JERUSALEM. Tensions escalated on Wednesday as Hezbollah reported direct clashes with Israeli forces inside Lebanon for the first time since Israel launched its northern offensive against the Iran-backed group. The conflict is heightening concerns of a broader regional war.
Hezbollah announced that its fighters were engaging Israeli troops in the border town of Maroun el-Ras, after pushing back Israeli forces near another border town. The group also claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on Israeli military posts. Hezbollah’s media chief, Mohammad Afif, declared that these were just “the first round” of clashes and warned that they had ample fighters, weapons, and ammunition to continue the fight.
In response, Israel has reinforced its presence on the Lebanese border with regular infantry and armored units, including the elite Golani Brigade and the 188th Armored Brigade. The Israeli military confirmed the death of a team commander in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army reported that a Lebanese soldier was injured in an Israeli drone strike on southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military’s operations are focused on neutralizing Hezbollah’s border infrastructure, such as tunnels. While Israeli officials stated there are no plans for a broader incursion into Beirut or major cities in southern Lebanon, new evacuation orders were issued for residents of approximately two dozen towns along the southern border, urging them to move north of the Awali River, 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Israeli border.
This surge in violence follows a significant Iranian missile strike on Israel on Tuesday, which was largely intercepted by Israeli air defenses and a U.S.-led coalition. Iran stated on Wednesday that the attack, its largest assault on Israel to date, was over unless provoked further. In response, Israel and the United States have vowed a strong retaliation.
As the situation along the Israeli-Lebanese border intensifies, fears grow that the conflict could further destabilize the oil-rich Middle East, potentially drawing in more regional players.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
