Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy artillery fire on Sunday after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a preemptive strike against the Lebanon-based terrorist group, multiple media reports.
The Israel Defense Forces fired hundreds of rockets and drones in what they called a preemptive strike early Sunday after reportedly identifying a group preparing to fire missiles and rockets at Israeli territory. According to Hezbollah later acknowledged the attack, saying the “first phase” against Israel was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike in late July, the outlet reported. (Related article: Rocket red glow: Night sky lights up as terrorist arms depot reportedly hit)
“We are determined to do everything in our power to defend our country, to allow the people of the north to return safely to their homes and to stick to a simple rule: we will harm those who harm us,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. According to To the Associated Press.
Smoke rises as Israeli forces bomb the village of Khiam in southern Lebanon as cross-border clashes continue between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters on August 23, 2024. (Photo by RABIH DAHER/AFP via Getty Images)
Hezbollah claimed to have fired more than 320 Katyusha rockets and “numerous” drones at Israeli facilities, according to the Associated Press, but Israeli officials have denied the figures, and the Israel Defense Forces has said that around 200 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, CNN reported.
The airstrikes come at a time of rising tension in the Middle East, with Egypt reportedly hosting high-level talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israeli authorities and Hamas in the 10-month-old war, according to the Associated Press.
In late July, Israeli officials confirmed they had carried out a targeted attack in Beirut, killing top Hezbollah commander Shukur, who they say is responsible for the recent deaths of Israeli children.
According to the Associated Press, both sides called off their attacks and confirmed that the attacks were aimed at military-related targets only. Three Hezbollah fighters were killed in the clashes, but Israel said there were no casualties at the time of writing.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is reportedly due to speak later on Sunday.
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