58 women, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The airstrikes, which injured over 1,645 others, have raised internatinal alarm as the region braces for further conflict.
The Lebanese health officials report that many victims from Monday’s airstrikes remain unidentified amidst the chaos. This latest surge in violence marks a pivotal moment in the longstanding tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflagration. Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi announced that the country is preparing for “the next phases” of its military operation, targeting approximately 1,100 sites across southern and eastern Lebanon.
“This morning, the IDF launched a proactive offensive operation,” Halevi stated during a situational assessment in Tel Aviv. He emphasized that the operation aims to dismantle combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past two decades. In a targeted strike, Israeli forces hit Beirut, aiming at senior Hezbollah commander Ali Karki, who was reported to be unharmed and relocated to safety.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel's actions are intended to alter the “security balance” in the north, delivering a stark warning to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah that “everyone is in the crosshairs.” The airstrikes have caused widespread destruction, prompting many Lebanese residents to flee cities like Tyre, Nabatieh, and Iqlim al-Tuffah toward Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
Reports indicate a significant movement of refugees crossing into Syria as the violence escalates. Furthermore, Jordan's Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission has suspended flights to Beirut due to the increasing tensions. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired over 180 rockets into northern Israel, with some projectiles intercepted by Israeli aerial defense systems. The Magen David Adom rescue service reported injuries to five individuals from shrapnel as the conflict spills into Israeli territory.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged the public to remain calm as potential escalations loom, while the Israeli Defense Ministry declared a “special” security situation nationwide in anticipation of further Hezbollah attacks. The attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from regional and international leaders. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati labeled the airstrikes as “a war of extermination” and called for international intervention. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the strikes as a “flagrant violation of international law.”
Egypt and Iran echoed these sentiments, with Iranian officials warning of serious consequences stemming from Israel's military actions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “grave alarm” over the escalating tensions and urged for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives amidst the ongoing turmoil. As the situation unfolds, the region holds its breath, fearing the ramifications of an escalating conflict that has long plagued the area.
