SANA'A September 05. 2024 (Saba) - In a display of solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has endured intense conflict for the past 11 months, Hezbollah has significantly escalated its missile attacks on Israeli positions. The Lebanese group has launched hundreds of missiles towards occupied Palestinian territories in recent weeks.
According to Israeli army radio, a record 1,307 missiles were fired from Lebanon towards Israel in August, marking the highest monthly missile launch rate since the onset of the conflict with Gaza. The Israeli General Security Service (Shabak) reported that this figure equates to an average of 42 missiles per day.
Shabak's data highlights that August saw the largest volume of missile fire compared to other months this year. For context, the number of rockets fired in previous months were: 1,091 in July, 855 in June, 1,000 in May, 744 in April, 746 in March, 534 in February, and 334 in January.
According to Israeli sources, 452 rockets were launched in May, 113 in April, 104 in March, 165 in February, and 357 in January.
The Israeli army radio suggests that Hezbollah's increased missile activity may be partly in response to Israeli military actions and the recent deaths of senior Hezbollah leaders. However, the radio also noted that on Wednesday alone, Hezbollah launched 115 missiles towards northern Israel without targeting any specific leaders.
The Israeli army radio characterized the situation along the border as "boiling violently," hinting at the potential for a full-scale conflict with Hezbollah.
In contrast, Israeli security agency Shabak reported that Gaza launched 116 rockets in August, 216 in July, and 205 in June.
In the early hours of August 25, just under 30 minutes before Hezbollah's retaliation for the killing of jihadist leader Fouad Shukr, the Israeli military conducted numerous raids targeting forested areas along the border and regions in Iqlim al-Tuffah. The Israeli military described these actions as a "preemptive strike" aimed at neutralizing an imminent "threat" from Hezbollah.
Despite these raids, Hezbollah proceeded with its planned response. In an afternoon speech, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah confirmed that the group launched 340 rockets and several drones.
On the same day, Israeli officials portrayed the "preemptive strike" as a significant security victory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the army had intercepted all incoming drones from Lebanon and thwarted their intended attacks on strategic targets in Israel, describing the operation as a major success.
Following this, Israeli military spokespeople consistently supported Netanyahu's claims, asserting the destruction of thousands of missile platforms aimed at Israel. Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson, reinforced this narrative.
However, 11 days after what was described as a "preemptive strike" by Israeli forces, it became evident that Hezbollah's missile attacks were escalating rather than subsiding. On Wednesday, the Israeli military reported over 115 Katyusha rockets fired at settlements in northern Israel.
Military correspondent Avi Ashkenazi of the Israeli newspaper *Maariv* noted, "At noon yesterday, Hezbollah sent a clear message to the Israeli government that it remains a significant threat. Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets and mortar shells at the Galilee region, which has long been a focal point of their firepower."
In reality, the portrayal by Israeli authorities of the events on the morning of August 25 appears to have been more show than substance. The initial reports of a "preemptive strike" quickly lost their impact as Hezbollah launched its first wave of missiles from Lebanon, undermining the narrative put forth by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had hoped to de-escalate the situation.
On the ground, Hezbollah continues to effectively support Gaza with precision strikes, while carefully managing and concealing its military capabilities. This was underscored by Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in his August 25 speech.
Sheikh Hassan al-Baghdadi, a member of Hezbollah's Central Council, criticized the Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank as evidence of extreme brutality. He warned that this violence would have enduring repercussions, asserting that the bloodshed inflicted by Israeli leaders would haunt them and their allies indefinitely.
He stressed that the attacks would not intimidate the Palestinian people but instead would bolster their resolve and resilience. He noted that the familiar scene of stones has now evolved into a confrontation involving bullets, explosives, and martyrdom operations.
Sheikh Al-Baghdadi concluded by affirming that the support fronts are crucial for the Palestinian cause, either by weakening the foundational elements of the Israeli state or by preventing efforts to isolate the Palestinian people and undermine their struggle.
It is important to note that Hezbollah maintains a significant military presence in southern Lebanon, with an extensive arsenal of missiles. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Hezbollah's stockpile is estimated to include between 120,000 and 200,000 missiles and shells, making it one of the most heavily armed non-state military forces globally.
On July 30, the Israeli military announced the killing of Hezbollah’s senior military commander, Fouad Shukr, in an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. The following day, Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of Hamas, was reported to have been assassinated in Tehran, the Iranian capital.
In response to these developments, the region has been anticipating reactions from Hezbollah and Iran, both of which have vowed to retaliate against Israel. Meanwhile, the United States is working to ease tensions through mediation efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the hostage situation in Gaza. Hezbollah, however, has emphasized that it will continue its hostilities until the conflict in Gaza is resolved.
Military experts suggest that Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has indicated that the group is well-equipped for a large-scale military confrontation. Hezbollah’s arsenal, particularly its anti-tank weapons, is believed to be extensive, including several types such as the Russian Kornet missile, which is specifically designed for tank destruction.
Regarding drones, experts have identified several models in Hezbollah’s arsenal, including "Hudhud 1," "Hudhud 2," and "Hudhud 3," as well as "Mohajer 1," "Mohajer 2," "Samad," and "Al-Sa'iqa," among others that have not been publicly disclosed.
Hezbollah’s missile inventory reportedly ranges from short-range Katyushas with a 4-kilometer range to medium-range Katyushas that can reach 80-100 kilometers. Additionally, the group possesses longer-range missiles, such as the "Almas" missile, which was used to target the Israeli Meron military base.
The organization has also disclosed a military facility named "Imad 4," which includes rocket launchers and extensive underground tunnels. A video released by Hezbollah's war media, titled "Our Mountains Are Our Treasures," showcases this facility, highlighting the large, well-equipped tunnels that are capable of accommodating trucks and motorcycles.
Hezbollah continues to target Israeli strongholds, sites, and settlements in northern Israel as retaliation for Israeli attacks on Lebanese targets and ongoing operations in Gaza. Despite international pressure—including two UN Security Council resolutions and various mediation efforts by Egyptian, Qatari, and American intermediaries—Israel persists in its actions against Gaza. Hezbollah has stated that it will not cease its attacks until the aggressive actions against Gaza come to an end.
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