Tensions between Israeli and Hezbollah forces have surged following the killing of Hezbollah’s military commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut by Tel Aviv. This escalation comes after the burial of Ismael Haniyeh in Doha on Friday, following his death in Tehran earlier in the week at the hands of Israel.
Hezbollah has reported launching a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli warplane, which caused the aircraft to retreat. The group also claimed responsibility for two artillery attacks and two rocket strikes on Israeli military positions in northern Israel.
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In response, the Israeli military announced intercepting an aerial target from Lebanon into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli airstrikes and artillery also targeted several villages in southern Lebanon on Friday, with Lebanese state media reporting casualties from these attacks.
On Tuesday, Israel’s military had conducted an airstrike on Beirut, killing Hezbollah’s top commander, Fuad Shukr, along with an Iranian military adviser and five civilians. This was in retaliation for a rocket attack by Hezbollah that killed 12 young people, which Israel blamed on the group.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah vowed a significant retaliation against Israel, emphasizing that their response would be carefully planned rather than symbolic. He also criticized Israel for crossing “red lines” and indicated that further escalation would depend on Israel’s actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured that Israel is prepared for any retaliatory actions from Iran and its allies, stating that the country is ready to handle any scenario and would impose a heavy toll for any aggression.
This exchange of fire comes amid Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, initiated after a Hamas attack in October 2023, raising concerns about a potential full-scale regional conflict. This marks the second Israeli assault on Beirut this year, with a prior strike in January killing Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri.
