Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise after rocket barrage from Lebanon
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on Wednesday when Israeli towns and an army base came under what appeared to be the fiercest attacks from Lebanon since the confrontation began four months ago.
The attacks, presumed to be carried out by Hezbollah, prompted Israeli fighter jets to launch extensive strikes on the Iran-backed group’s positions.
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The missiles from Lebanon landed further into Israel than previous ones sent by Hezbollah. The group has been trading fire almost daily with Israel since its war with Hamas erupted in October, though those skirmishes have mostly been contained to the border area.
Many Israeli politicians, including members of cabinet, have been urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the army to act more aggressively against Hezbollah, the most powerful militia in the Middle East. It vows to destroy the Jewish state.
One woman was killed in the Wednesday assault, Israeli media reported, while emergency services said seven were wounded. While no group has claimed responsibility for the bombardment, the missiles came from an area largely controlled by Hezbollah.
The Israel Defense Forces said its airstrikes targeted Hezbollah military compounds and control rooms.
One person was killed and 10 others were wounded in a strike that damaged shops and homes in the southern Lebanese village of Adsheet, state-run National News Agency reported. Hezbollah said one if its fighters was killed.
“This isn’t just a dribble anymore, this is war,” Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, who’s long advocated a more aggressive stance against Hezbollah, said. “It is time to change the way we think.”
Other officials were more measured, but also implied Israel would retaliate aggressively.
“This morning we experienced a severe attack for which the response will come soon and with strength,” said Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet but who heads an opposition party. The reaction in markets was muted and the shekel held on to its gains for the day.
Gantz added the Lebanese government needed to take responsibility for Hezbollah’s actions.
Lebanon’s in economic crisis and lawmakers haven’t chosen a president for more than a year, while there’s only a prime minister in a caretaker capacity. The government has little control over Hezbollah, which is a political party as well as a militant group.
