On Tuesday, Hezbollah executed its most significant rocket attack on Haifa, a north Israeli port city, since the beginning of the ongoing conflict, escalating tensions between the Lebanese militant group and Israel. More than 100 rockets were launched within approximately half an hour, targeting various neighborhoods in Haifa and its surrounding suburbs. While the Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted a majority of incoming rockets, several managed to breach defenses, resulting in explosions in areas such as Kiryat Yam and Kiryat Motzkin. Israeli security services reported that a woman in her 70s sustained injuries from falling shrapnel and was subsequently hospitalized.
Air over Haifa was marked by white trails of interceptor missiles and sounds of explosions, prompting residents to seek shelter as sirens blared. Despite assaults, the Israeli military maintained that re would be no change in civilian guidelines for sheltering at this time.
In response to the rocket barrage, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced targeted strikes against Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut. However, specific details of the operations were not immediately disclosed. IDF’s actions are part of a broader campaign to counter Hezbollah’s military capabilities, which have reportedly remained intact despite sustained Israeli airstrikes.
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, addressed the situation, asserting that the group’s military capabilities were unscathed and declaring an increase in rocket fire against Israel. In a video address from an undisclosed location, Qassem claimed that Hezbollah was ready for further confrontations with Israeli troops. He emphasized that the leadership structure of Hezbollah remains intact, despite the loss of several senior officials to Israeli attacks, including Hassan Nasrallah, who was reportedly killed in an airstrike last month.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant countered Qassem’s assertions, stating that the deaths of Hezbollah’s leadership have resulted in significant disruption within the organization. Gallant indicated that Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah official who was expected to succeed Nasrallah, was likely killed in a recent airstrike in Beirut. He described Hezbollah as an organization struggling to maintain effective leadership and decision-making.
Qassem also contended that Israeli forces had not made significant advances following recent ground incursions into Lebanon. The Israeli military confirmed that operations in the region have expanded, but they remain focused on securing a narrow strip along the border to facilitate the return of approximately 60,000 evacuated residents to their homes.
Hezbollah’s rhetoric has shifted slightly, as Qassem indicated support for ceasefire discussions led by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Notably, he omitted the previously stated precondition of a ceasefire in Gaza for any cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, suggesting a possible recalibration of Hezbollah’s strategy.
The ongoing violence has exacted a heavy toll on both sides. Israeli officials have reported the deaths of 26 civilians in the Northern region, along with 33 IDF soldiers and reservists in cross-border skirmishes and ground operations. On Hezbollah’s side, reports indicate that 516 of its members have been killed since the beginning of the conflict, including operatives from militant groups and Lebanese soldiers.
As the situation develops, both Israel and Hezbollah appear entrenched in a complex and escalating conflict, with significant humanitarian and strategic implications for the region.
