Israel Launches Airstrikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Nasrallah Declares “A Declaration of War”
In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Thursday. The strikes occurred just moments before Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah addressed the recent attacks on his group, which resulted in the deaths of 37 members and injuries to nearly 3,000 others. The attacks, which involved the explosion of communication devices carried by Hezbollah fighters, were described by Nasrallah as a “declaration of war.”
Nasrallah’s Response and Promise of Retaliation
During his speech, Nasrallah referred to the attacks on pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah fighters as a “major terrorist operation” that had dealt the group a severe blow. He promised swift retaliation, vowing that the militant organization would not cease its operations against Israel. “This criminal act is a major terrorist operation and amounts to a declaration of war,” Nasrallah said. While he was addressing the nation, two sonic booms echoed across Beirut, which Lebanon’s state news agency attributed to Israeli warplanes flying over the capital.
Rising Tensions Across the Border
The border between Israel and Lebanon has witnessed escalating violence in recent months, with heavier exchanges of fire and increasingly aggressive Israeli operations. On Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the heightened risks and opportunities in this “new phase of war.” He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to defending its territory, stating, “Hezbollah will pay an increasing price as we work to make conditions near our border safe enough for residents displaced by the fighting to return.”
In response to Israeli warnings to cease its attacks on northern Israel, Nasrallah stood defiant. He declared that Hezbollah’s operations would continue until the war in Gaza comes to an end. “We say to the enemy: The Lebanese front will not stop until the war in Gaza is over. The only solution is to stop the aggression,” Nasrallah proclaimed, adding a direct challenge to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant.
Intensified Cross-Border Violence
Amid the ongoing conflict, Hezbollah launched additional strikes into northern Israel, reportedly using explosive drones and projectiles. The attacks injured several Israeli civilians, and two Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes with Hezbollah forces. While Nasrallah spoke, Israeli warplanes flew low over Beirut, causing loud sonic booms that startled residents and forced many to open windows in fear of the blasts shattering glass.
Israel has made clear that it is prepared for a broader military confrontation with Hezbollah if necessary. In recent days, Israeli officials have reiterated their stance that diplomatic solutions have been exhausted. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been working behind the scenes to broker a cease-fire in Gaza, hoping to end hostilities and facilitate the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, Hezbollah remains committed to its attacks on Israel, signaling that the violence will continue unless a comprehensive resolution is reached.
Continued Threats and Future Prospects
As the violence escalates, the prospect of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah becomes more likely. Israel has intensified its airstrikes, and Hezbollah shows no signs of backing down. Nasrallah reiterated on Thursday that the group would not allow Israeli citizens displaced by the conflict to return to their homes in northern Israel as long as the fighting in Gaza persists. “This is the challenge between us,” he said, underscoring the deepening divide between the two sides.
With both sides locked in a cycle of retaliatory attacks, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, fearing that the conflict may spiral into a larger regional war.