Tensions Rise as Lebanon's Hamas Initiates 'Resistance Project'
On Monday, hostilities flared along Lebanon's southern border, involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
A Syrian citizen was reportedly wounded by Israeli shelling in Lebanon's border village, Al-Wazzani. Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee noted that Hezbollah attacks left three Israeli soldiers slightly injured near the Shtula military post.
Amid escalating Gaza Strip clashes, Hezbollah fired 20 missiles from Lebanon into Israel's Western Galilee area. The Israeli military responded by striking Hezbollah's southern infrastructure. These missiles reportedly hit open spaces.
Hezbollah's Nabil Kaouk warned of strong retaliation against any attacks on southern Lebanese civilians. Kaouk accused external pressures of trying to prevent Hezbollah from confronting Israel, aiming to isolate Gaza.
He argued that Israel can't prevail in Gaza or southern Lebanon and lacks defensive capabilities for its communities and vessels in maritime regions. He asserted that Israel only obtained the release of hostages through negotiations.
Hezbollah claimed Monday attacks targeted Israeli military positions and activated Israel's defensive Iron Dome system. Israel retaliated with ground and air strikes against multiple southern Lebanese villages.
Israeli reconnaissance aircraft were notably active over southern and northern Lebanon.
On Sunday, Hezbollah's missile struck an Israeli military vehicle, injuring 11. Observers noted Hezbollah's increased freedom of movement and deeper strike capabilities.
The Lebanese Hamas branch urged local and Palestinian youth to join forces resisting Israel. In contrast, Hezbollah now conducts border operations solo after other groups withdrew.
The Sayydet Al-Jabal group, which opposes Hezbollah, warned against Lebanon being dragged into war and urged Hezbollah to adhere to Lebanese sovereignty and international agreements, cautioning that Iran might abandon them as it did with Hamas previously.