JERUSALEM/BEIRUT: On Sunday, Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched heavy rocket barrages at Israel, targeting areas near Tel Aviv, following a deadly Israeli airstrike on Beirut that killed at least 29 people a day earlier. The Israeli military reported that the strikes destroyed homes and sparked fires in the area, with injuries reported.
Hezbollah confirmed it had launched precision missiles at two military sites near Tel Aviv, fulfilling its vow to retaliate against attacks on Beirut. Rockets also struck Petah Tikvah, east of Tel Aviv, injuring several individuals, and a direct hit in a northern Israeli neighborhood left homes in flames. Israel’s military reported that 250 rockets were fired by Hezbollah, with many intercepted, and sirens sounded across the country.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes intensified on Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut, demolishing two apartment blocks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they targeted 12 Hezbollah command centers, strategically embedded among civilian buildings. On Saturday, one of Israel’s deadliest strikes on central Beirut resulted in a rising death toll, now at 29, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Since October 2023, the conflict has claimed 3,754 lives.
The ongoing violence has displaced over 1 million people in Lebanon. Israel initiated its offensive against Hezbollah in September, citing the need to counter rocket fire in support of Hamas, which began during the Gaza war.
Ceasefire Negotiations Show Progress
Amid escalating tensions, diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire continue. U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein recently visited Beirut and met with Israeli leaders, signaling progress in talks. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that a U.S.-proposed ceasefire is awaiting Israel’s approval, urging both sides to commit.
Reports from Israeli media indicate conflicting views on a potential agreement. While some sources suggest Israel is moving closer to a ceasefire deal, others report unresolved issues. Discussions center on implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel and established a buffer zone along the border.
Lebanese Army Incident
In a separate incident, an Israeli airstrike near Tyre caused severe damage to a Lebanese army center, killing one soldier and injuring 18 others. Israel expressed regret and clarified that it was targeting Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attack, calling it a “direct rejection” of ceasefire efforts.
The European Union has pledged €200 million ($208 million) to support the Lebanese army, highlighting international concern over the escalating crisis and its broader regional implications.
