Hezbollah: “First phase, complete success”. One dead in southern Lebanon
The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said that the “first phase” of its retaliatory attack against Israel was concluded “with complete success,” local media reported. But at the moment one death has been reported in southern Lebanon, as reported by Beirut.
08:04
Haaretz: “It is not clear whether talks will take place in Cairo”
An Israeli source told Haaretz that it was not yet clear whether Sunday morning’s security situation would affect the agreement talks with Hamas at the Cairo summit. “The Cabinet is now in session and is expected to examine the possibility of holding the meeting in Egypt, despite the events in the north. According to the sources, two considerations will influence the decision-making process: one, whether Hezbollah will choose to expand its response or end the attack. The second is the question of Hamas’ willingness to resume contacts, now facing the possibility that their freeze would complicate Israel’s broader confrontation with Hezbollah or Iran.”
08:03
US: “We will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself and continue to work for regional stability”
White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said U.S. President Joe Biden is “closely monitoring events in Israel and Lebanon.” “He has been engaged with his national security team throughout the night,” Savett said. “At his direction, senior U.S. officials have been in continuous communication with their Israeli counterparts. We will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself and continue to work toward regional stability.”
08:01
Netanyahu: “We discovered Hezbollah’s preparations and gave orders to the army”
“This morning at dawn we discovered Hezbollah’s preparations, which were ready to attack Israel, we gave orders to the army to act immediately to eliminate the threat. The IDF is operating with force, it has destroyed dozens of rockets headed to the north. I ask the citizens of Israel to follow the security instructions,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Security Cabinet meeting that ended at 8:36 local time, 7:36 Italian time. “We strike those who strike us,” Netanyahu added.
07:59
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Declares State of Emergency in Israel for the Next 48 Hours
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency in Israel for the next 48 hours. The “special situation on the home front” allows the IDF Command to issue restrictions.
07:56
NYT: “Hezbollah Wanted to Attack Tel Aviv at 5 AM”
In a preemptive strike against Hezbollah, Israel struck the positions it was supposed to attack at 5 a.m. in the direction of Tel Aviv. This was reported on New York Times a Western intelligence source, who said that all of these launchers had been destroyed.
07:55
Hezbollah: “Over 320 rockets launched”
The terrorist group Hezbollah, around 6 a.m., said it had already fired more than 320 rockets toward northern Israel in the past few hours, along with several explosive-laden drones. In a statement, Hezbollah said it targeted 11 military bases in northern Israel. A video circulating online shows a Hezbollah drone hitting a highway in northern Israel.
07:54
IDF: “Hezbollah launches rockets, we strike in Lebanon”
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari reports that the army is striking Hezbollah positions in Lebanon from which rockets are launched against Israel. “We are removing threats to the Israeli internal front. Dozens of aircraft are now attacking targets in different areas of southern Lebanon,” Hagari says. “Hezbollah is launching rockets and drones against Israel. Our air defense systems, Navy ships and Air Force aircraft are protecting the country’s skies, identifying and intercepting threats and striking everywhere in Lebanon, where it is necessary to remove threats and strike Hezbollah.”
07:53
Hezbollah: “Retaliation for the murder of Fuad Shukr”
Hezbollah said it launched an attack on Israel in response to the killing of the terror group’s military commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut. In a statement, the Shiite militia said it had launched explosive drones into Israel, targeting military sites. More than 100 rockets have been fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel so far, the Saudi daily Al Arabiya reported.
07:50
State of emergency in Israel for 48 hours
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency in Israel for the next 48 hours. The “special situation on the home front” allows the IDF Command to issue restrictions.
