Aerial Clashes Between Israel and Hezbollah – How the Conflict Unfolded
Israel deployed fighter jets to destroy numerous Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, which were positioned to target northern and central Israel. The Lebanon-based Hezbollah group launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel today after the Israeli military initiated pre-emptive strikes on targets in Lebanon, claiming they had detected Hezbollah’s preparations for “large-scale” attacks on Israeli territory.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), about 100 Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets targeted and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers aimed at Israel. More than 40 Hezbollah launch sites were struck in these operations. “We will do whatever is needed to defend our civilians and the State of Israel,” the IDF stated on X (formerly Twitter). Images surfaced showing an Israeli fighter jet deploying flares while attempting to intercept a hostile aircraft from Lebanon. Israel also conducted an airstrike on the town of Zibqin in southern Lebanon, with visuals showing smoke rising from the site. The IDF confirmed ongoing efforts to neutralize real-time threats, including striking additional Hezbollah launchers and a terrorist cell in the Khiam area.
Early Sunday morning, Israeli aircraft intercepted Hezbollah drones over northern Israel. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, stated that its militants launched a significant aerial attack with numerous drones crossing into Israel, followed by over 320 Katyusha rockets targeting 11 Israeli military sites. The group described this attack as a preliminary response to the killing of its military commander Fuad Shukr last month, claiming it ended in complete success.
In response to the situation, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency, and Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized that while Israel will respond to the on-ground developments, it does not seek a full-scale war.
For safety, flights at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv were briefly suspended. The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon and the UN special coordinator’s office called for an immediate ceasefire, expressing concern over the escalating violence.
The United States expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense, with National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett confirming ongoing communications between senior US and Israeli officials. “At President Joe Biden’s direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts. We will keep supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability,” Savett stated.
This latest escalation is part of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, triggering the Gaza war.