Hezbollah’s rocket barrage hits Israel: US reinforces, airlines ground flights

The recent assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has triggered a significant escalation in Middle East tensions, with Iran and its proxies vowing retaliation against Israel.

This has led to heightened security concerns and a series of rapid responses from global airlines and military forces.

The big picture

US response: The Pentagon announced the deployment of additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East, aiming to deter Iranian-backed militias from escalating attacks on Israel.

Airline suspensions: Major airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines, have suspended flights to Israel and Lebanon, citing security concerns.

• United Airlines and Delta suspended flights to Israel until Aug. 6.
• Swiss International extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut until Aug. 8 and Aug. 12, respectively.
• Lufthansa also halted flights to both cities until mid-August.
• Air France canceled flights to Beirut until Aug. 6, with similar suspensions by Air India, ITA Airways and others.
• KLM canceled all flights to and from Israel until Oct. 26.
• Countries including the U.S., U.K. and Sweden have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon because of the escalating conflict.

State of play

Hezbollah’s rocket barrage: Hezbollah fired around 50 rockets from Lebanon into Israel’s upper Galilee region, with Israel’s Iron Dome intercepting most of them. The group claimed the attack was a response to Israeli strikes that killed civilians in 2 villages in southern Lebanon.

• The attack targeted the settlement of Beit Hillel for the first time, causing no injuries.
• Israel responded with airstrikes and artillery shelling on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, including the town of Marjayoun.

Casualties in Lebanon: An Israeli airstrike on Lebanon’s southern region resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl and injured six civilians, some critically. The attack occurred in the village of Deir Siryan, near the Israeli border.

Background

• Assassinations fuel tensions: The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut has fueled the conflict. Both Israel and Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate, with Iran threatening strikes against Israel.
• Israeli airstrikes: Israel’s ongoing airstrikes have killed 5 people in southern Beirut, including Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, and injured several others.
• Broader impact: The conflict has spread to other regions, with Israel’s strikes on the Golan Heights killing 12 and wounding 35. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with fears of a broader regional war.

Zoom in

• US and allies on alert: The U.S. has advised its citizens to leave Lebanon and is coordinating with allies to monitor the situation. The Biden administration is closely watching Iran’s actions and the potential for further escalation.
• Diplomatic reactions: Countries like Sweden have relocated their embassy staff from Beirut to Cyprus and are advising citizens to leave Lebanon immediately.