Israeli Air Force fighter jets launched strikes against Hezbollah military targets in southern Lebanon last night. The targeted areas included Aita al-Sha’ab, Beit Leaf, and Khula, regions known to house Hezbollah military infrastructure.
The airstrikes come in the wake of rising tensions in the region, with recent clashes between Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah fighters near the Lebanese border. According to Hezbollah-linked Al Mayadeen, IDF troops attempting to enter Lebanese territory were repelled by Hezbollah forces near Ayta ash Shab, with the terror group reportedly using rockets and artillery fire to thwart the Israeli advance. The IDF has yet to comment on these claims.
Also Read: UN Chief Demands Humanitarian Ceasefires to Facilitate Polio Vaccination in Gaza
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the Israeli military is operating in the Qalqilya area following a terror attack near Kedumim. According to Palestinian media, Israeli troops have entered the village of Baqat al-Hatab, possibly in search of the assailant responsible for killing an Israeli civilian security guard at the Bar-On industrial park. The attacker, armed with a hammer, fled the scene after the assault. The Israeli army has not released an official statement on the ongoing operation.
In a related development, the Hamas issued a statement on Sunday evening rejecting the terms of a proposed hostage release-ceasefire deal discussed in Doha last week. The group blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for introducing new obstacles to the negotiations. Netanyahu, who met with cabinet ministers earlier on Sunday, expressed pessimism about the prospects for a deal, citing the challenges of negotiating through mediators rather than directly with Hamas. His comments contrasted with reports from mediators suggesting that the talks were making progress.
As tensions remain high, Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday. Blinken, who will continue his diplomatic efforts in Cairo, is expected to discuss the ongoing negotiations and the broader security situation in the region.
Key Points:
- Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah military targets in southern Lebanon, specifically targeting Aita al-Sha’ab, Beit Leaf, and Khula.
- The airstrikes follow rising tensions and recent clashes between Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah fighters near the Lebanese border.
- Hezbollah-linked sources reported that IDF troops were repelled by Hezbollah forces near Ayta ash Shab during an attempted incursion.
- In the West Bank, Israeli military operations are ongoing in the Qalqilya area following a terror attack near Kedumim, where an Israeli civilian security guard was killed.
- Hamas rejected a proposed hostage release-ceasefire deal, blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for hindering negotiations.
- Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss ongoing security issues and negotiations.
