Escalation of Hostilities: Israel Strikes South Lebanon, Hezbollah Responds with Explosive Drones and Rockets

Israel and Hezbollah Escalate Conflict with Heavy Airstrikes and Explosive Attacks

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel carried out heavy airstrikes in south Lebanon while Hezbollah launched explosive drones and powerful rockets at Israeli targets on Wednesday. The clashes resulted in the deaths of three people in Lebanon, according to security sources.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has been ongoing since October, running parallel to the Gaza war. Tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border have been displaced, raising concerns of a larger war between the heavily armed adversaries.

The Israeli military confirmed hitting military structures and infrastructure belonging to the Iran-backed Hezbollah in three locations in south Lebanon. More than 20 strikes targeted Hezbollah positions in the Ramyeh area. In response, Hezbollah claimed to have launched explosive drones at a military headquarters in the Israeli border town of Ya’ara and fired powerful Burkan rockets at a barracks in Biranit.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported Israeli strikes on 28 towns and villages in south Lebanon, a stronghold of Hezbollah. The Israeli military’s use of powerful munitions suggested an attempt to target Hezbollah underground bunkers.

The displacement of tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border has fueled calls for stronger military action. In Israel, around 60,000 people have been displaced, while in Lebanon, approximately 90,000 people have been affected by the Israeli strikes.

The United States and France have been working to defuse the conflict through diplomacy. However, the situation remains tense, with casualties on both sides. More than 250 Hezbollah members and 75 civilians have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon since October, while in Israel, around 20 people, including soldiers and civilians, have lost their lives.

The Israeli military has been preparing for a possible war with Hezbollah, focusing on logistics and mobilization of reservists. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the coming days.