Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised more “surprising blows” against Iran-backed terrorist groups after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly struck launch sites in Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from launching thousands of rockets into central Israel. The IDF destroyed thousands of short-range rockets and intercepted all drones that Hezbollah launched for a strategic purpose in the center of the country. This preemptive strike was aimed at protecting Israeli citizens and forces in Galilee and preventing an attack plan aimed at the State of Israel. Netanyahu emphasized that this action is just one step in changing the situation in the north and ensuring the safety of Israeli residents.
In response to the Israeli attacks in Lebanon, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered two Carrier Strike Groups to remain in the region to support Israel’s defense against threats from Iran and its regional partners and proxies. President Biden is closely monitoring the situation and has expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself and for negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage-release deal. The White House has been in communication with Israeli counterparts and is working to support Israel’s defense while promoting regional stability. The US is monitoring the situation closely and maintaining communication with all parties involved.
The IDF conducted a preemptive attack on Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon after gathering information from Israeli intelligence agencies about Hezbollah’s plans to target strategic military sites in central Israel. Approximately 100 Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck and destroyed thousands of rocket launcher barrels aimed at northern and central Israel, as well as drones traveling from Lebanon toward central Israel. The Israeli military identified and targeted a terrorist cell operating in southern Lebanon and continued to strike Hezbollah targets to remove threats against Israeli citizens.
Hezbollah announced that it had launched an attack on Israeli military positions in response to earlier Israeli airstrikes that killed one of its founding members in Beirut. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Israeli military positions in northern and central Israel with over 320 Katyusha rockets and drones. However, the exchange of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah seemed to have ended by mid-morning, with both sides claiming to have only aimed at military targets. Lebanon reported casualties from the strikes in southern Lebanon, including two killed and two wounded, as well as a fighter from the Amal group being killed in a strike on a car.
Following the attacks, Lebanon’s caretaker Economy Minister expressed optimism about a de-escalation after both sides confirmed the end of operations. High-level talks are ongoing in Cairo to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, and U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. is expected to visit the Middle East to participate in negotiations. The goal is to deter further escalation of hostilities, protect U.S. forces in the region, support Israel’s self-defense, and provide humanitarian assistance to civilians. The Chairman’s visit highlights the importance of reaching an agreement that ends violence and promotes a more secure and stable Middle East.
