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Israel launched intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon early on Sunday, targeting Hezbollah in what it described as a pre-emptive strike to prevent a large-scale attack on Israeli civilians.
“In a self-defence act to remove these threats, the (Israeli military) is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians,” Rear adm Daniel Hagari of the Israeli military said.
"We can see that Hezbollah is preparing to launch an extensive attack on Israel, while endangering the Lebanese civilians.”
Hezbollah, which had vowed retaliation for Israel's assassination of a top commander last month, responded with a drone assault on Israel, targeting military sites and Iron Dome platforms.
The escalation has raised fears of a broader war in the region, potentially undermining cease-fire talks in Gaza.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defense minister Yoav Gallant are overseeing the operation from Tel Aviv, with Mr Gallant declaring a "special situation on the home front."
Both Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire almost daily since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, displacing tens of thousands on both sides and edging closer to all-out war.
Key Points
- Israel launches heavy airstrikes on Lebanon, Hezbollah retaliates
- Biden ‘closely monitoring’ events in Israel and Lebanon
- Israel's main international airport returns to operations after shutdown
Biden ‘closely monitoring’ events in Israel and Lebanon
In the US, a spokesman for the National Security Council, Sean Savett, said president Joe Biden was "closely monitoring events in Israel and Lebanon.
"At his direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts," Savett said. "We will keep supporting Israel's right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability."
In recent weeks, diplomats from the US and Europe have made numerous visits to Israel and Lebanon, trying to prevent the escalation from spiralling into a regional war that could draw in the US and Iran.
Stuti Mishra25 August 2024 05:54 1724561103Israel's main international airport returns to operations after shutdown
Israel's main international airport, Ben Gurion, was returning to normal operations early on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Israeli Airport Authority said in a statement.
“According to the assessment of the situation, Israel Airport is expected to return to operations ... including takeoffs and landings," the spokesperson said.
The airport was shut down temporarily amid the strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, during which time some planes were diverted to alternative airports, the spokesperson said.
Stuti Mishra25 August 2024 05:45 1724560802Israel launches heavy airstrikes on Lebanon, Hezbollah retaliates
Israel launched intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon early Sunday, targeting Hezbollah in what it described as a pre-emptive strike to prevent a large-scale attack on Israeli civilians.
“In a self-defence act to remove these threats, the (Israeli military) is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians,” Rear adm Daniel Hagari of the Israeli military said.
“We can see that Hezbollah is preparing to launch an extensive attack on Israel, while endangering the Lebanese civilians.”
Hezbollah, which had vowed retaliation for Israel’s assassination of a top commander last month, responded with a drone assault on Israel, targeting military sites and Iron Dome platforms.
The escalation has raised fears of a broader war in the region, potentially undermining cease-fire talks in Gaza.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defense minister Yoav Gallant are overseeing the operation from Tel Aviv, with Gallant declaring a “special situation on the home front.”
Both Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire almost daily since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, displacing tens of thousands on both sides and edging closer to all-out war.
Welcome to The Independent’s live blog with all the latest updates from the Middle East where Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged strikes. Stay tuned for the latest!
Stuti Mishra25 August 2024 05:37Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
