Aisha TukurOvernight Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched preemptive strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The IDF emphasized it will “do whatever is needed to defend our civilians and the State of Israel,” targeting more than 40 Hezbollah launch areas.
Overnight Sunday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initiated an extensive series of preemptive strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. According to a reportby Fox News, the operation began after the IDF detected Hezbollah’s preparations to launch missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In a statement, the IDF revealed that approximately 100 Israeli Air Force fighter jets were deployed to “strike and eliminate thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels” aimed directly at northern and central Israel. More than 40 Hezbollah launch areas were successfully hit during the operation.
The IDF continues its efforts to “thwart real-time threats,” with additional strikes targeting Hezbollah launchers and a terrorist cell in the Khiam area of southern Lebanon. IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed during a press briefing that the ongoing strikes are part of a proactive strategy to neutralize threats against Israel. “Our aerial defense systems, the Israeli Navy’s ships, and IAF planes are taking part in the mission of defending Israel’s skies, identifying and intercepting threats, and striking any place in Lebanon that is required to remove threats and hit Hezbollah,” Hagari stated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also addressed the situation during a meeting with cabinet members Sunday morning. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s resolve in defending its citizens and territory, stating, “We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes, and continue to uphold a simple rule: Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”
Meanwhile, Hezbollah released a statement claiming responsibility for launching an offensive against Israel, asserting that their military operation for the day had been “completed and accomplished.” However, the IDF’s proactive strikes appear to have disrupted Hezbollah’s planned attacks, as Israeli defense systems successfully intercepted several rockets and UAVs launched toward Israeli territory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also reached out to international counterparts on Sunday morning, urging global support for Israel’s defensive actions against Hezbollah. Katz highlighted that Israel is acting to protect its citizens and territory from what he described as “the axis of evil led by Iran,” which has openly declared its goal of destroying Israel. Despite the ongoing conflict, Katz made it clear that Israel does not seek an all-out war but is fully prepared to defend itself against any threats.
