Israel Declares 48Hrs State Of Emergency As Tel-Aviv, Hezbollah Fires Dozens Of Rockets At Each Other

According to Al Jazeera English, Israel and Hezbollah have intensified their hostilities, leading to the declaration of a 48-hour state of emergency in Israel. This escalation follows months of tension, primarily linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began in October.

The latest flare-up marks a significant increase in cross-border violence.

Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, has claimed responsibility for launching over 320 Katyusha rockets aimed at various Israeli military targets, including installations in the occupied Golan Heights and the Meron base. This assault, according to Hezbollah, is part of a broader retaliation for the killing of their commander, Fuad Shukr, in July.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded with a series of airstrikes on southern Lebanon, targeting what they described as Hezbollah’s rocket launch sites. Israel’s military claims that these strikes were a preemptive effort to thwart an imminent attack on northern Israel. The strikes, reportedly involving 100 jets, occurred just half an hour before Hezbollah’s planned offensive.

Despite Israel’s efforts to prevent further escalation, the situation has resulted in casualties. Lebanon’s NNA news agency reported that one person was killed in Khiam and another critically injured in Qasimia due to the Israeli airstrikes. The border area, particularly within 5 kilometers of the 120-kilometer boundary, has been heavily targeted by Israeli forces and is now considered a military zone, leading to its evacuation.

In response to these developments, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a nationwide “special situation” for 48 hours, starting Sunday morning. This emergency status includes restrictions on civilian movement in northern Israel and the Golan Heights. Additionally, operations at Ben Gurion airport were temporarily suspended due to the heightened security threat.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to take all necessary measures to defend the country, asserting, “Whoever harms us – we harm him.” As the situation remains volatile, there is growing concern that the conflict could escalate further, potentially spiraling out of control.

Cc: Al-Jazeera English.