Hezbollah Retaliates: Israel and Lebanon Face Most Intense Clashes in Years

On August 25, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivered a video speech emphasizing that the current escalation of tensions is entirely the responsibility of Israel. This statement came after a series of intense clashes between Israel and Hezbollah forces. Nasrallah asserted that Hezbollah's recent attacks on Israeli targets were retaliation for the assassination of one of its high-ranking military commanders, Fuad Shukur, by Israeli forces. On the same day, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they had conducted preemptive strikes on multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. These strikes were a response to intelligence that suggested Hezbollah was planning large-scale attacks on Israel. The IDF claimed these actions successfully thwarted an imminent threat to Israeli security. Local sources in Lebanon reported that Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire targeted 23 towns, launching approximately 70 air-to-ground missiles and 50 artillery shells. The Lebanese National News Agency highlighted the extensive damage caused to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural areas, particularly affecting power and water supply systems. The airstrikes are described as the most severe since the conflict between Lebanon and Israel resumed late last year. Hezbollah announced that their initial phase of attacks targeted Israeli military bases in northern Israel and the Golan Heights, launching over 320 rockets. The group claimed these attacks marked a successful beginning to their retaliation. Consequently, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour emergency state across Israel, prompting a heightened state of alert in several northern towns and the activation of air-raid sirens in areas like Shemona and Akko. The head of Israel's Home Front Command issued defense guidelines for civilians in Tel Aviv and northern regions. Some flights at Ben Gurion International Airport were temporarily suspended. Emergency services reported that one person in Akko was injured by rocket shrapnel and has been hospitalized. In a parallel development, the Israeli Air Force released a statement saying that its operations had prevented Hezbollah’s imminent attack, emphasizing precision strikes on strategic targets. Defense Minister Gallant reiterated that Israel's actions were aligned with their right to self-defense and aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s capabilities. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, emphasized that Israel is not interested in escalating into a full-scale war but is committed to neutralizing threats. The situation remains fluid, with both sides monitoring developments closely.