Israel strikes back, kills 6 in Beirut after 8 soldiers died fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon
Israel retaliates, kills 6 in Beirut after losing 8 soldiers
03 Oct 2024
In a swift response to the death of eight Israeli soldiers, the military launched a deadly air raid on a Hezbollah rescue facility in central Beirut on Thursday.
The attack resulted in at least six fatalities.
This marked Israel's first losses since initiating cross-border operations earlier this week and their deadliest day on the Lebanese front within a year of clashes against Hezbollah.
Hezbollah claims to repel Israeli infiltration
Counterclaim
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group, claimed it had successfully repelled an Israeli infiltration into southern Lebanon on Wednesday.
This incident occurred shortly after Iran launched its most substantial missile attack yet against Israel.
In response to these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating they would pay for their "big mistake."
Israel intensifies attacks on Hezbollah stronghold
Escalating conflict
Israel has intensified its bombardment of Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold.
This escalation follows a significant blow dealt by Israel last week when they assassinated the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a massive strike.
The latest Israeli strike targeted a Hezbollah rescue facility, resulting in at least six deaths according to a Lebanese health ministry toll.
Hezbollah retaliates, Israel reports 1st soldier deaths
Rising tensions
A day after announcing "targeted ground raids" in south Lebanon, Israel reported its first soldier death in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The toll later rose to eight.
In retaliation, Hezbollah claimed it forced Israeli soldiers to retreat and destroyed three Merkava tanks with rockets as they advanced on Maroun al-Ras village.
The Israeli military confirmed two brief incursions into Lebanon and ordered residents to evacuate more than 20 areas.
Israel deploys additional troops
Military reinforcement
The Israeli military has deployed additional infantry and armored troops from the 36th Division, including the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade and 6th Infantry Brigade.
This suggests a potential expansion of operations beyond limited commando raids.
The military clarified that its incursion is primarily aimed at destroying tunnels and other infrastructure on the border with no plans for a wider operation targeting Beirut or major cities in southern Lebanon.
Civilian impact of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict
Civilian casualties
The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians.
Lebanon's health ministry reported that Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours have resulted in 46 deaths and 85 injuries.
Additionally, an Israeli strike in Damascus killed four people including Hassan Jaafar al-Qasir, son-in-law of the slain Hezbollah leader.
The Britain-based war monitor, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed these reports.