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In the wake of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s assassination, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz authorised military incursions into Lebanon on Tuesday, as Hezbollah launched retaliatory strikes.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, simmering since the November 2024 ceasefire agreement, has reignited, with Israel’s aggressive military stance drawing the region deeper into the turmoil.
Katz confirmed that Israel’s strategy aimed at securing strategic positions in Lebanon to protect Israeli border communities from Hezbollah attacks.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to advance and take control of additional strategic positions in Lebanon in order to prevent attacks on Israeli border communities.” he said.
The incursions were described as defensive, targeting key locations to prevent further rocket and drone attacks from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, known for its close ties to Iran, escalated the situation by launching rockets and drones at Israeli positions, marking its response to Israel and the United States’ strikes on Iran, which included the killing of Khamenei.
A spokesperson for the group emphasised the attacks were focused on military targets, such as the Ramat David Air Base and the Meron base, with limited damage to radar and command buildings. Hezbollah’s actions signify a direct alignment with Iran, underscoring the group’s commitment to Khamenei’s “red line” against any harm to the Supreme Leader.
Reports indicate that Lebanon’s army began withdrawing from multiple forward operating positions along the Israeli border, leaving space for Israel’s military actions. Despite the tactical advancements, Israel maintains that the measures are not part of a full-scale ground offensive but are necessary for safeguarding civilians and strategic sites.
Since the November ceasefire, Israel has retained control of five positions in southern Lebanon, with this latest military escalation adding further complexity to the already volatile Israel-Hezbollah dynamic.
