The Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out several precision strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday, foiling what Israeli officials say was a large-scale attack. The strikes, which began at 5 a.m. local time, were part of a military operation aimed at neutralizing the growing threat posed by Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video of the operation, saying, “Our operation in Lebanon targeted the terrorist infrastructure that Hezbollah was planning to use against us, protecting Israeli families and homes.”
See how the Indian Air Force took precise action today to prevent a massive terrorist attack by Hezbollah.
Our operation in Lebanon targeted the terrorist infrastructure that Hezbollah planned to use against us, protecting Israeli families and homes. pic.twitter.com/2J3sqAnFWB
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 25, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his cabinet later that day, warning that the military action was not over yet. “We are striking a stunning, devastating blow at Hezbollah,” Netanyahu said. “This is another step toward changing the situation in the north and returning our residents safely to their homes. And, I repeat, this is not the final word.”
Netanyahu highlighted the success of the operation, saying the army had destroyed thousands of short-range rockets that were aimed at harming civilians and the military in Israel’s Galilee region. He also confirmed that the IDF had intercepted all drones launched by Hezbollah at a strategic target in central Israel, which Israeli media said was the headquarters of its spy agency Mossad.
More than 100 Israeli warplanes took part in the strikes, targeting thousands of Hezbollah missile launchers in southern Lebanon. The strikes were based on what Israeli officials described as “precise intelligence” indicating that Hezbollah was planning a massive missile attack on northern Israel, as well as drone attacks on key intelligence centers.
Immediately after the attacks, Israel declared a 48-hour state of emergency and temporarily closed its main airport, causing many flights to be cancelled. Despite Hezbollah’s retaliation, which fired more than 300 projectiles at Israel, damage was minimal. Israeli officials reported one soldier was killed by falling debris, while three deaths were reported in Lebanon.
Diplomatic efforts continued to ease the conflict sweeping the region. Talks in Cairo, aimed at establishing a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, proceeded as planned. However, the negotiations faced challenges, with Hamas accusing Israel of setting new conditions and prolonging the ceasefire talks.
