Israel has declared a 48-hour state of emergency as tensions escalate with Lebanon-based Hezbollah. The announcement was made by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant early Sunday, following a series of pre-emptive strikes by the Israeli military in Lebanon.
The emergency declaration, effective from 06:00 am local time, grants the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) the authority to issue instructions to citizens, including restricting gatherings and closing certain sites for safety.
Hezbollah, in response, launched a large-scale attack involving rockets and drones aimed at Israel. The militant group cited the killing of their top commander, Fuad Shukr, as the catalyst for this "initial response."
The attacks targeted multiple positions, barracks, and Iron Dome platforms in Israel, signalling that military operations are expected to continue.
The situation has added to the already tense atmosphere in the Middle East, following earlier vows of retaliation by Hezbollah and Iran for an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed a senior commander, as well as the assassination of Hamas's political leader in Tehran.
The Israeli military has warned residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate, highlighting the imminent danger posed by Hezbollah's preparations for further attacks.
Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed that Israeli jets are actively targeting threats in Lebanon, and urged Lebanese civilians to move to safety.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a security cabinet meeting to address the escalating situation. The ongoing aggression by Hezbollah threatens to pull both Lebanon and Israel, along with the broader region, into a larger conflict.
The next 48 hours will be critical as the situation continues to develop.
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