Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Rising
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are escalating following the attack on the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli air force warplanes are attacking targets in southern Lebanon, while all flights at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport have been suspended.
Sirens in the North and Israeli Mobility
Rocket sirens sounded in the northern Israeli towns of Yaara and Adamit. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had captured a drone over the Western Galilee. Lebanese sources claimed Israel opened heavy artillery fire on the town of Houla. The Israeli air force reportedly launched strikes on Hezbollah-held areas in southern Lebanon.
Flights Suspended at Beirut Airport
All flights at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport have been suspended due to the possible threat of an Israeli military attack on Lebanon. All flights to Beirut to other parts of the world have been canceled or delayed. Lebanon’s national carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), has suspended some flights until the morning of July 29.
Israeli Security Cabinet Meets
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that the security cabinet has given the prime minister and defense minister the authority to decide on measures to be taken against Hezbollah. Israeli army radio reported that the Israeli army presented the government with possible response scenarios against Hezbollah following the Magdal Shams incident.
Statements from Lebanon and Turkey
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Buhabib said they received assurances that Israel’s possible attack on Lebanon would be “limited” and that Hezbollah would respond on a similar scale. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan used harsh language towards Israel in his speech in Rize, stressing the need for an international reaction.
