Hezbollah Claims It Thwarted Israeli Advance on Southern Border

Hezbollah successfully repelled an attempt by Israeli forces to advance at a southern Lebanon border point on Thursday. They reported that this confrontation occurred at Fatima’s Gate, just one day after Israel confirmed the deaths of eight of its soldiers in the area.

On Wednesday, Israel had initiated “targeted ground raids” in southern Lebanon, during which Hezbollah claimed to have forced Israeli soldiers to retreat, using explosives against an Israeli unit and destroying three Merkava tanks with rockets near the village of Maroun al-Ras.

Israel conducted two brief incursions into Lebanon, urging residents to evacuate over 20 areas. They released footage purportedly showing their soldiers navigating through Lebanese villages and mountainous terrain on foot. To bolster their efforts, Israel deployed an additional military division.

 

Iran’s missile attack

Shortly after Israel commenced ground operations in Lebanon, Iran launched approximately 200 missiles, including hypersonic ones, prompting Israelis to seek shelter. Although Israel intercepted most missiles, two individuals were injured by shrapnel, and a school suffered damage. Some missiles hit air force bases in Israel but caused no casualties or damage.

In the West Bank city of Jericho, a Palestinian was tragically killed by debris from a rocket. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning in response to the attacks, emphasizing the consequences for aggressions against Israel. Despite the tensions, President Joe Biden affirmed U.S. support for Israel but dismissed the possibility of striking Iran’s nuclear sites.

Iran’s military leadership vowed to escalate their attacks if Israel retaliated. The Revolutionary Guards stated that the missile barrage was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah’s Nasrallah, Quds Force commander Abbas Nilforoushan, and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

 

Global reaction

The situation has caused significant international concern, affecting global markets and raising oil prices. The UN Secretary-General condemned Iran’s actions, while the G7 pledged to seek diplomatic resolutions to ease regional tensions.

Hezbollah initiated strikes on Israeli troops following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which precipitated an extensive Israeli military response in Gaza, resulting in significant civilian casualties.