Regional Media: Hezbollah Evacuates Positions in Beirut; Readiness of Iranian Proxies

Several Israeli media outlets reported on Friday, August 12, that Hezbollah is evacuating its senior personnel and military equipment from its bases in the southern suburbs of Beirut in anticipation of possible Israeli attacks. According to these reports, this indicates a significant escalation of tensions and ongoing clashes between Israel and militant groups in the region. In one of the latest incidents, Israeli fighter jets targeted two Hezbollah operatives in Bledah in southern Lebanon on Friday. The Times of Israel reported that Hezbollah forces were using this area to launch rockets towards Israeli border areas in northern Lebanon. The Israeli airstrike reportedly occurred after a drone launched from Lebanon was shot down over the Golan Heights. Reports suggest that Hezbollah's decision to move its commanders and military equipment to safer locations reflects growing concerns about Israeli airstrikes. Some regional news outlets also reported on Friday an increased state of alert and readiness among Iranian-backed militants in Lebanon and Syria, assessing it as a sign of an imminent large-scale attack on Israel. The Times of Israel also cited local media reports stating that the Islamic Republic is preparing to carry out drone attacks from Syrian territory against Israel. According to these reports, these drones may be launched from areas near Damascus and the Syrian desert, creating the impression that Iranian-backed militant groups in Iraq are behind the attacks. Following unprecedented tensions in the Middle East after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran, and Foad Shukr, one of the highest military commanders of Hezbollah, many international airlines have canceled their flights to the Middle East, especially Lebanon, Iran, and Israel, due to concerns over military conflict. France also urged all its citizens in Iran to 'immediately' leave the country on Friday, August 12. The French Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory, reminding citizens of the risk of military conflict in the region and advising against travel to Iran. Senior Iranian officials, including Ali Khamenei, the leader, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have warned that the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau, and Foad Shukr, the highest military commander of Hezbollah and a close aide to Hassan Nasrallah, will not go unanswered. Simultaneously, Axios reported, citing three American officials, that the Biden administration believes the Islamic Republic intends to attack Israel in response to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed earlier this week in Tehran. An American defense official stated that the increase in tensions in the Middle East following the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials did not compel the Pentagon to deploy additional forces, but the United States has stationed at least 12 warships in the surrounding areas. Israel has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Foad Shukr, identifying him as the perpetrator of a deadly attack in northern Israel that killed 12 Israeli children, but has not commented on Haniyeh's death. Meanwhile, an Israeli government spokesperson stated on Thursday, August 11, that Israel is prepared for any retaliation from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its allies for the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders and will respond 'severely' to any attack. This report utilizes information from the Times of Israel, Israel Hayom, Reuters, AFP, and previous reports from Voice of America. The funeral of Ismail Haniyeh was held in Qatar; Israel protested the half-masting of the Turkish flag. Biden and Netanyahu discussed the commitment of the United States to Israel's security against threats from the Islamic Republic. The White House stated that it is monitoring current developments in the Middle East, with the Biden administration focused on preventing a 'widespread regional war.' Reuters reported that Iranian officials and their proxies are discussing 'retaliatory actions against Israel.' The Israeli army confirmed the killing of Muhammad Deif, the military commander of Hamas, after three weeks.