Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns of intensified military actions against Hezbollah, promising ‘surprising blows’ as tensions continue to rise along the Israel-Lebanon border.
More “surprising blows” are promised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israel’s preemptive strike on Hezbollah launch sites in southern Lebanon on Sunday, as he warns that it is only the beginning.
According to the Israeli military, they conducted preemptive strikes on a Lebanon-based militia as they believed that an attack by Hezbollah was about to happen. IDF intelligence oversaw approximately 100 Israeli Air Force fighter jets which destroyed numerous rocket launchers belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
To avenge the death of their top commander, Fouad Shukr, who was killed in an airstrike on Beirut last month; the Islamic paramilitary group fired hundreds of rockets at Israel thereafter.
“On Sunday, Netanyahu informed a government meeting that what occurred today is not the conclusion of the tale,” was his statement.
He declared, “Our assaults on Hezbollah have been exceptionally forceful. Just three weeks ago, we terminated the service of its head [Fuad Shukr], and now we’ve prevented their plot to attack.”
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Numerous media sources reported that the US intelligence aided in preventing the Hezbollah assault, however, Washington did not play a hands-on role in the Israeli mission.
The Israeli prime minister stated that the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader must be made aware that this is another measure towards altering the state in north Israel and ensuring a safe return for its inhabitants to their residences.
In a statement, Nasrallah declared that the initial stage of their retaliation had been accomplished triumphantly. He further stated that Hezbollah would evaluate the consequences of their attacks and could potentially launch additional actions at a later date if deemed necessary.
Sean Savett, the spokesperson for White House National Security Council announced that US President Joe Biden is keeping a close track of happenings in Israel and Lebanon.
Savett reiterated that they will continue to uphold Israel’s ability to protect itself and strive for stability in the region.
Two aircraft carrier strike groups have been deployed by the US to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East.
Since the commencement of the war with Hamas in Gaza last October, Israel and Hezbollah have frequently engaged in cross-border artillery and rocket fire. However, to date, they have refrained from engaging in a complete direct confrontation.
