Hezbollah Retaliates! Israeli Airstrikes Spark Fears of Looming Catastrophe

Concerns of a full-blown Middle East conflict escalated on Sunday as Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets into Israel, while Israel’s military persistently attacked targets in southern Lebanon, simultaneously mobilizing troops, tanks, and other resources towards the northern frontier.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, announced an “indefinite conflict” with Israel during a Sunday funeral service for three members who perished in Israeli airstrikes. Hezbollah is still reeling from last week’s unexpected attack on communication systems which resulted in the death of dozens and injury of thousands more. This is in addition to Israeli air raids on Beirut suburbs that have caused the death of numerous Lebanese, including women and children, and left many more injured.

Among the deceased is high-ranking Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil.

“We acknowledge our grief. We are human. But as we grieve, you will also grieve,” Qassem told those present at Aqil’s funeral, directing his comments towards Israel.

In Israel, sirens sounded warnings of incoming Hezbollah rocket attacks, reaching further south in Israel than at any point in almost 20 years, causing residents to rush to shelters. Israeli media reported 13 casualties—one of them severe—and significant damage to residences and vehicles.

As authorities closed schools, restricted gatherings, and directed hospitals to transfer patients in the north, the Israel Defense Forces relocated troops, tanks, and other assets towards the Lebanese border. Numerous posts on social media reported that Israeli reservists had received emergency summon orders, referred to as Tzav 8s.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated on Sunday that his ultra-conservative government would “do whatever is necessary to reinstate security” in Israel’s north.

“No nation can tolerate the reckless bombing of its towns,” he said. “We can’t tolerate it either.”

Hezbollah has stated it will not cease fighting until Israel halts its attack on Gaza, for which it is currently on trial for genocide at the International Court of Justice.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the United Nations delegate for Lebanon, posted on X, formerly Twitter, that “as the region teeters on the verge of an impending disaster, it cannot be emphasized enough: There is NO military solution that will make either party safer.”

European Union foreign policy head and European Commission Vice President, Josep Borrell, posted on social media on Sunday that “the E.U. is highly concerned by the intensification in Lebanon, following Friday’s assaults in Beirut and the growing cross-border aggression between Israel and Hezbollah.”

“Civilians on both sides are bearing an enormous cost,” Borrell noted. “An immediate ceasefire is required.”

In the United States, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday that the Biden administration—which provides Israel with billions of dollars in weaponry and diplomatic support—is “engaged in comprehensive and firm diplomacy.”

“We aim to ensure that we do everything in our power to prevent this from turning into a full-scale war with Hezbollah across the Lebanese border,” he added. “We still have faith that there is an opportunity and room for a diplomatic resolution here.”