Israel preempts a major Hezbollah offensive and attacks Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirms the goal of restoring security in the north of the country.
In anticipation of a major Hezbollah attack, the air force launched a massive preemptive strike against the terrorist group's positions early Sunday morning. Around one hundred fighter jets targeted "thousands" of rocket launchers in 40 areas across Lebanon. These launchers were intended to be used minutes later, at approximately 5:00 a.m. local time, in an attack on Israel.
Despite Israeli shelling, Hezbollah managed to fire approximately 230 rockets and 20 drones at Israel. Several residential buildings were damaged. An Israeli sailor was killed as a result of a missile defense malfunction.
Prevention thanks to intelligence work
In the two days leading up to the attack, Israel and the US had received intelligence about an impending major offensive. Hezbollah intends to retaliate for the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shuker in Beirut at the end of July.
According to the findings, the terrorists intended to attack not only northern Israel, but also the central part of the country with precision missiles. The target list also included the headquarters of the Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency, and Army Unit 8200, which is responsible for reconnaissance. Both facilities are located north of Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu: Change the situation in the north
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud) said at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting that the strike against Hezbollah was "not the end of the story." He described it as "another step toward changing the situation in the north and allowing our citizens to return home safely.".
The government did not meet in Jerusalem on Sunday, but rather at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense and the army in Kirya, Tel Aviv. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (Likud) had already stated at the beginning of last week that the focus of the fighting was shifting from the Gaza Strip to Lebanon.
Coordination with the USA
According to media reports, the preemptive strike was coordinated with the US. Gallant spoke by phone with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin (independent), about it. Washington reportedly gave the go-ahead but also urged that escalation be avoided.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah viewed his militia's attack as a "victory." In a speech, he claimed that Israel was concealing the extent of the damage; furthermore, he asserted that the air force had only hit "empty valleys" except for two missile launchers.
Months of attacks
Since the start of the war, tens of thousands of residents in the north have been forced to leave their homes due to constant drone and rocket attacks. In addition, numerous natural areas and agricultural land have fallen victim to the flames.
According to the army, Hezbollah has fired 6,700 rockets, drones, and other projectiles at Israel since October 8. A particularly egregious example was the killing of twelve children and teenagers who were playing on a soccer field in Majdal Shams.
Given the situation, Education Minister Yoav Kish (Likud) had already announced on July 23 that schools in the north would remain closed. The new school year begins in Israel on September 1; the evacuated students will attend classes wherever they happen to be. (Israelnetz)
