23-10-2023 (TEL AVIV) Israeli aircraft conducted airstrikes in Lebanon early on Monday (Oct 23), targeting two Hezbollah cells that were planning to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets towards Israel, according to the Israeli military. The strikes come as fighting escalates along the shared border between the two countries.
Hezbollah confirmed that one of its fighters was killed in the airstrikes, although no further details were provided. Lebanon’s state-run news agency NNA reported an Israeli air strike on the southern outskirts of Aitaroun, located in southern Lebanon, without offering additional information.
The Israeli military stated that one of the cells was located near the Israeli town of Mattat, approximately 13 kilometers southwest of Aitaroun. The other cell was situated further north in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. The military asserted that it targeted both cells before they had the chance to launch their attacks.
It remains unclear whether both sides were referring to the same series of incidents. Israel later announced that it had struck additional Hezbollah targets, including a compound and an observation post. There have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage resulting from the subsequent strikes.
The recent exchange of fire between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel has intensified along the frontier, following a surprise attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel on October 7. In response, Israel launched extensive air strikes on Gaza.
As a result of the escalating violence, Israel has taken measures to evacuate 42 communities along its northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah claims that at least 27 of its fighters have been killed since October 7.
Lebanese security sources have reported the deaths of 11 fighters from Palestinian groups in Lebanon, who are aligned with Hezbollah, in the border area. Additionally, four civilians have lost their lives.
According to Israeli military reports, at least five Israeli soldiers and one civilian have been killed on Israel’s side of the frontier. The situation remains highly volatile as tensions continue to rise between the two parties.
