Israel Strikes Lebanon After Hezbollah Chief’s Vow of Revenge.

IDF Airstrikes: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the destruction of over 100 rocket launchers prepared for imminent attacks from Hezbollah. These launchers were located throughout southern Lebanon and contained around 1,000 rocket barrels. Several Hezbollah facilities and a weapons depot were also targeted.Hezbollah’s Response: The airstrikes followed a day after Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, publicly vowed revenge for what he labeled unprecedented and deadly attacks against Hezbollah operatives, which resulted in 37 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries.Warning of Retribution: Nasrallah described the Israeli strikes as a “massacre” and warned of “tough retribution and just punishment,” claiming Israel would be targeted in unexpected ways. His speech was accompanied by Israeli fighter jets flying over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier.New Phase of Conflict: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that Israel is entering a “new phase in the war,” with the focus shifting from Gaza to the northern border with Lebanon.Hezbollah’s Alliance: Backed by Iran, Hezbollah has been a key ally of Hamas in the ongoing conflict following the October 7 attacks, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians. This has expanded the conflict into a regional confrontation, with Hezbollah conducting daily attacks on Israeli communities.Civilian Impact: The exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border have led to mass evacuations, with tens of thousands of civilians displaced. Strict military guidelines are in place for communities in northern Israel, urging residents to remain close to bomb shelters and limit outdoor movement.Opportunities and Risks: Gallant noted that while there are “significant opportunities,” there are also considerable risks in this new phase. He stated that Hezbollah “feels persecuted” and would pay a “heavy price” for its aggression.Damage from Attacks: The IDF airstrikes followed a substantial rocket barrage from Hezbollah, causing significant damage in Metula, an Israeli town along the border. Homes were destroyed, and fires were ignited, though no casualties were reported.Calls for Restraint: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning against actions that could escalate the conflict further. The Biden administration is working to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza while also addressing the growing tensions with Hezbollah.Lebanon’s Condemnation: Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, condemned the Israeli airstrikes as a “blatant assault on Lebanon’s sovereignty and security,” warning that such escalations could lead to a broader regional conflict. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also vowed a “crushing response” to Israel’s actions.