Against Hezbollah

Israel has launched an “offensive” in Lebanon

(Bild: AFP/JALAA MAREY)

Is this the next escalation in the Middle East? The Israeli government recently announced that an "offensive operation" had been launched against the Islamist militia Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that half of the local Hezbollah leadership in the region had now been killed. According to the information, the air force flew attacks against dozens of targets - including weapons depots of the militia. The aim was to "destroy the Hezbollah infrastructure" near the Israeli border. However, it remains unclear whether Israeli ground troops have advanced into Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah fires dozens of Katyusha rockets
The Lebanese state news agency NNA reported 13 Israeli attacks in the area around Aita ash-Shaab and nearby villages. A few hours earlier, Hezbollah had reported firing dozens of Katyusha rockets at Israel. The militia justified this with the death of two civilians who had been killed in an Israeli attack. 

Almost daily battles
Since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, there have also been almost daily battles between Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is supported by Iran and allied with Hamas, and the Israeli army. Fighters and soldiers as well as civilians have been killed on both sides. Tens of thousands of people were displaced on both sides of the border.

Rafah offensive: all preparations made
In connection with the fight against Hamas, a high-ranking defense official told the Reuters news agency that Israel's military has made all the necessary preparations to enter the city of Rafah. The city in the southern Gaza Strip is considered Hamas' last bastion in the entire area. According to the official, an operation could be launched as soon as the government gives its approval.