Israel-Hezbollah border clashes: What’s new?

On Tuesday, an Israeli drone targeted Mays al-Jabal, a southern Lebanese town, followed by Hezbollah’s announcement of a casualty from the area. This incident came after a series of overnight Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese towns of al-Khiam and Kfarkela. These strikes were in retaliation to Hezbollah’s seven assaults on Israeli positions in northern Israel and the occupied Kfarshouba Hills on Monday, which resulted in injuries to at least four Israeli soldiers.

This escalation is part of ongoing hostilities that have intensified since Hezbollah’s allied group, Hamas, attacked southern Israel on October 7, triggering a conflict in Gaza. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah confirmed on Monday that the group would persist in its support for Gaza as a means to compel Israel to cease its military actions in the region.

The conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement. Reports indicate that 410 individuals in Lebanon, predominantly militants but also including 79 civilians, have lost their lives due to this cross-border conflict, as per an AFP count. On the Israeli side, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 14 soldiers and nine civilians. Additionally, tens of thousands have been displaced in the affected areas on both sides of the border.