In a dramatic escalation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of intense airstrikes across Lebanon on Thursday, the first such operation since the targeted killing of senior Hezbollah commander Ali Tabatabai on Sunday.
The IDF hit weapons storage facilities, military positions, and rocket-launch sites located south of the Litani River.
i24's reporter Yinon Yatach added, "The Israeli Air Force carried out strikes moments ago on seven targets within the “Village Pentagon” area in northern Samaria. The targets included open areas, caves, and strategic hideouts frequently used by terrorists in the region.
The strikes follow a series of recent shooting incidents and the elimination of wanted suspects who had fled into cave networks in the area."
The strikes come amid Hezbollah's refusal to comply with an agreement requiring the terror group to disarm and hand over its weapons to the Lebanese government, and they are part of ongoing efforts to degrade Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and disrupt attack capabilities along the northern front.
Immediately following Tabatabai's elimination, Hezbollah's de facto chief of staff, the organization vowed a harsh response. In a concerning development, French sources with ties to Hezbollah indicate the group has a plan to retaliate, potentially catching Israel off guard. However, insiders suggest Hezbollah may opt for a "diplomatic" approach rather than military action, despite the severe blow dealt by Israel. Reports indicate that despite the significant hit to Hezbollah's leadership, the group is not expected to respond with fire.
