Hezbollah launched a significant rocket barrage towards northern Israel on Friday morning, resulting in the tragic death of an Israeli soldier and severe injuries to another. The attack heightened tensions as Israel cautioned that Hezbollah’s actions were jeopardizing Lebanon’s future.
Approximately 20 rockets were fired from Lebanon, targeting areas near the communities of Shomera and Shtula, situated close to the northern border. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that one soldier was killed and another seriously wounded at a military position near Shtula.
The deceased soldier was identified as Sgt. Amit Hod Ziv, 19, belonging to the 188th Armored Brigade’s 71st Battalion, hailing from Rosh Haayin. The injured soldier, from the same unit, was hospitalized in serious condition.
In response to the rocket attacks, claimed by Hezbollah, the IDF conducted airstrikes on various sites affiliated with the terror group in Lebanon. Targets included military compounds housing Hezbollah members and other infrastructure.
The IDF also shelled the rocket launch sites using artillery. The escalation follows warnings from Israel that it will not tolerate Hezbollah’s presence along the northern frontier, particularly after the October 7 massacre orchestrated by Hamas, resulting in numerous casualties and kidnappings.
The IDF spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of putting Lebanon at risk and emphasized the need to distance the group from the border. International efforts have been made to prevent further escalation, with officials from the US and France engaging in diplomatic endeavors in the region.
Hezbollah’s aggression continued with an anti-tank missile attack on the northern town of Dovev, causing injuries to Israeli civilians. Simultaneously, a suspected enemy drone infiltration prompted alerts in other towns in the Upper Galilee.
The IDF responded with airstrikes against Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon, targeting rocket launch sites, military buildings, and other infrastructure. The border skirmishes, ongoing since October 7, have resulted in civilian and military casualties on both sides.
Hezbollah has claimed to act in support of Gaza amid the conflict there, intensifying hostilities along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The situation remains volatile, prompting concerns about the broader implications for regional stability.
