Israel Strikes Lebanon to Thwart Hezbollah Attack on Mossad HQ – Latest News
Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Sunday in an effort to prevent a “large-scale” attack that included plans to strike the Mossad headquarters. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that 100 fighter jets targeted thousands of rocket launchers aimed at central and northern Israel, while Hezbollah claimed to have launched 320 missiles and drones in an early morning assault. According to Western intelligence officials cited by The New York Times, the rocket launchers targeted by Israel were set to fire at 5 am local time. The IDF stated that Hezbollah was intending to attack the Glilot base in central Israel, which houses several IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters. Initial assessments indicated minimal damage in Israel from Hezbollah’s rocket fire, but the military remained on high alert.
Hezbollah Disputes Israeli Claims
In response to Israel’s actions, Hezbollah released a statement asserting that the first stage of its attack had concluded and challenging Israel’s assertions of successfully thwarting their assault. The ongoing tensions in the region stem from Iran’s promise of retaliation for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran. The escalating situation has put Israel and the West on edge, with fears of further violence and conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli Delegation Headed to Cairo for Ceasefire Talks
Despite the recent clashes, Israel is continuing with plans to send negotiators to Cairo for ceasefire discussions with Hamas, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar. The United States has been advocating for a truce in Gaza to prevent direct attacks from Iran on Israel. The decision to proceed with the delegation’s trip to Cairo signals an attempt to ease tensions in the region. Hamas leaders are also present in Cairo, though their participation in the talks remains uncertain.
Impact of Hezbollah Attack in Northern Israel
Reports from early damage assessments in Israeli media support the IDF’s claim of minimal damage caused by Hezbollah’s strike. A woman sustained minor injuries in the port city of Acre, while a rocket struck a house in Manot in northern Israel, causing a fire in a chicken coop. Tel Aviv canceled leisure activities and closed its beaches in response to the attack, although flights resumed at Ben Gurion airport. The repercussions of the assault are being felt across northern Israel, with firefighters working to extinguish flames in buildings damaged by Hezbollah drones.
Casualties and Damage in Southern Lebanon
Lebanon’s health minister confirmed that at least three individuals were killed in Israel’s early morning raid on southern Lebanon. The attack primarily targeted forested and open areas, but the extent of the damage is still being assessed. Meanwhile, Israeli firefighters are working to contain fires sparked by Hezbollah drones in Galilee, northern Israel. The Israeli government maintains that the overall impact of the attacks is minimal, thanks in part to the IDF’s preemptive strike on Hezbollah’s rocket launchers in southern Israel.
Hezbollah’s Planned Attack on Mossad Headquarters
The IDF estimates that Hezbollah was planning to strike the Glilot base in central Israel, where the Mossad headquarters is located. This strategic base near Herzliya houses multiple IDF intelligence units, including Unit 8200, the main signals intelligence gathering unit in Israel. While most of the destroyed rocket launchers were aimed at northern Israel, some were pointed towards the center of the country. The targeted assault on the Mossad headquarters highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in the region.
Israel’s Stance on Escalation in the Middle East
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Israel is not seeking an “all-out war” in the region. In a statement issued by the foreign ministry, Katz called for support from world leaders against the “axis of evil led by Iran.” Israel’s response to developments on the ground will determine its actions moving forward, as fears of a regional conflict persist following the recent assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. The delicate balance of power in the Middle East remains a concern for global security.
Photographer Captures Hezbollah Drone Intercepted by Israel
Amid the escalating tensions, AFP photographer Jalaa Marey captured the moment a Hezbollah drone heading towards Israel was shot down. Israel’s successful interception of the drone, along with its preemptive strike on Hezbollah’s rocket launchers, contributed to minimizing the damage caused by the attacks. The ongoing conflict underscores the volatile situation in the region and the potential for further escalation between Israel and its adversaries.
In conclusion, Israel’s airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon aim to thwart planned attacks on key strategic locations, including the Mossad headquarters. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East, fueled by Iran’s threats of retaliation, have put the region on high alert. As both sides navigate the delicate balance of power, the potential for further conflict remains a significant concern. The international community closely monitors developments in the region, seeking to prevent a full-scale escalation of violence.
