Israel launches new wave of attacks in southern and eastern Lebanon

Israeli Forces Launch Attacks Across Southern Lebanon, Warn of Imminent Strikes on Tyre and Sidon

A series of attacks has been reported across southern and eastern Lebanon, with Israeli warplanes launching strikes overnight on the towns of Almajadel, Chaqra, Srifa, and in the Bekaa Valley. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli military warned residents of Tyre and Sidon of imminent strikes on military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah.

According to Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, the warning was posted on X, urging residents to evacuate immediately and move at least 300 meters away. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified since the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli strikes last week.

Reports indicate that the opposing forces have clashed in eastern Lebanon, while Israel has carried out attacks across Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from Zahrani in Lebanon that there is a battle for control over south Lebanon, with the Israeli military increasing its presence along the border and within Lebanese territory.

Israeli media have reported that Israel wants to expand its presence in southern Lebanon, expanding the buffer zone. However, Hezbollah has stated that it has repelled advances on several axes. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least four people in Bint Jbeil district, according to NNA.

Additionally, a Maronite Catholic priest, Father Pierre al-Rahi, was killed by Israeli tank fire in the village of Qlayaa in southern Lebanon. Lebanese media reported that al-Rahi was killed after an Israeli tank fired on his home for the second time, with several people rushing to help. The Israeli army has also announced that it has hit 30 sites belonging to the Al-Qard al-Hasan association in Lebanon, which is affiliated with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has responded by launching counterattacks, including a missile attack on central Israel and firing rockets at the Yiftah barracks near the border. At least 16 people were injured in the Hezbollah missile attack, according to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.

Source: Al Jazeera