Tensions between Lebanon and Israel have once again reached a dangerous turning point. According to media reports, on Thursday the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for the Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon and several towns in southern Lebanon before launching large-scale airstrikes. In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket, missile, and explosive drone attacks.
The Israeli military warned residents of Labbaya, Sohmor, Tafahata, Kfar Melki, Yahmar, Ain al-Tineh, Houmine al-Fouqa, and Mazraat Sinai to evacuate the area. Shortly afterward, airstrikes were carried out in several areas of southern Lebanon.
According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli attacks targeted towns such as Tafahata, Zibqin, Siddiqine, Mansouri, and Kafra. Attacks were also carried out on Labbaya and Sohmor in western Bekaa. In addition, the areas of Ain al-Tineh, Jour Heights, Haddatha, Kfar Melki, and Qsaibeh were bombed. Drone strikes also targeted the outskirts of Jarjouh and Zrariyeh, while two separate attacks were reported on the town of Froun.
On the other hand, Hezbollah claimed that it carried out rocket and artillery attacks on Israeli forces positioned inside a house in Deir Siryan in southern Lebanon. The group also said it launched a barrage of rockets at Israeli troops advancing from Bayyada toward Naqoura.
According to Hezbollah, it targeted a Merkava tank with a guided missile near the outskirts of Kfarkela in the Tal Nahas area, claiming a direct hit. The group also claimed to have carried out two explosive drone attacks targeting another Merkava tank in the town of Houla and technical equipment in the city of Khiam. Hezbollah further said that a drone strike was carried out on a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the city of Bint Jbeil.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 22 people were killed in Israeli attacks in Mount Lebanon and southern Lebanon.
According to the report, despite the ceasefire that came into effect on April 17 and the subsequent talks held in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli representatives, the Israeli military has continued its operations in southern Lebanon. These developments come at a time when a new round of talks between the two sides is proposed to take place in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.
Meanwhile, three Israelis were injured in a Hezbollah drone attack in the Ras Naqoura area. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, two of them are in serious condition. A report by Channel 12 stated that two of the injured were employees associated with a contracting company.
The Israeli Army Radio reported that the warning sirens in Ras Naqoura failed to activate, and the air defense system was unable to intercept the drone. The drone exploded near a military site.
Yedioth Ahronoth, citing a source, claimed that the number of Israelis injured in Hezbollah drone attacks over the past two weeks has risen to 17. Meanwhile, an official at Rambam Health Care Campus said that most soldiers injured in the drone attacks suffered wounds to the face, neck, and hands.
According to the newspaper, a military source acknowledged that Israeli soldiers stationed in Lebanon are living under the constant fear of drone attacks, and that the army has so far failed to find an effective way to stop them. Security sources said that there is currently no completely successful solution to drone attacks, although soldiers are being provided with additional protective equipment.