48-Hour State of Emergency Imposed Nationwide
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a nationwide state of emergency for 48 hours starting at 6:00 am local time (03:00 GMT) after the Israeli military conducted preemptive strikes against targets in Lebanon. This declaration allows the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to issue directives to citizens, including restrictions on gatherings and closures of certain sites. Gallant highlighted the high probability of attacks targeting civilians, stating, “I am convinced that there is a high probability of an attack against the civilian population in areas of the country where the declaration of a special situation did not apply.” He emphasized that the state of emergency would be in effect across the entire country for the duration.
Hezbollah Responds with Rocket Attacks
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched over 320 rockets at Israel overnight, primarily targeting military positions. The group claimed their strikes successfully hit Israeli bases and barracks, facilitating the deployment of attack drones deeper into Israeli territory. The Israeli military responded by stating that their jets had targeted locations in Lebanon posing imminent threats. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari urged civilians to seek safety, warning that Hezbollah’s actions could escalate the conflict regionally.
International Support and Reactions
The Pentagon expressed its readiness to support Israel’s defense efforts, stating that the US is “postured to support” and is closely monitoring the situation. A Pentagon spokesperson affirmed, “We continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself,” and highlighted ongoing communications between senior US and Israeli officials. US National Security Council also reiterated its support, emphasizing a commitment to regional stability as directed by President Joe Biden.
Rising Tensions and Risk of Regional Escalation
The situation has heightened tensions in West Asia, with fears of a broader conflict following Hezbollah and Iran’s vows to respond to recent incidents, including the Beirut strike that killed Hezbollah’s military commander Fuad Shukr and the assassination of Hamas’s political leader in Tehran. Hezbollah’s leader declared the group “obliged to respond” to Israel “whatever the consequences,” indicating potential involvement of other Iran-backed groups in the region.
The conflict traces back to Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,199 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry, without detailed civilian and militant casualty figures.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to hold a security cabinet meeting at 4:00 am GMT to address the escalating situation.