By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
SvennoJ on 25 August 2024
Edit Thread

Israel, Hezbollah continue tit-for-tat exchange of fire

According to sources close to Hezbollah, two key targets were hit north of Tel Aviv.

Hezbollah issued an initial statement saying its retaliation for the killing of its top commander, Fuad Shukr, as well as civilians who were killed in that strike, has begun and that the first phase is over and it was successful. In another statement, Hezbollah said it fired up to 320 rockets and drones, and that the rockets were to open the corridor to allow the armed drones to reach their targets.

For its part, Israel said it carried out “preemptive” strikes targeting at least 40 sites across southern Lebanon. It was one of the biggest attacks carried out by the Israeli military since the start of this conflict 10 months ago.

But statements from Israeli officials saying they were acting in self-defence seem to signal that Israel has not declared a full-on war with Hezbollah. Even the foreign minister said Israel does not want a comprehensive war.

And just a few minutes ago, a car was hit in a border village in Lebanon, killing a person, most likely a Hezbollah fighter, because that area is empty of civilians. So, the tit-for-tat exchange of fire continues amid heightened tensions. And Israeli warplanes are flying overhead, as well as Israeli drones.


Hezbollah dismisses Israel’s claims of preemptive action as baseless

The Lebanese group says “all offensive drones were launched at specific times from all of their sites” and that they crossed the border into Israel “towards their intended targets from multiple routes”.

“Thus, our military operation for today has been completed,” it said.

Hezbollah added that Israel’s claims on its “preemptive actions, the targets it allegedly hit and its supposed disruption of the Resistance’s attack are baseless and contradict the facts on the ground”.

It said more details would be provided in a speech by its chief Hassan Nasrallah later today.


Flights resume at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport

Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced the resumption of flights to and from the country’s main international airport after a brief suspension due to strikes by Hezbollah.

Operations at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv resumed at 7am (04:00 GMT), spokesman Roy Steinmetz said, adding that “planes diverted to other airports will also take off from Ben Gurion again”.


Lapid says Israel’s attacks on Lebanon ‘justified’

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has taken to X to express support for Israel’s strikes on Lebanon this morning, saying the attacks were a “necessary act of self-defence”. “The world should offer its unequivocal support for Israel’s right to defend itself,” he said. Earlier, Lapid posted in Hebrew, backing the military operation in south Lebanon.



The world wants you to stop killing, starving, abusing and raping innocent civilians and stop trying to drag the region into all out war.

Royal Jordanian Airlines suspends flights to Beirut

Jordan’s flag carrier has cancelled all of Sunday’s flights to the Lebanese capital “due to the current situation”, Jordan’s state news agency says.


Saar slams Israeli government for its handling of Hezbollah

The chairman of the right-wing party New Hope urges the government to do more to reduce the Lebanese group’s capabilities.

“Faced with Hezbollah’s decision to fire thousands of missiles and rockets – once again the government chose the less correct strategic alternative,” Gideon Saar said on X.

“The choice to thwart the attack only after ten and a half months of Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel is the continuation of the policy of containment. This decision has one meaning: only our enemies determine the timing and level of escalation.

“This opportunity should have led to a decision on an overall preemptive attack to change the reality in the north. Whoever runs away from the war – the war will chase him.”


Hezbollah aimed to hit military intelligence, Mossad bases

The Israeli military claims that Hezbollah intended to strike military intelligence and Mossad bases in central Israel overnight, according to Israeli Army Radio and media outlet Haaretz.


Several airlines cancel flights to, from Tel Aviv

Israeli media outlet Haaretz is reporting that Air France, Etihad Airways and Aegean Airlines have cancelled flights to and from Ben Gurion airport.

According to Haaretz, the airlines joined 16 others in announcing the discontinuation of flights to and from Israel, including some until Monday and others until further notice.


Passengers check their flights at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv


Air France cancels flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut

Air France has cancelled its flights to the two Middle Eastern destinations until at least Monday.

“Resuming these routes will be subject to a new assessment of the security situation,” the airline said in a statement. “Air France reiterates that the safety of its customers and crews is its absolute priority.”