The Israel Defense Forces have launched attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border exchanges of fire, sparking concerns that the conflict could escalate broadly.
Major General Eyal Samir, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), confirmed that Israel has begun proactive operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and that the fighting could last several days.
He stated that Israel will no longer remain on the defensive but will continue offensive strikes, preparing for sustained waves of both defense and attack, emphasizing the military's need to be ready for a conflict that could extend for several days.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Health disclosed that Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon have resulted in at least 31 deaths and 149 injuries.
However, these figures are preliminary and may change as the situation is further assessed.
Prior to the announcement of the new offensive, senior Israeli military officials warned that Hezbollah would suffer heavy losses due to attacks on Israeli civilians.
Rafi Milo, commander of the IDF's Northern Command, stated in a declaration that Hezbollah has chosen to side with Iran over Lebanon's national interests and was the first to attack Israeli civilians.
He affirmed that Israel will continue to protect people in the northern region and will not evacuate them from the area, while the military is evacuating civilians from southern Lebanon ahead of further strikes, adding that the intensity of attacks will increase.
The clashes between Israel and Hezbollah come at a time when the Middle East is shaken by attacks on Iran, heightening the risk that the conflict could spread to multiple countries.
Analysts suggest that if the attacks continue for several days as the Israeli military has indicated, the region may enter a new period of instability that will be difficult to control, potentially affecting stability in Lebanon, Israel, and the surrounding Gulf countries in the future.
Source:BBC
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