After waiting nearly a month for Hezbollah’s response to the successful killing of Fuad Shuker in Beirut (which was carried out following the killing of the dozen children who played soccer in Majdal Shams), the Northern Terror organization finally tried to commit its plan and carry out a significant barrage toward the northern communities, the centeral cities, and strategic facilities throughout the country. In Hezbollah’s language, “the first part in response to the assassination of a Shuker.”
But the immediate preparations for the attack did not go unnoticed by Israeli intelligence, which warned on Saturday evening that a significant attack by Hezbollah would be expected in the coming days. Today, at 5 a.m., the Air Force launched a targeted preemptive strike, after a cluster of missiles and drones targeted at the center of the country, an attack the likes of which Hezbollah has not yet carried out in this war, and which will constitute a dangerous escalation in the face of an all-out war. The depot was destroyed, and the threat was immediately removed; at the same time, massive exchanges of fire began along the northern border, with Hezbollah launching over 250 missiles, rockets and drones – the most intensive day in the north ever. It is not known for the time being about anyone wounded ot killed on the Israeli side.
The Warming led to a increased alert in Israel, when the War Cabinet was called up at the time of the attack and followed the events from the “pit” in the Kiryah. Routes were closed for several hours, and incoming flights to Israel were diverted to side fields. The Home Front Command lowered a series of strict guidelines for residents of the north and the center, including significant restrictions on the gatherings, as well as permits for work and study only in areas with protected spaces. According to Defense Minister Galant, a special situation will exist in the Israeli home front for the next 48 hours, since the incident did not close. Foreign Minister Katz appealed to parallel foreign ministers in the Western world, asking for their diplomatic support at this time.
Indeed, there is no doubt that we are facing the most crucial days in this war, including the potential for historical events and changes. This morning, the IDF proved its material and intelligence advantage over Hezbollah, and it remains only to rely on the fact that this advantage will continue to give its signals in the coming days.
