On Saturday, the Israeli military announced that it detected two rockets landing in the Meron area near the northern border with Lebanon. In response, Israeli aircraft targeted a Hezbollah military building in Kafr Kila, Southern Lebanon.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) noted that the targeted building was adjacent to the area from which rockets were launched towards Metula the previous night.
This escalation follows reports from earlier on Friday suggesting that Israeli military leaders recommended ending the military campaign in Rafah prematurely to focus on the Lebanese front against Hezbollah. According to Israeli Channel 12, military leaders communicated this recommendation to political leaders during a late-night war council meeting on Thursday.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the Shia militant group based in Lebanon, has a long and tumultuous history. Founded in the 1980s with the support of Iran, Hezbollah aims to end Israeli presence in Lebanon and has been involved in numerous confrontations with Israel over the decades.
One of the most significant clashes was the 2006 Lebanon War, which began after Hezbollah fighters captured two Israeli soldiers and killed several others. The conflict resulted in significant casualties on both sides and extensive damage to Lebanese infrastructure.
Since then, the border area between Israel and Lebanon has remained a volatile hotspot. Hezbollah has significantly bolstered its arsenal, with estimates suggesting the group possesses thousands of rockets capable of striking deep into Israeli territory. In response, Israel has maintained a robust military presence along its northern border and has conducted numerous operations aimed at curbing Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
The recent exchange of hostilities comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The Israeli military’s recommendation to shift focus from Gaza to Lebanon underscores the perceived growing threat from Hezbollah. This strategic pivot reflects concerns over Hezbollah’s increased capabilities and the potential for a more significant conflict.
The IDF’s airstrike on the Hezbollah facility in Kafr Kila is part of a broader strategy to deter the group from launching further attacks. Israeli military officials have repeatedly warned that any aggression from Hezbollah will be met with a swift and decisive response.
