Tel Aviv, Aug 26: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Sunday’s military strikes in Lebanon are “not the final word” in Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that the strikes are part of a broader effort to alter the situation in northern Israel and to ensure the safe return of residents to their homes.
“We are delivering unexpected, decisive blows to Hezbollah,” Netanyahu stated. “We have destroyed thousands of short-range rockets intended to target our civilians and military forces in the Galilee. This is a significant step, but I reiterate, it is not the end.”
Netanyahu also reported that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted all drones launched by Hezbollah aimed at a strategic target in central Israel, though the specific target was not disclosed. Israeli media have suggested that Hezbollah’s drones were aimed at the Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv.
In response, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah claimed that his group fired 320 Katyusha rockets at several Israeli military bases, including Glilot, which he identified as the main Israeli military intelligence base near Tel Aviv. Israeli sources, however, reported that there were no hits on the base, which is also rumored to house the Mossad headquarters.
Following the escalation, Israeli authorities imposed a 48-hour state of emergency but later eased most restrictions. The conflict has caused some disruptions to flights in both Israel and Lebanon.
The United Nations and Lebanon’s Prime Minister have called for de-escalation to prevent further violence between the two sides.