Uneasy Calm Returns in Lebanon After Deadly, Tense Day

Israeli artillery shelled al-Jebbayn and Zebqine in southern Lebanon on Wednesday as global leaders sought to prevent the escalating tensions in the Middle East from sparking a regional war.

Overnight, artillery fire hit the outskirts of Shaqra and Baraachit, with flare bombs impacting villages along the blue line. The health ministry reported that a woman was injured in Shaqra.

Hezbollah responded on Wednesday by targeting the al-Raheb post with artillery shells.

On Tuesday, drone attacks by Hezbollah in northern Israel wounded at least 19 people, including six soldiers. Most injuries were caused by an Israeli interceptor rocket that missed its target and hit the ground.

New safety guidelines were issued in northern Israel, advising all residents to “avoid all non-vital activity and to stay near a safe area” until further notice.

Israeli strikes on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of six Hezbollah fighters, and low-flying Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut, causing buildings to shake and heightening anxiety among residents.

Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire for the past 10 months during the Gaza conflict.

Efforts to prevent a broader conflict continue across the region, following the recent killings of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has vowed to retaliate against Israel, stating, “no matter what the consequences are.”