The suspicion of a "security incident" has breached the cautious calm witnessed in the southern border areas, leading to the most intense military escalation between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in recent days. Israeli warplanes have violated Lebanese airspace from the south to the north, causing multiple sonic booms, which many Lebanese initially interpreted as bombing or an earthquake. Meanwhile, sirens are sounding on both sides; when they quiet down in Metula, those from UNIFIL in Lebanese territory start up again.
In recent updates from the south, the following towns have been subjected to bombardment since noon: the outskirts of Al-Jabin, Shihin, Ramiah, Yaroun, Blida, Mais Al-Jabal, Houla, Wadi Hounin, Kfarkala, Adyssa, the Shebaa Farms, the Kfarshouba Hills, Al-Majidiyah, and Al-Qlay’a.
In today’s developments, an air defense missile entered the battle space over Kfarshouba, with the sound of its explosion heard in the area. According to Israeli media, it was fired at two drones heading from southern Lebanon towards northern occupied Palestine. Reports have indicated one Israeli fatality and six injuries resulting from Hezbollah’s attacks on military forces in “Natou’a” and near “Branit.” Arabic sources have confirmed that two Israeli soldiers were killed due to Hezbollah bombardment on border military sites.
The Lebanese army announced in a statement that it found 25 Grad missile launchers, one of which was prepared for firing in the Qulay’a plain area. Footage shows the situation in the Shebaa Farms and Kfarshouba hills following an attack on hostile Israeli positions.
On the Israeli side, bombardments using drones and phosphorus shells targeted Wadi Hounin after a suspected infiltration. The area close to Kfarshouba, specifically Shanouh, also faced Israeli bombardment. An Israeli reporter mentioned that the enemy used phosphorus shells in the airspace of the border fence between the “Margaliot” settlement and Wadi Hounin, targeting a fighter whom they claim infiltrated inside the settlement before managing to withdraw.
The Israeli army reported today that it targeted a cell that launched anti-tank missiles from Lebanon affiliated with Hezbollah, marking the fourth such incident today. It also targeted three Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon with a drone. Sirens sounded at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura.
For its part, Hezbollah announced that it "attacked on Friday afternoon the sites of Hermon, Baraka Risha, and Ramiah with guided missiles and suitable weapons," and that it targeted a gathering of soldiers in the Ramim settlement, resulting in confirmed casualties. In a statement, Hezbollah indicated that it targeted an Israeli infantry force near the Branit barracks with appropriate missiles and caused multiple casualties, in response to the assault on journalists and civilians trapped yesterday, resulting in one civilian death.
Al-Jazeera reported that Israeli artillery is bombarding the vicinity of Ramiah and Aita Shaab in southern Lebanon. The Branit barracks, located near the town of Ramesh and the border area, was targeted by Hezbollah last week in retaliation for the deaths of three of its members. They also targeted the Al-Aasi site with guided missiles.
Additionally, Israeli artillery bombarded the outskirts of western sector villages, according to the National News Agency, and phosphorus shells targeted the outskirts of Houla and Mais Al-Jabal. The Israeli army radio reported skirmishes within the Margaliot settlement at the border with Lebanon. Residents of the settlements of Menara, Miskaf Am, and Kfar Gladia were instructed to enter fortified areas. Israeli buses arrived in Kiryat Shmona near the border with Lebanon to initiate the full evacuation of residents.
When asked about the possibility of a war with Lebanon, the Israeli army replied: "It depends on the red lines, namely, not to use long-range missiles or major complex operations."
