Israeli Artillery Shelling Intensifies in Lebanese Border Towns
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, with Israeli artillery shelling intensifying in various Lebanese border towns. Reports have emerged of the Israeli army using phosphorus bombs in the shelling of the outskirts of Khiam. The Iron Dome intercepted 20 missiles fired from southern Lebanon towards the Galilee Panhandle, according to Israeli Channel 14. In addition, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes in forested and plain areas near Aitaroun and Maroun Al-Ras.
One of the targets of the Israeli military was a house located in the town center of Aita Al-Shaab, which belongs to Lebanese citizen Haidar Srour. Srour and his family had evacuated at the start of the escalations on the border. This is not the first time the house has been targeted, as it was also hit in a previous raid. A mosque in the town of Jebbayn was also bombed by an Israeli drone, causing damage to the structure.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also subjected several regions to artillery shelling, including Alma Al-Shaab, Naqoura, Chihine, Marwahin, Wadi Saluki, and Mays Al-Jabal. The town of Taybeh experienced a power outage due to a targeted attack on the high-voltage transmission network supplying the area. Lebanon’s southern border is divided into three sectors known as the Blue Line, with the east sector being strategically important due to its disputed mountain villages.
Reports have emerged of unknown callers contacting homeowners in the southern region and asking them to evacuate before shelling occurs. Political analyst Ali Al-Amin believes that while this may indicate that the Israeli army is not intentionally targeting civilians, it does not mean they are showing mercy either. Al-Amin suggests that the Israeli army may have access to communication data in southern Lebanon, allowing them to contact residents directly.
Hezbollah, on the other hand, announced that it targeted the Yiftah outpost and a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in its surroundings. The group also targeted the Israeli forces near the Shomera outpost. In response, Israeli fighter jets struck Hezbollah’s infrastructure and military buildings inside Lebanon. The Israeli army detected the launching of a rocket from Lebanon towards the Shomera region on the Lebanese border.
The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with Hezbollah announcing the deaths of several fighters. Ahmad Hassan Moukahal, from Jouaya village in southern Lebanon, was reported as one of the casualties. This brings the total number of Hezbollah fighters killed since the violence broke out on October 8 to 101 as of Thursday afternoon.
The technological advancements possessed by the Israeli army have allowed them to accurately hit targets, surprising Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah may have achieved field gains through its tactics to mitigate losses. The situation remains tense, with both sides continuing to engage in military actions.
As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. Efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution are crucial to prevent further loss of life and damage to infrastructure. The impact of the conflict extends beyond the immediate region, with neighboring countries also feeling the effects. It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a lasting peace in the region.