BEIRUT: In a series of retaliatory actions, Hezbollah, a prominent Lebanese group, initiated drone and rocket attacks into northern Israel on Tuesday. However, it cautioned that its anticipated retaliation for Israel's execution of a senior commander the previous week was yet to be executed.
Hezbollah reported the deployment of a multitude of attack drones at two military installations near Acre in northern Israel, alongside the engagement of an Israeli military vehicle in a separate location.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) identified several hostile drones as they crossed into Israeli territory, with one drone successfully intercepted.
Israeli medical authorities reported the evacuation of seven individuals to a hospital located south of the coastal city of Nahariya, with one patient being in a critical condition.
The IDF disclosed that an initial investigation suggested the injuries sustained were a result of an interceptor missile that missed its intended target, striking the ground and injuring several civilians. The incident is currently under investigation. Television footage was provided showing the aftermath of the incident near a bus stop on a main road outside Nahariya.
In a statement, the IDF confirmed the activation of sirens around Acre, although it was later determined to be a false alarm.
Concerns are mounting regarding the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, following Hezbollah's declaration of vengeance for the execution of its commander, Fuad Shukr, and Iran's pledge to retaliate in response to the assassination of Hamas' head in Tehran last week. A Hezbollah representative has indicated that the response to Fuad Shukr's assassination has not yet been executed.
Furthermore, earlier in the day, a strike resulted in the deaths of four individuals at a residence in the Lebanese town of Mayfadoun, which is approximately 30 kilometers north of the border.
Hezbollah and the Israeli military have engaged in a prolonged exchange of fire over the past ten months, coinciding with the conflict in Gaza.
Concurrently, Israeli forces, augmented by drone strikes, have reported the loss of at least twelve individuals in the occupied West Bank following operations near two key cities in the north, which escalated into clashes with Palestinian militants.
The Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed the execution of two distinct aerial operations in the volatile city of Jenin, targeting militant groups. However, specific details regarding the nature of these operations have not been disclosed.
The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported fatalities resulting from the strikes on two vehicles in Jenin, a city recognized as one of the most active and turbulent locales for militant activities within the West Bank. Additionally, a person has been reported as suffering from critical injuries.
These strikes took place amidst an Israeli military operation in Jenin, as evidenced by video footage circulated on social media platforms. The footage depicts a column of armored personnel carriers entering the city and armored bulldozers engaged in road excavation activities.
