ALBAWABA - In an announcement earlier today, Lebanese group Hezbollah stated that it had launched missile and drone attacks deep into Israel in retaliation to the killing of Fuad Shukr later in July.
UPDATE
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for an emergency ministerial committee meeting in light of the latest escalation in Southern Lebanon.
"We have launched a large-scale aerial attack with numerous drones towards a significant military target deep within Israel, which will be revealed later," the Hezbollah statement reads.
The statement comes as the Israeli Army announced launching dozens of airstrikes on southern Lebanon as a preemptive measure in response to Hezbollah's suspected plans to launch missiles toward Israel.
Hezbollah stated that this attack is the initial response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr on July 30th. Shortly after, Israeli authorities halted all flights to and from Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday, which were later resumed.
"The resistance in Lebanon is now at its highest state of readiness and will respond forcefully to any Israeli aggression, especially if civilians are harmed, with severe and harsh consequences," Hezbollah added.
Over forty airstrikes were carried out simultaneously by Israeli fighter planes against seventeen different cities and localities in southern Lebanon. Ambulances were seen rushing to some of the targeted locations.
Additionally, witnesses claimed to have seen attack drones and scores of missiles being fired into Israel from Lebanese territory. A number of northern Israeli cities had reported hearing the sound of air raid sirens, according to Israeli media, including Channel 12.
In a message addressed to the residents of Southern Lebanon in Arabic, the Israeli Army said: "We are monitoring Hezbollah's preparations to carry out large-scale attacks on Israeli territory near your homes. You are in danger. We are attacking and eliminating Hezbollah threats,".
"Anyone who is near areas where Hezbollah operates should leave immediately to protect themselves and their families," the message posted on Telegram continued.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
