Jerusalem: In retaliation for Iran’s recent missile attack on October 1, Israel has launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and Syria. The strikes in Beirut and Damascus have resulted in over 40 deaths in Beirut within the last 24 hours. Among the casualties in the Syrian capital is Hassan Jafar al-Qasir, reportedly the son-in-law of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Although Hezbollah has not yet confirmed his death, tensions continue to rise in the region. An American citizen was also killed during these strikes.
Hezbollah responded by firing surface-to-air missiles at an Israeli military helicopter flying over Beit Hillel in northern Israel, forcing its retreat. In a separate incident, eight Israeli soldiers were killed in Lebanon in one of the deadliest clashes with Hezbollah militants in recent months.
The escalating conflict has raised fears of a larger regional war, with the possibility of U.S. involvement on Israel’s side, as America has already deployed military equipment to support Israel. Meanwhile, Iran continues to back Hezbollah and Hamas.
Israel has vowed to continue its offensive against Hezbollah until thousands of its displaced citizens near the Lebanon border can safely return home. In turn, Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until a ceasefire with Hamas is reached in Gaza.
On the diplomatic front, Israel imposed sanctions on United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a move that has worsened relations between Israel and the international body.
Iran retaliated by launching at least 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday, citing revenge for Israel’s ongoing strikes against Hezbollah. While the Israeli military intercepted several of the missiles, some hit central and southern Israel, causing minor injuries to two civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran, stating that the missile attack was a “big mistake” and that Iran would “pay the price” for its actions.