Hezbollah Fires Over 200 Rockets into Israel After Killing of Senior Commander

On July 4, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets at various military bases in Israel. This aggressive move was in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed Mohammad Naameh Nasser, a senior Hezbollah commander. The attack marks one of the largest escalations in the ongoing conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border, which has seen rising tensions in recent weeks.

The Israeli military reported that numerous projectiles and suspicious aerial targets entered its territory from Lebanon, many of which were intercepted. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Approximately 200 projectiles were launched toward the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, and over 20 drones entered Israeli airspace, some of which were intercepted.

In response, Israel conducted strikes on various towns in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s military structures in Ramyeh and Houla. An Israeli drone strike in Houla reportedly killed at least one person. Additionally, Israeli jets broke the sound barrier over the Lebanese capital and other areas.

The conflict intensified after Israel acknowledged the killing of Mohammad Naameh Nasser on July 3. Nasser, who headed one of Hezbollah’s three regional divisions in southern Lebanon, had participated in conflicts in Syria and Iraq from 2011 to 2016 and fought in the 2006 war with Israel. Following his death, Hezbollah launched scores of Katyusha and Falaq rockets into northern Israel and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, continuing the barrage on July 4 with additional rockets and exploding drones.

The U.S. and France are actively working to prevent the skirmishes from escalating into a full-scale war, fearing regional spillover. Washington initially sought calm along the Lebanon-Israel border independent of the Gaza conflict. However, the U.S. has since linked the cessation of hostilities in Gaza to potential calm in Lebanon and northern Israel.

The conflict, which erupted shortly after the outbreak of the war in Gaza, sees Hezbollah striking Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Hezbollah’s leadership has stated that their attacks will cease once there is a cease-fire in Gaza, although they are prepared for war if necessary. Israeli officials have indicated that they may consider going to war in Lebanon if diplomatic efforts fail.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. In northern Israel, 16 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed, while in Lebanon, over 450 people, mostly fighters but also dozens of civilians, have lost their lives. Israel views Hezbollah as its most direct threat, estimating that the group possesses an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles.

Historical Context

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has deep historical roots. Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group backed by Iran, was founded in the 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War. It has since grown into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon. The group has been involved in various conflicts with Israel, most notably the 2006 Lebanon War, which lasted for a month and ended in a stalemate. The current hostilities are part of a broader regional struggle involving multiple actors, including Iran, Syria, and various Palestinian factions.

Summary in Bullet Points

• Event: Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets into Israel on July 4.
• Cause: Retaliation for the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Mohammad Naameh Nasser by Israel.
• Scale: One of the largest escalations in the Lebanon-Israel border conflict.
• Israeli Response: Strikes on Hezbollah’s military structures in southern Lebanon, including Ramyeh and Houla.
• Casualties: No immediate reports of casualties in Israel; at least one person killed in Lebanon.
• Historical Context: Hezbollah has a long history of conflict with Israel, including the 2006 Lebanon War.
• International Efforts: The U.S. and France are working to prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war.
• Displacement: Tens of thousands displaced on both sides; 16 Israeli soldiers and 11 civilians killed; over 450 people killed in Lebanon.
• Hezbollah’s Arsenal: Estimated to have 150,000 rockets and missiles, including precision-guided missiles.
• Broader Conflict: Linked to the ongoing war in Gaza, with Hezbollah acting in solidarity with Hamas.