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Hezbollah Fires Missiles at Israeli Troops Advancing in South Lebanon

Hezbollah militants fired guided missiles at Israeli troops attempting to advance into the border town of Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon. This came in response to Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire that targeted several towns, including Mefdoun and Zawtar. An Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson described Hezbollah as an "Iranian terrorist proxy" and stated all options are being considered to stop the group. The IDF linked the current military posture to Hezbollah's decision to join Hamas in attacking Israel on October 8, 2023, which led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israeli civilians.

Key Points: Hezbollah-Israel Clashes Intensify in South Lebanon

  • Israeli airstrikes hit multiple towns
  • Hezbollah fires guided missiles in response
  • Clashes reported in border town of Aita al-Shaab
  • IDF cites October 8 attack as context for actions
2 min read

Hezbollah fires missiles at advancing Israeli troops in south Lebanon as airstrikes hit villages

Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanese towns as Hezbollah fires guided missiles at advancing troops. IDF warns "all cards on the table."

"We understand that we can't live in a reality where terrorist organisations are threatening our civilians inside their homes. - Lieutenant Ben Cohen"

Beirut, March 15

Militants from Hezbollah on Saturday have engaged with the advancing Israeli forces in southern Lebanon after air raids and artillery strikes targeted multiple towns in the region, Al Jazeera reported.

Citing the official Lebanon National News Agency, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire struck several towns across southern Lebanon. The news report said air raids hit the town of Mefdoun in southern Lebanon and areas between Mefdoun and Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.

Heavy artillery shelling also targeted nearby towns, including Zawtar, Yahmar, Arnoun and Mefdoun, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces attempted to advance into the border town of Aita al-Shaab, where gunfire and shelling were heard during clashes.

According to Al Jazeera, militants from Hezbollah responded by firing guided missiles at the advancing Israeli troops.

Press TV reported that Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets targeting a gathering of Israeli troops at al-Khazzan Hill.

Earlier, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Lieutenant Ben Cohen described Hezbollah as an "Iranian terrorist proxy" and said that all cards were on the table to stop the Lebanese militant group from moving forward with its "terrorist agenda".

When asked about whether Israel plans to launch a ground invasion in South Lebanon, Lt Cohen told ANI that the current security situation must be understood in the context of past events. He recalled Hezbollah joining Hamas in an attack against Israel on October 8, 2023.

"To understand the situation in Lebanon, you have to understand the history. And the history in this regard starts - we're talking about October 8th, 2023. Then, too, a different terrorist organisation, Hamas, launches an attack against Israel, and Hezbollah decides to join. On October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah decided to join, Israel made the difficult decision to evacuate over 60,000 civilians in the north and remove them from their homes, you know, and it took a very long time until they could come back. We understand that we can't live in a reality where terrorist organisations are threatening our civilians inside their homes," he said.

Lt Cohen said that Israel has taken a "forward defensive posture" with its forces moving hundreds of meters from the border with Lebanon to protect Israeli civilians so that Hezbollah can't fire those rockets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The cycle of violence is heartbreaking. 60,000 people displaced from their homes? That's a humanitarian crisis. The international community needs to step in more forcefully to broker a ceasefire. No one wins in a war.
A
Aditya G
While Israel has a right to defend itself, a ground invasion into Lebanon would be a massive escalation with unpredictable consequences. The "forward defensive posture" sounds like a prelude to a larger operation. Very concerning for global peace.
S
Sarah B
The article mentions Hezbollah is an "Iranian proxy". This conflict has layers of geopolitical rivalry playing out on Lebanese and Israeli soil. Ordinary people suffer the most. The world cannot afford another full-scale war.
K
Karthik V
As an Indian, our own history with cross-border tensions makes me empathize with civilians living near conflict zones. The constant fear, the sound of shelling... it's no way to live. Dialogue is the only sustainable solution, however difficult.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, the IDF spokesperson's framing is one-sided. The history didn't start on Oct 8, 2023. There's a long context of occupation and blockade. A lasting peace requires addressing root causes, not just military posturing from one side.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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