Israel reportedly prepares for conflict expansion amid airstrikes in southern Lebanon
Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, igniting fires in several towns. This latest round of strikes reportedly follows the identification of Hezbollah’s preparations to launch rockets at Israel.
An Israeli military statement confirmed that fighter jets conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions. Social media platforms circulated images showing fires raging in the affected towns.
According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, over 50 airstrikes were executed within 40 minutes, primarily targeting hills, valleys, and riverbeds, including the Rumin Valley, the Deir ez-Zahrani area, and the outskirts of several towns such as al-Luweiza, Melih, and Kafr Melki.
Potential expansion of conflict
In response to the escalating situation, Major General Ori Gordin, Commander of the Israeli army’s northern command, held an assessment meeting with unit commanders deployed in northern Israel. The army’s statement noted that these assessments are part of preparations for a potential expansion of the conflict.
Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar announced that the air force is at the highest possible alert level. Additionally, new restrictions have been imposed on civilians in the Haifa area and further north.
Meanwhile, according to Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari, educational institutions and workplaces may only operate if adequate shelter is accessible. Gatherings have also been limited to 30 people outdoors and 300 indoors.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have sharply intensified in recent days, coinciding with escalating cross-border hostilities since the onset of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
The conflict has resulted in nearly 41,400 deaths, predominantly among women and children, following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7 last year.
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