Israeli fighter jets and artillery struck several targets in southern Lebanon overnight, the Israeli military said Thursday (19), amid heightened tensions following a massive attack on Hezbollah communications devices this week.
The army reported that the airstrikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons depot in the Khiam region.
Israeli media reported that some Israeli civilians were injured by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon, but there was no official confirmation.
These latest Israeli strikes come after a period of growing concern over the escalating conflict on Lebanon’s southern border, where Israeli forces have been exchanging fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah for months.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah fired about 20 projectiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted by air defense systems without causing injuries, the military said. About 10 missiles were fired at the Mount Hermon area in Golan Heights occupied by Israel, where the country maintains key surveillance, espionage and air defense facilities.
This week, dozens of people were killed and thousands were injured in a sophisticated attack that targeted communications devices used by Hezbollah operatives. Israel has not commented directly on the attack, which several security sources have blamed on Israel’s spy agency, Mossad.
Change of focus
On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the war Israel has been waging in Gaza since October last year, following an attack by Hamas-led militants in southern Israel, was entering a new phase, with the focus now shifting to the northern border.
He said more military units and resources were being sent to the border. Israeli officials said the forces being sent included the 98th Division, an elite formation of commandos and paratroopers who were already operating in Gaza.
Hezbollah launched a series of missiles at Israel the day after the Hamas attack on October 7, and the two sides have since exchanged fire constantly, without the confrontation escalating into a full-scale war.
However, tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from both sides of the border, and pressure has been mounting on the Israeli government to allow the evacuees to return safely to their homes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Wednesday to ensure the safe return of evacuated Israelis to their homes.
With information from Reuters
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/09/19/ataques-israelenses-atingem-varios-alvos-no-libano-apos-explosao-de-pagers/
