Israeli military forces have intensified their strikes on Lebanon following a series of rocket and drone attacks by the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah. The escalation began early Monday when Hezbollah launched missiles into northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli retaliatory strikes targeted Hezbollah positions in Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahieh, and southern Lebanon.
Key Takeaways
Israeli military forces have intensified their strikes on Lebanon following a series of rocket and drone attacks by the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah. The escalation began after Hezbollah launched missiles into northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Israeli strikes target Hezbollah positions in Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon
- Lebanese Health Ministry reports at least 102 people killed and 638 wounded since the escalation began
- Tens of thousands of civilians flee their homes seeking safer areas
- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam bans Hezbollah's military activities, which the group rejects
- Israeli military warns residents in dozens of villages in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate immediately
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 102 people have been killed and 638 wounded since the escalation began. The conflict has triggered a wave of displacement, with tens of thousands of civilians fleeing their homes in search of safer areas. Residents from southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut's southern suburbs have sought refuge in shelters across the capital.
In response to the attacks, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced a ban on Hezbollah's military activities, stating that such actions are unlawful and must be restricted to political spheres. The government called upon security forces to prevent any military operations originating from Lebanese territory. However, Hezbollah rejected the ban, asserting its right to defend Lebanon against Israeli aggression.
The Israeli military has warned residents in dozens of villages in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate immediately due to planned strikes. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that Israel is keeping all options on the table, including a potential ground invasion of Lebanon. The Lebanese army reported redeploying troops from some border positions and arresting individuals carrying weapons without licenses.
The conflict has drawn international attention, with the U.S. embassy in Beirut advising American citizens to depart Lebanon immediately due to the volatile security situation. The escalation marks a significant deterioration in an already tense region, with fears of further widening of the conflict involving multiple regional actors.
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