The fighting on the Lebanese-Israeli border continues to escalate shortly before Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah’s planned first speech since the outbreak of the Gaza war. In response to shelling from Lebanon, Israel’s army said it attacked military positions of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in the evening.
The military announced on Thursday that the targets were, among other things, command and control centers and weapons depots. Israeli forces also attacked a military site used by Hezbollah. The army emphasized that the Shiite militia Hezbollah was “responsible for the current situation in Lebanon.”
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 19 attacks against Israeli posts near the border. The Shiite organization had also previously stated that it had hit an Israeli “spy system.”
In the Israeli border town of Kiriat Shmona, two people were injured when a rocket from Lebanon hit, Israeli media reported, citing the Magen David Adom rescue service. The explosion in a shopping area caused serious damage. Cars and shops were on fire. Hamas in Lebanon claimed responsibility for the attack. The Islamists fired twelve rockets into the city. Israel announced around two weeks ago that it would evacuate the northern border town with around 22,000 residents because of the ongoing fighting.
Israel with soldiers on the northern border
Israel’s military also said it had large numbers of soldiers and reservists on the northern border. The armed forces are ready to “respond immediately and forcefully to any attack by Hezbollah.”
Since the Gaza war broke out on October 7th, there have been repeated violent incidents on the border between Israel and Lebanon between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia and the Israeli army, with deaths on both sides. There are concerns that the war could spread to Lebanon and other countries in the region. Hezbollah has ties to the Islamist Hamas, which rules in the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s first speech since the outbreak of war is expected on Friday. A memorial ceremony for killed Hezbollah fighters has been announced.
