On Sunday, Hezbollah launched approximately 40 rockets and several explosive-laden drones from Lebanon into northern Israel, following overnight Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah targets. This escalation marks a significant intensification in hostilities amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hezbollah’s attacks included two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that exploded near Katzrin in the Golan Heights, sparking a fire that was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported from this incident. In response, the IDF carried out airstrikes targeting a Hezbollah compound in Baalbek, northeastern Lebanon, and a building in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, along with command rooms in Qana and Baraachit.
Throughout Sunday, sirens sounded across various localities in northern Israel due to hostile aircraft intrusions. Later in the day, another barrage of at least 15 rockets targeted Katzrin, resulting in a large fire but no injuries. Additionally, 15 rockets were fired at Kiryat Shmona and eight at Margaliot, all intercepted by the IDF. However, a subsequent rocket attack on Kiryat Shmona lightly wounded two people and caused damage to several sites in the city.
The IDF conducted a retaliatory strike on a building in Houla, southern Lebanon, allegedly used by Hezbollah for launching attacks on Margaliot. Lebanese media reported that two shepherds were killed in this strike. Another building in Metula was damaged by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon.
During the day, multiple suspected drones from Lebanon crossed into Israel towards Nahariya, triggering sirens and prompting the IDF to launch interceptor missiles. One drone evaded interception and caused a small fire in Nahariya, which was extinguished without any injuries.
Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks, which began on October 8, have targeted Israeli communities and military posts near the border almost daily. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 10 Israeli civilians and 14 IDF soldiers and reservists. Hezbollah reported the deaths of 326 members, mostly in Lebanon, with some in Syria. Additionally, 62 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and dozens of civilians have been killed in Lebanon.
In light of the escalating conflict, Israel has expressed a willingness to explore diplomatic solutions but has also threatened full-scale war against Hezbollah to restore security in the north, where many civilians have been displaced. To prepare for potential further escalation, the IDF conducted a war simulation exercise over the past week, incorporating various scenarios of expanded and multi-front warfare.
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