‘Significant opportunities, heavy risks’: Israel’s defence chief
Hezbollah is on the run and attacks on Lebanon will continue in the effort to return tens of thousands of civilians to northern Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says.
“This is a new phase in the war, it has significant opportunities but also heavy risks. Hezbollah is feeling chased and the sequence of our military operations will continue,” Gallant was quoted as saying by Israeli media during a meeting with officials.
“Our goal is to return the residents of the north to their homes safely. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price. At the same time, we will continue and carry out the effort to return the hostages and dismantle Hamas.”
Israeli army restricts civilian movements in the north
The Israeli military says gatherings of civilians – from the northern city of Haifa up to the border with Lebanon – will be restricted in anticipation of retaliation for Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.
An Israeli attack wrecked two buildings in the Lebanese capital Beirut during rush hour on Friday, killing at least 37 people and wounding dozens more. Among the dead was senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil – along with three children and seven women.
More southern Lebanon towns targeted by Israel
Israel’s military continues to pound southern Lebanon with the towns of Tayr Harfa, Sheihin, Jibeen, Zebqin, and Dahira taking fire, the National News Agency reports.
The Israeli military also carried out renewed attacks on the outskirts of Tafahata and al-Bissariya, NNA said. Hezbollah says it will keep fighting Israel until it agrees to a ceasefire in its devastating war on Gaza.
Multiple fires rage in northern Israel after cross-border attacks
Firefighters are working to extinguish multiple fires in northern Israel after rockets fired from Lebanon have struck areas around Safad.
The Israeli army said that, following the sirens that sounded over the areas of Upper Galilee, Safad and the Golan Heights since Friday, approximately 90 projectile launches had been recorded crossing into Israeli territory from Lebanon.
Tens of thousands of people have fled on both sides of the border since Hezbollah and Israel began exchanging fire in October 2023.
Rescue teams work to extinguish flames on a house in northern Israel following a rocket attack from Lebanon
