The Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched a series of precision airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon early Sunday morning, effectively thwarting what Israeli officials described as a significant planned attack. The strikes, initiated at 5 a.m. local time, were part of a broader military campaign aimed at neutralizing the escalating threat posed by Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border.
WATCH:
WATCH how the IAF acted precisely today to stop a large-scale terrorist attack from Hezbollah.
Our operation in Lebanon targeted the terrorist infrastructure Hezbollah planned to use against us, protecting Israeli families and homes. pic.twitter.com/2J3sqAnFWB
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 25, 2024
In a video released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military showcased the operation, stating, “Our operation in Lebanon targeted the terrorist infrastructure Hezbollah planned to use against us, protecting Israeli families and homes.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later addressed his cabinet, warning that the military action was far from over. “We are striking Hezbollah with surprising, crushing blows,” Netanyahu said. “This is another step towards changing the situation in the north and safely returning our residents to their homes. And, I repeat, this is not the final word.”
Netanyahu emphasized the success of the operation, noting that the military had destroyed thousands of short-range rockets intended to harm civilians and forces in Israel’s Galilee region. He also confirmed that the IDF had intercepted all drones launched by Hezbollah towards a strategic target in central Israel, which Israeli media identified as the headquarters of the Mossad spy agency. The preemptive assault involved over 100 Israeli warplanes targeting thousands of Hezbollah missile launchers across southern Lebanon, based on what Israeli officials described as “precise intelligence” indicating Hezbollah’s imminent plan to launch a massive missile barrage at northern Israel, along with drone attacks on key intelligence centers.
In the immediate aftermath of the strikes, Israel declared a 48-hour state of emergency and temporarily closed its main airport, resulting in several flight cancellations. Despite Hezbollah’s retaliation, which involved firing over 300 projectiles into Israel, the damage was minimal. Israeli officials reported one soldier killed by falling debris, while three fatalities were reported in Lebanon.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the broader regional conflict continued, with negotiations in Cairo aiming to establish a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza. However, these talks faced difficulties, as Hamas accused Israel of setting new conditions and prolonging the cease-fire negotiations.
