Lebanese Hezbollah announced that early this Saturday, they targeted Israeli soldiers with artillery shells as they were moving within the Bayyad Bleda site. In a brief statement, Hezbollah stated that this shelling was “in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their valiant resistance.”
Recent escalations of almost daily cross-border shelling have occurred between the Israeli army and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, along with Palestinian armed factions in Lebanon, since the onset of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on October 7.
On Friday, the Israeli military reported that their air defense system intercepted a drone that had entered northern Israel from Lebanon.
Since the Israeli war on Gaza began on October 7, tensions have significantly escalated between Israel and Hezbollah. This conflict has seen Hezbollah increase its attacks, launching rockets and artillery at Israeli positions, particularly in the disputed Shebaa Farms area and other border locations. Israel has responded with drone strikes and artillery fire on Hezbollah positions near the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
The fighting has led to considerable displacement, with around 96,000 individuals forced to leave their homes in northern Israel and over 100,000 in Lebanon.
Despite the daily exchanges of fire, both Israel and Hezbollah seem cautious about escalating to an all-out war. Analysts suggest that while both sides display military strength, they are likely engaged in backdoor diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
However, with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the potential for missteps leading to broader conflict remains high. Continued U.S. diplomatic efforts aim to stabilize the situation and prevent a larger regional conflagration.
