On Saturday, the Israeli military reported that Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets and drones into northern Israel, resulting in the death of one individual. Notably, one drone was allegedly directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s holiday residence, according to a spokesperson for the Prime Minister. This escalation by the Iran-backed Lebanese group coincided with continued violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have reportedly claimed the lives of over 30 people, further complicating an already tense situation in the region.
The recent exchange of fire comes against the backdrop of a prolonged conflict involving both Hamas and Hezbollah, which has dashed hopes for a ceasefire despite the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar earlier this week. Sinwar was a central figure behind the October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the current Gaza war, and his killing by Israeli forces in Gaza has not led to a de-escalation of hostilities.
In Jabalia, a key area in northern Gaza, Israeli forces have intensified their siege on hospitals, with reports of bombings targeting residential buildings and restricting the flow of medical and food supplies. The Israeli military has stated that its operations are aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping and that troops have been briefed on minimizing civilian harm and protecting medical infrastructure.
The conflict has also spread into Lebanon, where the Lebanese health ministry reported at least two deaths due to an Israeli strike near the Christian-majority town of Jounieh, north of Beirut. Witnesses described chaos following explosions, with passengers fleeing a vehicle after the initial blast. The Israeli military is currently investigating this incident, while no immediate comment has been made by Hezbollah, which has been engaged in ongoing clashes with Israeli troops along Lebanon’s southern border.
Reports indicate that at least four Israeli strikes targeted areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Saturday afternoon, following warnings issued by the Israeli military for specific locations. Additionally, the Israeli military claimed to have killed Hezbollah’s deputy commander in the Bint Jbeil region on Friday, and they reported seizing various weapons, including anti-tank missiles.
As tensions escalated, Hezbollah announced it had launched 11 attacks on Israeli military targets since midnight, predominantly utilizing rockets. However, there was no immediate confirmation from the group regarding any drone strikes or specific attempts targeting Netanyahu’s residence.
In northern Israel, although some rockets were intercepted, one struck a residential building, resulting in one death and at least nine injuries across various locations. Air raid sirens prompted residents to seek shelter as panic spread in affected areas. Netanyahu’s spokesman reassured the public that the Prime Minister was not in proximity to his holiday home in Caesarea, and no casualties were reported there.
Despite the escalating violence, Netanyahu appeared undeterred, stating in a video released by his aides, “Nothing will deter us; we will keep going until victory.” This declaration reflects the government’s stance as it confronts ongoing challenges on multiple fronts.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has been ongoing since the onset of the war in Gaza in October 2023. Approximately three weeks ago, Israel launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon aimed at stabilizing the border for civilians displaced by the fighting. The violence has had a severe toll, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting around 2,400 fatalities in Lebanon, predominantly in the past month. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have recorded 59 deaths in northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights.
The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli sources. In retaliation, Israeli military actions have reportedly left over 42,500 Palestinians dead, as Palestinian officials indicate widespread destruction and humanitarian crises across Gaza, where most of the 2.3 million residents have become homeless due to the conflict.
Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have suggested that Sinwar’s death might provide an opportunity for negotiating a truce in Gaza and facilitating the release of hostages. However, negotiations for such a deal have been stalled for weeks, with Biden acknowledging that while there might be potential for a ceasefire in Lebanon, achieving one in Gaza would be significantly more challenging. The prospects for peace remain uncertain as hostilities continue unabated.
