Hezbollah Launches Major Missile Strikes On Israel's Haifa

Over the past day, Hezbollah has initiated a series of significant missile strikes on Haifa, a major northern port city in Israel. The missile attacks began on Sunday and have continued into Monday.

Confirmation of Ground Strikes

Videos on social media have confirmed a series of direct ground strikes. A Monday update from BBC reported at least five recent rocket launches, resulting in eight injuries and causing damage in Haifa. Dozens more rockets have been launched.

Israel's Air Defenses Fail

Despite its highly praised air defenses, Israel's military has acknowledged their failure in the north and is currently investigating the situation. Hezbollah has claimed that its target is military bases near Haifa. However, local reports indicate that a restaurant was among the locations directly hit, resulting in substantial damage.

Direct Hit on a Restaurant in Haifa

According to the Jerusalem Post, a restaurant in Haifa was directly hit as approximately 20 rockets crossed from Lebanese territory. Among those evacuated for medical treatment, a 13-year-old was reportedly lightly wounded, while two others were moderately wounded from broken glass. Three people sustained light injuries from broken glass, two were lightly injured while heading to a protected area, and one person was treated for anxiety.

Damage in the Heart of the City

Another local media report mentions damage in the city center. Footage from Haifa seems to show significant damage at a traffic circle hit by a rocket, while other videos show smoke rising above apartments during the barrage. On Sunday alone, Hezbollah fired about 120 rockets into northern Israel. These projectiles have been reaching further into Israel since the start of the IDF bombing campaign over southern Beirut.

Injuries in Tiberias

Injuries have also been reported in the town of Tiberias. It is evident that Israel's ground offensive in south Lebanon and bombing of Beirut has not stopped Hezbollah rockets from reaching deep into the north.

Israel's Goals for the Lebanon Offensive

One of Israel's main objectives for the Lebanon offensive is to push Hezbollah back several kilometers to create a buffer zone, allowing Israeli residents of the north to return to their homes.

Israel's Aerial Bombardment of Beirut

Israel's aerial bombardment of Beirut has remained consistent, with jets targeting buildings believed to belong to Hezbollah’s intelligence division in Beirut, or locations considered command centers, according to Israeli statements. Images showed a strike on an apparent Hezbollah weapons depot, resulting in large and sustained fireballs and secondary explosions. The IDF warned on Monday that the Israeli Navy will soon begin operations against Hezbollah from the sea.

Bottom Line

The recent missile strikes on Haifa by Hezbollah and the subsequent response by Israel's military is a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches with concern. What are your thoughts on these developments? Share this article with your friends and engage in the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.