Israel Airstrikes on Lebanon Today: 492 Killed in Escalating Conflict

On Monday, Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, killing 492 people, including many women and children. This was the deadliest day of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah since 2006. In response, Hezbollah fired nearly 200 rockets at northern Israel. These attacks raised fears of a bigger war in the region.

The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has been growing worse since October 7 last year, when conflict started in Gaza. Many countries are now calling for calm to avoid a full-scale war.

Tensions Grow Between Israel and Hezbollah

Thousands of people have fled from southern Lebanon to Beirut, the capital, because of Israeli airstrikes. Israel said it hit 1,600 Hezbollah targets in its most intense attack in nearly a year. The strikes caused the highest number of deaths in a single day in Lebanon since the country’s civil war ended in 1990.

Hezbollah responded by launching 200 rockets into northern Israel, but most of these rockets were stopped by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. There were no reports of injuries or damages in Israel.

Israel Prepares for Next Steps

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military is changing the “security balance” along the northern border with Lebanon. Israel’s army chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said the military is getting ready for the “next phases” in Lebanon.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) shared images of a long-range rocket hidden in a home in Lebanon, ready to be fired at Israel.

International Reactions

US President Joe Biden said he was informed of the situation and that the US is working to reduce the violence. The Pentagon also announced plans to send more troops to the Middle East. Meanwhile, Egypt and Turkey warned that Israel’s strikes could bring more chaos to the region.

The United Nations may meet soon to discuss the conflict, and France has asked for an urgent meeting. Egypt and Jordan have both canceled flights to Lebanon until things calm down.

The situation between Israel and Hezbollah remains tense, with many fearing that the conflict could spread to other countries in the region.