Israel Escalates Strikes Against Hezbollah Amid Rising Tensions with Lebanon
Israel continued its heavy barrage of airstrikes against Hezbollah on Saturday, as the militant group retaliated by launching dozens of rockets toward Israel. The Israeli military announced the mobilization of additional reserve soldiers, signaling further escalation along its northern border.
Reserve Forces Mobilized
In a statement released Saturday morning, the Israeli military confirmed activating three battalions of reserve soldiers. This follows reports earlier in the week of two brigades being dispatched to northern Israel to train for a potential ground invasion, highlighting Israel’s preparedness for an extended conflict with Hezbollah.
Strikes on Hezbollah Leadership
Tensions soared after Israel claimed to have struck Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut on Friday. Two individuals familiar with the situation, including a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was a target of the strikes. The reports have fueled speculation about the militant leader’s condition and the impact on Hezbollah’s operations.
Airstrikes and Rocket Fire Intensify
Throughout Saturday morning, the Israeli military continued its assault, conducting strikes in southern Beirut and the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah launched a barrage of projectiles targeting northern and central Israel, as well as the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This exchange of fire marks one of the heaviest escalations in the region in recent memory.
In Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area known for being a Hezbollah stronghold, thick plumes of smoke rose as the streets lay deserted following overnight Israeli airstrikes. Shelters in the city center were overwhelmed by displaced residents, with many families seeking refuge in public spaces, cars, or along roads leading to the mountains above the capital.
Casualties and Destruction
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that six people were killed and 91 others were wounded in Friday’s strikes, which targeted Hezbollah positions. These strikes were the most significant to hit Beirut in the past year, further pushing the conflict toward the brink of full-scale war. In total, at least 720 people have been killed across Lebanon this week as a result of the escalating violence.
Rescue teams are still searching through the rubble of six destroyed buildings, with officials warning that the death toll could rise significantly. Israel launched additional airstrikes on southern Beirut following the initial blast, further adding to the destruction in the densely populated area.
Rising Concerns of a Full-Scale War
As the situation deteriorates, both Israel and Hezbollah remain locked in a dangerous cycle of retaliation, drawing the region closer to a potentially catastrophic war. The international community is watching closely, but so far, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict have shown little progress.