The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of coordinated airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon early Sunday, marking one of the most significant escalations in hostilities between the two entities in recent months. The strikes, which Israel described as “preemptive,” were initiated based on intelligence reports that Hezbollah was preparing a large-scale attack involving rockets, drones, and missiles aimed at northern and central Israel.
According to the IDF, approximately 100 fighter jets were deployed in the operation, which targeted over 270 Hezbollah sites across southern Lebanon. The strikes focused on destroying rocket launchers, drone facilities, and other military infrastructure. Among the areas hit were Hezbollah strongholds near Beaufort Castle, Ain Qana, Kfar Fila, and other key locations in southern Lebanon. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that the operation aimed to neutralize a direct threat posed by Hezbollah’s missile and drone capabilities.
Illustration of IDFs preimptive strikes on Hezbollah this morning.
100 Jets! pic.twitter.com/ueaJILvSCv
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 25, 2024
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported extensive damage in several areas, with Israeli airstrikes hitting sites near the towns of Zibqeen, Ain Qana, Kfar Melki, and Sarba. Artillery fire was also reported along the Lebanon-Israel border, further intensifying the conflict. This marks the largest IDF operation against Hezbollah since the 2006 war.
Radio Communication between an Israeli Air Force Pilot and a Weapons Controller during this morning’s Pre-Emptive Strikes against Hezbollah Missile and Rocket Launchers in Southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/I5qzAWBeAc
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 25, 2024
Hezbollah responded by launching over 320 rockets and drones into Israel. The group claimed to have targeted 11 Israeli military sites, including locations in northern Israel and the Golan Heights. While Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepted many of these projectiles, some penetrated Israeli airspace. Notably, an Israeli Navy soldier, 21-year-old David Moshe Ben Shitrit, was killed during the exchange, with reports indicating that his death resulted from either an Iron Dome interceptor or shrapnel that struck a Dvora-class fast patrol boat near the Lebanese border.
Hezbollah’s retaliation was framed as a response to the assassination of Fu’ad Shukr, a senior military commander, in a July Israeli airstrike in Beirut. The group stated that the attack was part of an ongoing response to Shukr’s death, which it views as a significant provocation. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that the operation was conducted as planned, and all drones launched successfully entered Israeli airspace. Nasrallah also warned that further actions could follow if the current response is deemed insufficient by Hezbollah’s leadership.
IDF jet intercepting a Hezbollah drone pic.twitter.com/RyzJD5POs0
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 25, 2024
United States. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), along with their accompanying surface ships, to remain stationed in the region. Although American forces did not participate directly in the strikes, U.S. Air Force and Navy assets reportedly provided Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage before, during, and after the Israeli operation. A U.S. Defense official confirmed that this intelligence support was crucial in executing the IDF’s mission.
The White House expressed concern over the rising violence, with National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stating that President Joe Biden was “closely monitoring events in Israel and Lebanon.” In addition, General CQ Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Israel late Sunday to discuss joint military preparations with Israeli officials. These discussions are focused on the broader regional security situation.
As of Sunday, skirmishes along the Lebanon-Israel border continued, with both sides exchanging fire. Air raid sirens were reported throughout northern Israel, and flights out of the country were temporarily suspended as a precaution. The IDF declared an emergency situation across Israel for the next 48 hours, anticipating further attacks.
Another Israeli Strike just now near the City of Naqoura, in Southwestern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/9jDNfJkmbn
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) August 25, 2024
Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation. In Cairo, Israeli and Hamas delegations resumed talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, which is seen as a potential avenue to reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for an immediate halt to Israeli airstrikes and urged the international community to push for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war. However, no significant progress has been reported so far.
WATCH how the IAF acted precisely today to stop a large-scale terrorist attack from Hezbollah.
Our operation in Lebanon targeted the terrorist infrastructure Hezbollah planned to use against us, protecting Israeli families and homes. pic.twitter.com/2J3sqAnFWB
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 25, 2024
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