Netanyahu gives authority to arrange retaliation against Hezbollah

(MENAFN) In a significant move, Israel’s security cabinet has granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant full authority to determine the scale and timing of a potential military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This decision follows a series of escalations between Israel and the militant group.

During a meeting on Sunday evening, the security cabinet authorized Netanyahu and Gallant to outline the specifics of Israel’s response to recent cross-border attacks by Hezbollah. The escalation began on Saturday when a rocket struck a football pitch in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, tragically killing 12 children. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have attributed the rocket attack to Hezbollah, presenting evidence including photos of shrapnel they claim matches an Iranian-made Falaq-1 rocket, which is reportedly used by the pro-Palestinian group. The IDF stated that the rocket was launched from the Chebaa area in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah, however, has denied any involvement in the attack on Majdal Shams. The group has been actively targeting Israeli positions with rockets and mortar shells since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7.

In response to the increased tensions, the IDF conducted additional airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Sunday. However, there are indications that Israel may escalate its military actions further, potentially including a ground invasion. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has warned that Hezbollah has “crossed all red lines,” signaling the possibility of a more aggressive response.

Iran has warned of severe consequences if Israel undertakes “full-scale military aggression” against Lebanon, suggesting that such actions could lead to an “obliterating war.” Meanwhile, the US has reaffirmed its support for Israel, with Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, expressing her “ironclad” support for Israel’s position through her national security adviser.

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