Hezbollah Retaliates: Israeli Strikes Kill Three Members, Sparking Cross-Border Attacks and Threats of War
Hezbollah retaliated with attacks on Israeli military targets after four of its members were killed by Israeli drone strikes in Bafliyeh, Lebanon, near the border.
The town, which is usually off-limits due to the rules of engagement, is strategically located near Tyre and UNIFIL forces.
Israeli drones had targeted a car transporting Hezbollah members, resulting in the deaths of two members and injuries to a third.
The attack was unexpected as Bafliyeh had not been targeted in the past seven months.
Four Israeli drones were reportedly seen hovering over several towns in the area and chasing a car on the Bafliyeh-Arzoun road.
Israeli drones fired missiles at a car in Lebanon, killing three men identified as Ali Ahmad Hamza, Ahmad Hassan Maatouk, and Hussein Ahmad Hamdan.
The civil defense rescue force extinguished a fire from the strike and transferred the bodies to the hospital.
In response, Hezbollah attacked Israeli military sites, destroying technical systems in the Ramia outpost and a new command center in the Natur settlement, as well as killing and injuring a group of soldiers in the Al-Jerdah site.
Israel and Lebanon experienced escalating tensions on the southern Lebanese front, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatening open war against Lebanon.
Gallant visited army positions in the north and warned troops to prepare for a "hot summer." In response, Hezbollah launched missile attacks on Israeli military sites and settlements.
Gallant vowed to "paralyze Hamas, destroy Hezbollah," and "achieve security," while expressing Israel's determination to "return the residents of the northern areas" evacuated due to border confrontations.
During a visit to the Israeli-Lebanese border, Israeli military chief Aviv Kohavi stated that the mission to prevent Hezbollah activities was not yet completed.
Shortly after Kohavi's departure, Hezbollah reportedly fired a missile at the headquarters of the 91st Division in the Branit Barracks.
The Israeli military confirmed that Gallant was briefed on operations against Hezbollah during his visit.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they hit the headquarters with a heavy-caliber Burkan missile.
In response to the attack, Israel launched airstrikes and shelling, resulting in the deaths of five members of Hezbollah and the Islamic Jihad movement.
Hezbollah mourned the deaths of Hassan Mohammed Ismail and Mustafa Ali Issa.
The text reports the mourning of three men, Mahmoud Mohammed Balawni, Ahmed Mohammed Halawa, and Mohammed Hussein Joud, from the Lebanese Al-Quds Brigades, following Israeli threats against Lebanon.
European warnings of potential escalation in southern Lebanon have been conveyed to Lebanese officials, who have shared these concerns with French authorities.
In Beirut, the parliamentary foreign affairs committee heard a report from Human Rights Watch detailing Israeli attacks on civilians in Lebanon, including the use of white phosphorus and deliberate shelling of journalists and paramedics, which were described as war crimes.
The Lebanese government has asked the international court to investigate violations and war crimes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign affairs committee is working with the ministry to ensure a quick and effective response.
Lebanon is exercising its right to seek compensation for any damages incurred.