According to a statement by Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), today’s airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon were initiated based on intelligence indicating an imminent attackagainst Israel. These strikes mark the beginning of what is expected to be a period of heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Key Points from the IDF Statement:
- Intelligence Gathering: The IDF had gathered intelligence that showed Hezbollah was in the final stages of planning an imminent attack on Israeli targets. This intelligence prompted the preemptive strikes across Hezbollah-controlled regions in southern Lebanon.
- Large-Scale Strikes: Hagari emphasized that these initial attacks are part of a broader military strategy. He confirmed that additional large-scale strikes are planned for the near future, targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure across Lebanon.
- Evacuation Warnings: Lebanese civilians living near Hezbollah sites have been urged to immediately evacuatethese areas, as they are likely to be the focus of future Israeli strikes. The IDF is making efforts to limit civilian casualties by issuing these warnings ahead of time.
- Day of Heavy Fighting: The IDF Homefront Command has informed local and regional authorities in northern Israel to prepare for a day of intense fighting, indicating that clashes with Hezbollah forces are expected to escalate. Israeli residents in the north have also been advised to take shelter and follow safety instructions as the situation develops.
These developments follow weeks of rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, and today’s strikes reflect a broader strategy by Israel to neutralize Hezbollah’s military capabilities in southern Lebanon. Both Israeli and Lebanese civilians are being affected, with heightened security measures on both sides of the border.
This military escalation comes amid growing concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict, as both sides prepare for an extended period of hostilities.