IDF Strikes Hezbollah Targets In Lebanon As Nasrallah Delivers Speech Amid Escalating Tensions
Beirut: The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday, coinciding with a speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The strikes come amid rising tensions after a series of unprecedented attacks in Lebanon earlier this week that saw hundreds of Hezbollah communication devices explode, killing 37 and injuring over 2,900.
Nasrallah Responds to Explosions and Israeli Strikes
As Nasrallah addressed Hezbollah supporters and the Lebanese public, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut, according to Lebanese state media.
In his speech, Nasrallah condemned Israel’s actions and vowed that displaced Israelis would never return to northern Israel, warning of “tough retribution” for what he termed a “massacre” by Israeli forces.
IDF Targets Hezbollah Infrastructure
The IDF confirmed the strikes, stating, “We are targeting Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure to degrade their capabilities.”
The IDF accused Hezbollah of turning civilian homes into war zones and using human shields. “Our goal is to secure northern Israel and allow displaced residents to return,” an IDF spokesperson added.
Ongoing Conflict Between Israel and Hezbollah
The conflict has escalated over the past year, with Israeli forces engaged in frequent clashes with Hezbollah along the northern border.
Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas, has vowed to continue its attacks on Israel until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. Israeli officials later confirmed that two soldiers were killed in Hezbollah’s latest cross-border strikes.
Hezbollah Promises Retaliation
Nasrallah acknowledged the damage caused by the explosions of Hezbollah communication devices, describing it as a significant and unprecedented blow. He warned Israel of further attacks, promising “just punishment” and continued resistance until the conflict in Gaza ends.
Humanitarian Impact
The exchanges of fire have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes on both sides of the border. As the conflict deepens, Nasrallah has declared that Hezbollah will not cease its actions until the violence in Gaza subsides.