Israeli Airstrikes Target Southern Lebanon, Resulting in Casualties and Destruction
One person was killed and a building was destroyed in southern Lebanon on Tuesday night as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the town of Kafr Kila, according to local media reports. This incident comes amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides engaging in military operations.
On Wednesday night, two people were killed and one wounded when an Israeli warplane targeted a house in the town of Yater. Additionally, an Israeli shell hit a house in the town of Aita Al-Shaab, causing it to burn down, although no casualties were reported.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has resumed its operations against the Israeli army as the conflict in Gaza continues. On Wednesday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli military site at Malikia with a Burkan missile, resulting in a direct hit. Another military site in Ramya was also targeted successfully.
Following these attacks, Hezbollah intensified its operations against the Israeli army. They targeted a naval site in Ras Al-Naqoura and launched an attack on the Shomera barracks. The Israeli media reported several rockets being launched from Lebanon towards Ras Al-Naqoura in western Galilee.
In response, forces from an Israeli military base in Al-Bayada fired on the eastern outskirts of the Lebanese town of Blida with machine guns. They also targeted nearby areas such as Ayta ash Shab with heavy gunfire, as well as the outskirts of the Lebanese town of Tarbikha.
Israeli airstrikes hit the outskirts of Naqoura, Al-Bustan, and Marwahin. Artillery fire targeted the outskirts of the towns of Aytaroun, Yaroun, and Al-Khiyam. The Israeli army confirmed that their warplanes attacked military infrastructure and a missile-launching site belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanese territory.
As a result of the clashes, Hezbollah reported that one of its fighters was killed, bringing the total death toll among their forces to 98.
Meanwhile, there have been intensive diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the conflict. Israeli radio station Kan Reshet Bet reported that there have been ongoing contacts to remove Hezbollah elements beyond the Litani River and increase the number of UNIFIL (UN Interim Force in Lebanon) forces in southern Lebanon. However, the chances of reaching a political solution are currently deemed low.
Israel has proposed removing Hezbollah fighters from the area south of the Litani River through the implementation or amendment of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to resolve the previous war between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah has responded by intensifying its operations from positions close to the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel established by the UN in 2000.
Lebanon’s Development and Liberation parliamentary bloc, allied with Hezbollah, has called on the Lebanese government to appeal to the international community to force Israel to cease its threats and attacks on Lebanon. They also demand that Israel respects Resolution 1701 and rejects any attempt to modify it.
International officials who have visited Lebanon recently have reported that Israel is attempting to establish a buffer zone along the border with Lebanon. There is ongoing debate in Beirut about possible moves to implement Resolution 1701, such as increasing the number of Lebanese Army troops in the south and enhancing the presence of UNIFIL forces.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue their military operations. Efforts for a diplomatic solution are ongoing, but the chances of success are uncertain at this time. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution.