Hezbollah Positions in Southern Lebanon Targeted by Israeli Air and Artillery Strikes

On Thursday, September 29, the Israeli army announced that its fighter jets and artillery targeted several positions in southern Lebanon. These attacks occurred amid heightened tensions following a large-scale assault on the communication devices used by Hezbollah operatives earlier this week, which left thousands injured. According to Reuters, the Israeli army stated that airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in the regions of Chihine, Taybeh, Blida, Mays al-Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons depot in the Khiyam area. Israeli media reported that several Israeli civilians were injured due to anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon, but there is no official confirmation on this matter. The latest Israeli attacks come after a period of severe concerns regarding escalating clashes at the border with southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been exchanging fire with Hezbollah, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, for months. On Wednesday, September 28, Hezbollah fired about 20 missiles towards Israel, most of which were intercepted by air defense systems, causing no injuries. Approximately 10 missiles were fired at the Hermon Mountain area in the Golan Heights, where Israel has key surveillance, intelligence, and air defense facilities. This week, dozens were killed in a complex attack targeting communication devices used by Hezbollah members, and thousands were injured. Israel has not commented directly on these attacks, but multiple security sources have indicated that they were carried out by Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency. Previously, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the war Israel began in Gaza last October, following an armed attack by Hamas on southern Israeli communities, has now entered a new phase, with a focus shifting to the northern border. He added that more military units and resources are being sent to the border. According to Israeli officials, the forces stationed at the border include the 98th Division, an elite unit that consists of commandos and paratroopers who have been engaged in combat in Gaza. Hezbollah fired missiles towards Israel the day after the October 7 attack by Hamas, and since then, there has been a continuous exchange of fire, with neither side allowing it to escalate into a full-scale war. However, tens of thousands have been evacuated on both sides of the border, and pressures in Israel to return these individuals to their homes have increased. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also promised to return evacuated Israelis 'safely to their homes.'