Tensions remained high on Thursday evening at Lebanon’s southern border.
While Israeli media reported alarm sirens in Zarit near the Lebanese border, Israeli bombardments continued on the ground.
Warplanes launched several airstrikes in an area between Halta and Kfarchouba, as well as on the outskirts of Kfar Hamames in the al-Shaqif locality.
Israeli artillery also targeted the outskirts of Tayr Harfa, Alma al-Shaab, Wadi Hassan, Majdel Zoun, Hula, and the hill of al-Rouwaisat. A house in Blida was hit by a Merkava tank with direct-fire shells.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts were ongoing to prevent an escalation of the conflict. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin affirmed that the United States “does not want a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah” and is “reaching out to the Israelis to prevent the war from spreading.”
Simultaneously, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that his government is working “with UNIFIL to prevent escalation on Lebanon’s southern front.”
Speaking via Zoom with the American Task Force for Lebanon led by Edward Gabriel, he also criticized Israel, citing “35,000 Israeli violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701” while reiterating commitment to its implementation.
On the Israeli side, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, Herzi Halevi, mentioned during an inspection of the northern border with Lebanon that “the return of inhabitants will only happen when the situation is safe.”
Hezbollah, on its part, announced targeting espionage equipment within the radar station in the Chebaa farms, as well as Israeli positions in Ramta and Sammaka, also within the Shebaa Farms.
