Israel launches major strikes on Lebanon after detecting Hezbollah plans for ‘imminent’ attack
Israel launched heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah positions across Lebanon after detecting the terror group was at readiness for an imminent attack on Israeli civilians, the Israel Defence Forces said on Sunday morning.
“The IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In response to these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon,” the IDF confirmed. “Israeli Air Force fighter jets are currently striking targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization that posed an imminent threat to the citizens of the State of Israel.”
Among the targets Hezbollah is believed to have aimed for this morning was the Glilot area of north of Tel Aviv where the Mossad’s headquarters and several military intelligence bases are located, it was cleared for publication.
The Air Force destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon in a pre-emptive strike this morning.
The army also called on civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes.
“From right next to the homes of Lebanese civilians in the South of Lebanon, we can see that Hezbollah is preparing to launch an extensive attack on Israel, while endangering the Lebanese civilians. We warn the civilians located in the areas where Hezbollah is operating, to move out of harm’s way immediately for their own safety.”
Public shelters were opened across Israel while new restrictions were placed in northern areas.
Ben-Gurion Airport is currently closed. Flights have been re-directed to the Ramon Airport near Eilat.
Nearly 80,000 Israelis were forced to evacuate their homes near the Lebanon border when Hezbollah began launching rockets and drones in October. Hezbollah leaders have said they will continue the attacks to prevent Israelis from returning to their homes. The attacks have killed 26 civilians and 19 soldiers on the Israeli side. Since October 8, Hezbollah has launched more than 6,700 rockets and drones.
Israeli officials have been calling for Hezbollah to be disarmed and removed from southern Lebanon in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War.
TPS
