IDF Preemptive Strike Thwarts Major Hezbollah Attack on Israel: hundreds targets have been hit

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a preemptive strike early Sunday morning, preventing a significant Hezbollah attack planned to target strategic facilities across northern Israel and possibly central locations, including Ben Gurion Airport. A security source revealed that Hezbollah intended to launch thousands of rockets and drones at hundreds of military and strategic sites. The IDF's operation destroyed the launchers, significantly reducing the scale of the planned assault.

According to the New York Times, the IDF successfully neutralized all Hezbollah launchers programmed to fire into central Israel by 5:00 AM. The IDF confirmed that while some launchers were intended for central targets, most were aimed at the north. Hezbollah began its attack at 5:30 AM, launching several hundred rockets and drones—over 320—towards the Galilee, the Golan, and cities like Acre, Ma'alot, and Safed. Despite the reduced scale of the attack, it was still extensive and highly unusual.

"Starting at 05:00, we thwarted thousands of launchers aimed at the north in a combined attack involving about a hundred Air Force planes," the IDF reported, adding that approximately 40 launch sites were targeted. The military estimates that Hezbollah is now assessing the situation and considering its next move.

Hezbollah's Reaction

Hezbollah acknowledged the IDF's preemptive strike, claiming that it targeted a planned "diversion operation." Despite this, Hezbollah asserts that the drones they managed to launch successfully hit their targets. However, they also stated that this was only the "first stage" of their response, leaving Israel on high alert for further attacks.

Impact on Hostage Negotiations

 The preemptive strike has delayed ongoing negotiations regarding a potential hostage deal. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, seeing an opportunity to escalate the situation into a regional conflict, has been slow to engage in the talks. Nonetheless, the delay is expected to be brief, and an Israeli delegation is set to depart for Cairo today, led by Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea, Shin Bet Chief Ronan Bar, and Major General Nitzan Alon.

The United States, which has been involved in pushing for the deal, was informed in advance of the IDF’s intelligence and the plan to strike Hezbollah launchers.

Damage and Casualties

 Despite the preemptive strike, Hezbollah managed to launch hundreds of rockets toward northern Israel, causing damage in several locations. In Acre, buildings, houses, and a kindergarten were hit, with one woman sustaining minor injuries from shrapnel. In the Menot settlement, a chicken coop was damaged, and other areas experienced direct hits.

Residents of Acre described the harrowing moments of the attack. "We heard an alarm, but didn’t have time to reach the shelter before the explosion occurred," said Gershon Mata, whose home was struck. In another apartment, residents described clinging to walls as windows shattered around them.

IDF Remains on High Alert

In light of Hezbollah's announcement that the attack was only the "first phase," and the fact that much of its plan was thwarted, the IDF remains on high alert. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a "special situation" across the country, imposing restrictions from Gush Dan to the north. The IDF instructed that work and educational activities could continue only if a protected area was nearby, and gatherings were limited to 300 people. Following the IDF’s preemptive strike, Ben Gurion Airport was temporarily closed for takeoffs and landings, with flights redirected to Ramon Airport and Cairo. However, operations resumed at 7:00 AM, according to IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari.

Leadership Statements

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation at the start of a cabinet meeting, stating, "This morning we detected Hezbollah's preparations to attack Israel. In consultation with the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat." Defense Minister Gallant also communicated with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, informing him of the targeted strikes in Lebanon aimed at neutralizing an immediate threat to Israeli citizens.