Israeli Media Report Over 60 Missiles Launched from Lebanon
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TEL AVIV — More than 60 missiles were launched from Lebanon toward Israel on Thursday morning, Israeli media reported, marking a significant escalation in cross-border tensions.
The barrage began shortly after 8 a.m. local time, with air raid sirens sounding across northern Israel and parts of the central region. Civil defense officials urged residents to seek shelter immediately as the projectiles were detected heading south. The exact origin of the launches within Lebanon remains unconfirmed, though the trajectory suggests they originated from areas near the border.
Israeli media outlets provided the initial account of the incident, stating that the volume of fire represented one of the largest single-day attacks from the northern neighbor in recent months. No official confirmation has been issued by the Israeli military or government regarding the number of intercepts or potential damage on the ground.
Lebanon has not issued a statement acknowledging responsibility for the launches. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating in southern Lebanon, has not commented on the incident as of Thursday morning. The group has historically denied involvement in certain cross-border strikes while claiming responsibility for others.
The incident comes amid a period of heightened friction between Israel and Lebanon, with sporadic exchanges of fire occurring along the border in the weeks leading up to Thursday. Regional analysts have noted a pattern of increasing military activity in the area, though the specific motivations behind the current escalation remain unclear.
Emergency services in northern Israel were deployed to assess any potential impact from the missile launches. Reports from the field indicated that some residents evacuated their homes as a precaution, while others remained in shelters for extended periods. The extent of any property damage or injuries has not been disclosed.
International observers are monitoring the situation closely, with concerns growing over the potential for a broader conflict. Diplomatic channels remain active, though no immediate de-escalation measures have been announced by regional powers.
The question of who ordered the launches and what objectives are being pursued remains unanswered. As the situation develops, further details regarding the nature of the missiles, their intended targets, and the response from Israeli defense systems are expected to emerge. The incident underscores the volatile security environment in the region and the ongoing risks of miscalculation between the two nations.