US President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as American diplomats work towards brokering a deal to end the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages.
The Israeli military launched significant “preemptive” strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, in response to the Iran-backed group’s recent attacks, including those retaliating for the killing of a top Hezbollah commander.
These overnight strikes represent some of the most severe exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, which have been trading fire for months. The rising hostilities have sparked fears of a broader regional conflict, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Rocket fire from Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon towards Israel has become a near-daily occurrence since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Friday marked one of the most intense days of cross-border fire, with Hezbollah claiming 15 strikes against Israel and acknowledging the death of seven fighters. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that 110 projectiles were launched from Lebanon toward Israel that day.
Meanwhile, flights at Tel Aviv airport have resumed after a brief suspension on Sunday, and restrictions on gatherings in northern Israel have been lifted, except for areas near the Lebanon border and some settlements in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
