Following Israeli strikes that resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to the Lebanese people, urging them not to serve as “human shields” for Hezbollah.
Here are the top 10 key points from this development:
- Netanyahu’s Message: In a video message, Netanyahu stated that Israel’s conflict is with Hezbollah, not the Lebanese people. He accused Hezbollah of using Lebanese civilians as human shields by placing missiles in residential areas, and vowed to eliminate these threats to protect Israeli citizens.
- Appeal to Lebanese Citizens: Netanyahu urged Lebanese residents to evacuate areas where Hezbollah has stationed weapons. He emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued warnings for people to leave to avoid harm.
- Call for Evacuation: Netanyahu warned, “Don’t let Hezbollah endanger your lives and the lives of your loved ones. Please, get out of harm’s way now. Once our operation is finished, you can return safely to your homes.”
- Shift in Conflict Zone: The recent escalation has moved from Israel’s southern border with Gaza to its northern frontier with Lebanon, where Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israel since the war began in support of Hamas.
- Operation Northern Arrows: The IDF has named its operations in southern and eastern Lebanon as “Operation Northern Arrows,” which included targeted strikes in Beirut.
- Casualties Reported: The Lebanese Health Ministry, led by Hezbollah, reported 492 casualties, including 35 children and 58 women, as of Monday night. Additionally, over 1,600 people have been wounded, and thousands of families have been displaced.
- International Response: The strikes, which marked the deadliest day of cross-border violence since the Gaza war began, were condemned by several Arab states and international powers, who urged both sides to step back from the brink of all-out war.
- Hezbollah’s Retaliation: Hezbollah announced it was in a “new phase” of confrontation and had launched rockets at Israeli military sites in response to Israeli strikes. An elite Hezbollah commander was killed in an attack on southern Beirut last Friday.
- Series of Explosions in Lebanon: Prior to the cross-border violence, Lebanon experienced several deadly explosions of communication devices, which Hezbollah blamed on Israel. These blasts killed at least 39 people and injured nearly 3,000.
- Ongoing Tensions: The situation remains volatile as both Israel and Hezbollah refuse to back down, with Netanyahu reiterating Israel’s commitment to eliminating threats posed by Hezbollah’s arsenal in Lebanon.
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