Israel, Lebanon exchange heavy fire; Israeli PM Netanyahu issues warning to Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Tel Aviv recently targeted armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon “in ways it could not imagine”.
“If Hezbollah has not understood the message, I promise you, it will understand the message,” Reuters quoted Netanyahu as saying.
His statement was made while Israel was launching an attack on Lebanon’s south, targeting Hezbollah positions supported by Iran, in the heaviest bombardment in nearly a year of conflict.
Also read: Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil dies in Israeli air attack: Report
Hezbollah also launched a counterattack and took credit for rocket strikes on military sites in northern Israel.
The Israeli military announced hitting about 290 targets on Saturday, which included numerous Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels, and stated that they would keep targeting the Iran-backed movement.
Also read: Israel strikes Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah leader warns of retaliation
Israeli airstrikes kills 37, including senior Hezbollah commanders
Israeli airstrikes in a Beirut suburb on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 37 individuals, including Hezbollah commanders.
Hezbollah reported that 16 individuals, including top leader Ibrahim Aqil and another commander, Ahmed Wahbi, were killed in the deadliest attack during almost a year of fighting with Israel.
Tensions rose this week when Hezbollah members’ pagers and walkie-talkies exploded, with Israel being blamed by the armed group.
The number of people killed in those attacks, which are thought to have been done by Israel, has increased to 39, with over 3,000 individuals wounded. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.