On July 4, 2024, Hezbollah launched its largest attack in months against Israel, firing over 200 rockets and explosive drones at Israeli military bases. This massive assault was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah’s senior commander, Mohammad Naameh Nasser, by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. The attack targeted multiple Israeli military positions, including bases in the Golan Heights and northern Israel.Israel’s military intercepted many of the projectiles, but there were reports of fires and light injuries in northern Israel. In response, the Israeli Air Force launched a wide-scale attack on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The exchange has resulted in at least one Israeli soldier killed and others injured, according to Israeli sources.This escalation marks a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border, which has been simmering since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7. The fighting has already displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border, with 16 soldiers and 11 civilians killed in northern Israel and over 450 people killed in Lebanon, mostly fighters but also dozens of civilians.The international community, particularly the United States and France, is working to prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war. However, Israeli officials have threatened to go to war in Lebanon if diplomatic efforts fail.Meanwhile, in a parallel development, Hamas has reportedly sent new ideas to mediators to end the war in Gaza, which has been ongoing for nearly nine months. The Israeli cabinet is set to discuss a proposal for a phased ceasefire in Gaza, although Hamas has yet to fully embrace the plan.As tensions continue to rise, there are growing concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict. A political analyst suggested that a ceasefire in Gaza could be the best solution, as Hezbollah has stated it will stop attacking Israel if Israel stops its operations in Gaza.
Key points
- Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets and drones at Israeli military bases in retaliation for the killing of a senior commander.
- Israel responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
- The conflict has displaced thousands and resulted in casualties on both sides.
- International efforts are underway to prevent a full-scale war.
- Hamas has sent new ideas to mediators for ending the Gaza conflict.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of rockets fired by Hezbollah, with some sources mentioning ‘over 200’ and others specifying ‘250’.
👾While most sources report no immediate casualties from the rocket attacks, one Israeli source claims one soldier was killed and others injured.
