Israel has dramatically intensified its military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, launching over a thousand airstrikes in a single day.
According to ABC News, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted more than 1,300 strikes on targets in southern Lebanon on September 23, 2024.
The expanded campaign resulted in a high number of casualties, with Lebanese authorities reporting 492 deaths and over 1,600 injuries. Among the victims were 35 children and 58 women, as stated by the Lebanon Ministry of Public Health.
Israeli Prime Minister Vows To Eliminate Threats
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the intensified military action, emphasizing Israel's proactive approach to security threats.
Netanyahu stated:
For those who have not yet understood, I want to clarify Israel's policy -- we do not wait for a threat, we anticipate it. Everywhere, in every arena, at any time. We eliminate senior officials, eliminate terrorists, eliminate missiles -- and our hands are bent.
The Prime Minister's words underscore Israel's determination to change what he described as "the security balance, the balance of power in the North."
In addition to the widespread strikes in southern Lebanon, Israel conducted a targeted operation in Beirut. This attack, aimed at senior Hezbollah commander Ali Karaki, injured at least six people in a residential building in the Bir al-Abd suburb, according to Lebanese state media.
Hezbollah Retaliates With Rocket Attacks
The conflict has not been one-sided, with Hezbollah responding to Israeli strikes by launching numerous rockets into northern Israel. The IDF reported that approximately 250 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israel on September 23 alone, with about 700 launches occurring in the preceding week.
Israeli emergency services reported injuries from these attacks, including one man hurt by shrapnel in the Lower Galilee area and another lightly injured while seeking shelter.
The escalating violence has prompted Israel to issue warnings to Lebanese civilians residing in areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari urged residents to evacuate immediately for their safety as Israel planned to expand its strikes to include targets in the eastern Bekaa Valley.
Diplomatic Efforts And International Concern
As the situation intensifies, international stakeholders are closely monitoring developments and calling for restraint. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, reaffirming America's support for Israel's right to self-defense while emphasizing the importance of finding a diplomatic solution.
The U.S. State Department has reissued its Level 4 "do not travel" warning for Lebanon, citing recent explosions throughout the country, including in Beirut. American citizens have been advised to leave Lebanon while commercial options are still available, though at reduced capacity.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz framed the conflict in stark terms, accusing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah of taking the people of Lebanon hostage by placing weapons in civilian areas. Katz stated:
The people of Lebanon must evacuate any home turned into a Hezbollah outpost to avoid harm. We will not stop until the threat is removed from Israel's citizens and the residents of the north return safely to their homes.
In conclusion, Israel's expanded military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon marks a significant escalation in the long-standing border conflict. With over 1,300 targets struck in a single day, resulting in hundreds of casualties, the situation remains volatile. As Israel vows to continue its operations and Hezbollah pledges to retaliate, the international community watches closely, hoping for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further escalation in an already tense region.
