On Tuesday, Hezbollah published footage from one of its reconnaissance drones flying over northern Israel, including the Haifa port. This video release coincided with Israel’s announcement that it had intercepted more suspected drones over the Western Galilee. The footage, which Hezbollah claims includes surveillance of sensitive military sites, was presented as a demonstration of the group’s surveillance capabilities.
📍Hezbollah broadcasts surveillance footage of residential and military sites in Northern Israel, including Haifa’s sea & airports.
Best “peekaboo I see you” moment ever.
— Sy (@call_me_Sy_) June 18, 2024
The footage appears to capture aerial views of Israel’s northern port city of Haifa, including a military site operated by Rafael, an Israeli defense technology company. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to the footage by indicating that a decision on engaging in an all-out war with Hezbollah could be imminent. Late Tuesday, Israeli generals confirmed they had approved plans for a potential offensive into Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s video, lasting nine minutes and 31 seconds, showed various strategic and civilian locations, including Haifa’s sea and airports. The exact timing of the footage remains unclear, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on its authenticity. In a statement on a pro-Iranian Telegram channel, Hezbollah claimed the footage also included images of Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling air defense systems, as well as other sensitive military sites.
In recent months, Hezbollah has increasingly used surveillance and explosive-laden drones against northern Israel. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, previously asserted that Hezbollah had been conducting surveillance flights over Haifa. This ongoing conflict has escalated since October 8, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel, with Hezbollah claiming solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The broadcast of the footage, showing both military and residential areas in Haifa, was seen as a threat amid ongoing cross-border hostilities. Israeli Foreign Minister Katz warned of severe consequences for Hezbollah and Lebanon in the event of a total war. Meanwhile, IDF confirmed it had shot down three drones over the Western Galilee on Tuesday and conducted strikes against Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon.
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