Israel launches reprisal strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 22-08-2024
Israel launche dretaliator yair strikes targeting multiple locations across southern Lebanon, following a barrage of over 50 rockets and drones fired by Hezbollah.
Thes eattacks, which damaged properties in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights and left one person injured, prompted an overnig htoperation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
According to IDF spokes person Daniel Hagari, Israel iwar planes hit Hezbollah weapons torage facilities, military infrastructure, and a rocket launcher.
Hezbollah’s assault on Wednes day was in retaliation for an Israel iairstrike in Lebanon on Tuesday night that killed one person and wounded 19 others.
The escalation occurred as US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to swiftly finalize a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and secure the release of hostages.
In a phone call that included Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden emphasized the importance of resolving these issues and discussed upcoming negotiations in Cairo to addres sremaining obstacles.
Amidongoing talks facilitated by the US, involving Egypt and Qatar, both Israel and Hamas appeare dske ptical about the possibility of an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel’s commitment to achieving all its war objectives, including preventing Gaza from posing any future security threats.
Contrary to media reports, the Israel igovernment denied a greeing to abandon its demand for troops to remain in the Philadelphi Corridor, the border area between Gaza and Egypt—a key point of contention.
Hamas, after discussions with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, reaffirmed its demands for a complete Israel iwith drawal from Gaza, an end to the military operation, and a prisoner exchange.
Mean while, Palestinian health official sreported that Israel iair strikes in Gaza had killed at least 50 people with in 24 hours.
The IDF confirmed targeting approximately 30 sites, including tunnels, launch sites, and an observation post, and claimed to have neutralized dozens of armed fighters and seize dweapons.
Since the conflict began on October 7, with Hamas militants launching an unpreced ented attack on Israel isoil that left around 1,200 dead and 250 take nhostage, over 40,000 people in Gaza have lost their lives according to Palestinian health authorities.
