Cross-border rocket fire and airstrikes heighten fears of wider regional conflict
WEB DESK: Israel announced Tuesday the creation of a buffer zone inside Lebanon, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) advanced to seize additional positions across the volatile border.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised the move to safeguard northern Israeli communities from persistent rocket attacks. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated troops were securing strategic high ground to form a “protective zone.”
The Lebanese Armed Forces redeployed soldiers from several newly established border posts, citing safety risks.
The escalation follows a rocket barrage by Hezbollah, which vowed retaliation after regional tensions spiked. In response, Israel launched strikes on more than 160 Hezbollah targets, including positions linked to its elite Radwan Force. Hezbollah confirmed retaliatory attacks on three Israeli military bases.
Airstrikes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting command centres, weapons depots, and communications hubs. A rocket fired from Lebanon hit a house in Yuval village, causing minor injuries.
While Israel insists it does not seek full-scale war, officials say “all options remain on the table” to halt cross-border fire, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.
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