Smoke rises on the Lebanese side of the border between Israel and Lebanon after an Israeli airstrike, as seen from northern Israel, November 18, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
In the ongoing escalation between Hezbollah and Israel along the Lebanese-Israeli border, both sides engaged in rocket and missile exchanges on Saturday, as reported by officials from both parties. The Iran-backed Hezbollah claimed to have downed an Israeli drone near the border, while Israel’s military stated that it intercepted a missile fired at one of its drones. Verification of these claims by Reuters could not be independently confirmed.
Lebanese officials reported an Israeli airstrike hitting a building in an industrial area near Nabatieh, marking one of the deepest Israeli strikes inside Lebanese territory since the conflict began last month. Israel’s military did not immediately comment on the incident. Lawmaker Hani Kobeissy shared a video online, visiting the site and identifying it as an aluminum supply store allegedly bombed by Israel.
Hezbollah released statements asserting that it had targeted Israeli military sites and troops along the border, inflicting casualties. The violence is considered a spill-over from Israel’s conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Hamas initiated attacks on Israeli towns on October 7, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel has since conducted airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, with a significant loss of life according to Gaza health authorities.
Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict has led to attacks on Israeli troops at the Lebanese border, with Israel responding with air and artillery strikes in southern Lebanon. The toll includes over 70 Hezbollah fighters, 10 civilians, and at least 10 Israelis, mostly soldiers, marking the deadliest violence between the two sides since the 2006 war. Western officials express concerns about the escalation potentially drawing Iran and the United States deeper into the conflict.
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