Israel has threatened retaliation against Beirut after rockets were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israeli towns, escalating tensions despite a fragile truce with Hezbollah.
Key Developments:
1. Rocket Fire & Israeli Response
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Two rockets were launched from Lebanon toward Israel.
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One was intercepted, and the other landed in Lebanon.
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In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned:
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“If there is no quiet in Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee, there will be no quiet in Beirut either.”
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Israeli strikes earlier in the day had killed six people in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah operatives.
2. Ceasefire Violations & Ongoing Clashes
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The November 2023 truce had paused large-scale fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
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However, Israel has continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah denies involvement in recent rocket launches.
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Israel is still holding five positions in southern Lebanon, despite a deadline to withdraw.
3. Gaza Conflict Impact
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Hezbollah began attacking Israel in October 2023 after Israel’s invasion of Gaza, which has killed over 50,000 Palestinians.
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Israel recently resumed operations in Gaza, displacing 142,000 Palestinians in a week due to an aid blockade.
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Palestinian militants have responded with new rocket attacks on Israel.
What’s Next?
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Will Israel escalate further military action in Lebanon?
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Will Hezbollah retaliate against Israeli strikes?
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Will the Gaza war fuel wider regional conflict?
The risk of full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah remains high, especially as both sides continue to violate the ceasefire.
