Israel and Hezbollah exchange heavy fir in major escalation

Israel and Hezbollah recently engaged in a significant exchange of fire, marking one of the most intense escalations in their conflict. On August 25, 2024, the Israeli military launched preemptive airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. These strikes were reportedly based on intelligence suggesting that Hezbollah was preparing a large-scale attack on Israel. In response, Hezbollah fired over 150 rockets and drones towards Israel, claiming that this was the first phase of their retaliation for the killing of a senior commander, Fuad Shukr, in July.

The exchange resulted in casualties on both sides, with three civilians killed in Lebanon and one Israeli naval soldier killed during the conflict. The escalation has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict, particularly given Hezbollah's backing by Iran. Despite the intensity of the attacks, both sides have signaled a reluctance to escalate further, with Israeli and Hezbollah leaders suggesting that the exchange might not lead to a full-scale war. However, tensions remain high, and both sides have warned of potential future actions depending on the outcomes of ongoing assessments【6†source】【7†source】.