Israel conducted airstrikes on numerous sites inside Lebanon, while Hezbollah retaliated by launching hundreds of rockets into Israel early Sunday, escalating tensions at the northern border.
Hezbollah had been threatening a major attack in response to the killing of one of its commanders, Fuad Shukr, by Israel in Beirut. Israeli military leaders, anticipating the attack, targeted Hezbollah’s rocket launchers to minimize the impact. Despite destroying thousands of launchers with over 100 fighter jets, Hezbollah managed to launch hundreds of rockets and drones, causing minimal damage and injuries.
The escalation led to a temporary closure of Ben-Gurion Airport and heightened anxiety in Israel, already on edge since the assassinations of Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Both Iran and Hezbollah had promised a forceful response but had not yet acted.
A resident stands next to a house damaged by a rocket fired from Lebanon in the Israeli coastal town of Acre, Aug. 25, 2024. (Jack Guez / AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting its citizens and warned Lebanese civilians near Hezbollah sites to evacuate. The U.S. expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense and commitment to regional stability during the crisis.
After the flareup, both Israel and Hezbollah claimed success, with Hamas praising Hezbollah’s actions. While tensions seemed to ease temporarily, with Hezbollah announcing the end of its military activities for the day and Israel lifting its state of emergency, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that the incident was not the end.
The attacks coincided with ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, although hopes for a resolution are dwindling after months of talks.