Tensions escalate as Israel and Hezbollah intensify cross-border strikes - datasurfr Tensions escalate as Israel and Hezbollah intensify cross-border strikes - datasurfr
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Tensions escalate as Israel and Hezbollah intensify cross-border strikes

Locations Affected: Israel, Lebanon 

Israel and Hezbollah exchange heavy fire

The situation in the Middle East has escalated, with reports of Israel and Hezbollah carrying out large-scale military operations against each other on 25 August.  

Hezbollah targeted 11 Israeli military facilities and the occupied Golan Heights with more than 320 Katyusha rockets. In response, Israel announced that it carried out pre-emptive strikes across southern Lebanon to thwart a large-scale rocket and drone attack by Hezbollah. The strike by Israel has been the biggest one since the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.

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     The reason for the airstrikes 

    Hezbollah is a Lebanese paramilitary force that has stated that the attacks on Israel will not stop unless there is an end to the war in Gaza. Hezbollah also stated that the strikes on 25 August were in response to the killing of senior military commander Fuad Shukr by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on 30 July. The group called the killing a direct provocation and an act of war.

     Impact of the escalation

    • According to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, one of the military intelligence bases attacked by the group was about 110 km (68 miles) into Israeli territory and 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from Tel Aviv.
    • Israeli airstrikes were reported in more than 40 areas of southern Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, the Bir Kalb area, and the outskirts of the towns of Ain Qana, Kfar Fila, Louaizeh, Bsalia, Kfar Melki, Sajd and Sarba.
    • One critical injury and a death have been reported due to the Israeli strikes in Lebanon. On the other hand, the strikes by Hezbollah have caused injuries in Acre and northern Israel and the death of one Israeli Navy personnel.
    • Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency across the country on 25 August for 48 hours, which allowed the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command to expand its authority to impose restrictions on civilians.
    • Ben Gurion International Airport announced the diversion and delay of flights during the early hours of 25 August. The operations resumed after a few hours.
    • Air France, Lufthansa, and British Airways have suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut amid the escalating tensions.

    Implications of the escalation on regional stability

    Analysts have expressed concern regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the potential of the attacks to draw more regional entities into the war. The United States has pledged its support for Israel and stated willingness to deter any retaliatory attacks by Iran (in retaliation to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on 31 July, which Iran believes was carried out by Israel) or Hezbollah. Hezbollah has stated that it would assess the impact of their strikes on Israel and may respond again if the results are insufficient. Israel, on the other hand, has stated it is focusing on self-defence and may not pursue escalation. Heightened security measures and travel disruptions are expected to continue in Israel and Lebanon. Organizations are advised to maintain situational awareness and prepare necessary contingency plans.

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