Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into northern Israel Wednesday, June 12, in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon that killed a top commander. The Israeli strike in Lebanon killed Hezbollah commander Taleb Sami Abdallah on Tuesday. The strike marks another deadly encounter between the organization and Israel.
Hezbollah increased its attacks into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas after Oct. 7. Abdallah is only the second Hezbollah leader Israeli forces killed since then.
The Israeli military reported that it launched projectiles from Lebanon and caused fires. However, no casualties have been reported so far. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) said it fired 160 projectiles.
This ongoing conflict, characterized by rocket and drone attacks, displaced at least 60,000 Israelis since October.
The IDF responded Wednesday with two air force jets striking launchers used to fire projectiles into northern Israel.
Despite international efforts to halt the violence, attempts to establish a cease-fire in Gaza and reduce hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel remain stalled.
On Tuesday, Hamas responded to a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal in Gaza by suggesting amendments. However, Hamas did not fully commit to the terms, which Israel viewed as an outright rejection.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East advocating for a cease-fire that includes the release of hostages. The proposal met resistance from both Israel and Hamas.
In response to the U.S.-led initiative, Hamas reiterated its demand for a permanent cease-fire with specific timelines. It also toughened its position on key issues, like the withdrawal of Israeli forces from strategic areas near Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah stated that its attacks will continue in support of the Palestinians until Israel ceases all military actions in Gaza.
All this occurs as the United Nations accused both Hamas and Israel of committing war crimes since the conflict in Gaza began eight months ago.
