On Thursday, September 19, Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Lebanon, coinciding with a televised speech by Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The strikes followed the wave of mysterious explosions that targeted communication devices used by Hezbollah members, which had killed at least 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000 over the preceding days.
As Nasrallah addressed the nation on Thursday, Israeli fighter jets triggered sonic booms over Beirut, a tactic often employed to intimidate or unsettle populations in conflict zones. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they had struck multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, an area known for being a stronghold of the group. The airstrikes, which resumed in the afternoon after a brief pause, reportedly hit several military installations, though Hezbollah did not immediately confirm the extent of the damage.
BREAKING: Reports of intense Israeli fighter jet activity over Beirut, Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/SHLQLfEl4t
— The International Index (@theintlindex) September 19, 2024
Hezbollah has described these attacks as part of a larger “declaration of war” by Israel, with Nasrallah vowing to retaliate. In his speech, delivered from an undisclosed location, he warned that Israel had “crossed all controls, laws, and morals,” and that Hezbollah would take “severe and fair punishment” against Israeli forces. Nasrallah also alluded to the possibility of a ground invasion by Israel, which he said would present a “historic opportunity” for Hezbollah to engage in direct combat.
The Israeli government, while not confirming its role in the communication device attacks, has remained firm in its military response to Hezbollah’s activities. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a statement late on Thursday, indicating that Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah would continue. Gallant stressed the need to safeguard Israel’s northern communities, many of which have been evacuated or placed on high alert due to the ongoing hostilities. He emphasized that Hezbollah would “pay an increasing price” for its actions, hinting at a prolonged military campaign.
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