After relentless military actions in Gaza, Israel now faces repercussions as Hezbollah launches a “swarm of drones” and rockets into northern Israel, causing injuries and widespread alarm. These strikes come as a direct response to Israel’s aggressive stance, highlighting the backlash from Lebanon.
After a series of aggressive military operations in Gaza, Israel is now confronting severe repercussions as Hezbollah retaliates with a series of drone and rocket attacks. These strikes on northern Israel represent a significant escalation and are viewed as direct consequences of Israel’s prolonged violence against Palestinians. The situation reflects a turning point where Israel’s actions in Gaza are now met with substantial resistance from Lebanon, highlighting the broader implications of its military policies. Amidst this turmoil, Israel also faces internal unrest, with protests erupting over military conscription, further complicating the crisis.
Israeli Raids and Hezbollah’s Retaliatory Actions:
- Israeli forces conducted deadly raids in the West Bank, specifically in Jenin and Aqqaba, resulting in at least eight Palestinian deaths, including a 14-year-old boy. The operations involved the use of drones and live bullets.
- An Israeli air raid in Mayfadoun, southern Lebanon, killed five Hezbollah fighters, escalating tensions further.
- In retaliation, Hezbollah launched a “swarm of drones” and rocket strikes into northern Israel, targeting a military barracks and civilian areas approximately 20km from the border. This attack injured at least five Israelis, with one person critically wounded.
- The Gaza Health Ministry reported at least 40 deaths and 71 injuries in recent Israeli attacks within a 24-hour period. Total casualties in Gaza reached 39,653 killed and 91,535 wounded.
- Hamas has announced Yahya Sinwar, its senior official in Gaza, as the new leader of its political bureau. This decision follows the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
International Reactions and Legal Concerns:
- Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, warned that the Middle East is on “the brink of a war of unknown proportions”, highlighting the potential for a broader conflict.
- The UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression condemned the killings of Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Rifi in Gaza, urging their deaths to be prosecuted as a war crime.
- Allegations surfaced against two Israeli reservists for the alleged sexual abuse of a Palestinian detainee at Sde Teiman facility. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the reservists failed a polygraph test related to these accusations.
Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Protests and Clashes:
- Protests erupted among ultra-Orthodox Israelis following a Supreme Court ruling on June 25, mandating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews into the military, overturning a long-standing exemption.
- The protests, centered around a recruiting office in Tel Hashomer, led to clashes between demonstrators and police forces.
