Israel has entered a state of emergency for the next 48 hours following a significant escalation in tensions with Hezbollah on the Lebanon border, as declared by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. This follows the Israeli military’s preemptive strikes in Lebanon on Sunday, August 25, in response to what they identified as an imminent threat from the Iran-backed group. Hezbollah retaliated by firing over 150 projectiles towards Israeli territory.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the barrage, stating it was in response to the killing of its military commander, Fuad Shukr. Targets reportedly included a “special military target” and Israel’s Iron Dome platforms.
In the wake of this surge in hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening a high-level meeting at an undisclosed location to strategize on the unfolding situation. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, described the Israeli strikes as a necessary act of self-defense. According to Hagari, the IDF observed Hezbollah’s preparations to launch a missile and rocket attack on Israel, prompting the preemptive response. Israel fired 40 air-to-surface missiles at Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, urging residents in the affected areas to evacuate immediately.
Casualties have been reported in the aftermath. A woman in the Israeli coastal city of Acre sustained injuries from shrapnel and is receiving treatment at Bnai Zion Hospital in Haifa. The escalating conflict has also impacted air travel, leading to a temporary suspension of flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
The situation remains tense as both sides brace for further developments, and the international community watches closely. The Israeli government’s emergency declaration underscores the gravity of the conflict and the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent further casualties and disruptions.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/international/story/israel-declares-emergency-as-tensions-escalate-with-hezbollah-1078638-2024-08-25?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
