As Israel observed a muted Independence Day, a tense situation unfolded with missiles targeting Sderot and the Galilee region. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), approximately 10 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards the Mount Hermon area, sparking alarm across the region.
Thankfully, the rockets landed in open areas, resulting in no injuries or damage, as confirmed by the IDF. Nevertheless, the incident triggered sirens in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, heightening concerns of escalating tensions.
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In a separate development, an IDF observation balloon was downed by Hezbollah forces over the Lebanon border. While the balloon crashed in Lebanese territory following Hezbollah missile fire, the IDF reassured that there’s no risk of sensitive information being compromised from the equipment onboard.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching missiles not only at the balloon but also targeting military positions near the community of Adamit, further exacerbating the situation.
Amidst these escalations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had opted out of several traditional Independence Day ceremonies, chose to visit wounded IDF soldiers at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan. Expressing his solidarity, Netanyahu remarked, “It’s my privilege to visit our heroic fighters on Independence Day, and to hear the mental fortitude of the wounded who give the people of Israel immense inspiration to keep fighting until victory.”
Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon’s Mays al-Jabal, a member of Hezbollah was reportedly killed in an airstrike, as confirmed by the military. Fighter jets also targeted additional Hezbollah sites in Kharayeb, Halta, and Yaroun, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In a simultaneous occurrence, three rockets originating from the Gaza Strip targeted the southern city of Sderot. Fortunately, these rockets were intercepted by Israel’s air defenses, averting potential harm to civilians.
These incidents unfold against the backdrop of right-wing activists staging a march in the area, advocating for renewed Israeli settlement in the Gaza Strip, underscoring the complexity and volatility of the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
