update deskIsrael at War

Hezbollah ushers in ‘escalatory phase’ in war against Israel

The Lebanese terrorist organization said it will use precision-guided missiles to attack IDF soldiers.

Wildfires following a missile attack by Hezbollah in Lebanon near Korazim in northern Israel on Oct. 9, 2024. Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90.
Wildfires following a missile attack by Hezbollah in Lebanon near Korazim in northern Israel on Oct. 9, 2024. Photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90.

Hezbollah on Thursday night introduced changes to its war against the Jewish state that include using precision-guided missiles to target IDF troops, Agence France-Presse reported.

The Iranian terrorist proxy in Lebanon announced the “transition to a new and escalatory phase in the confrontation with the Israeli enemy,” according to the report.

The move came after Israel Defense Forces soldiers killed Hamas terror master Yahya Sinwar in a firefight in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Last month, Hezbollah upped its anti-Israel rhetoric, saying it is fighting Israel not just in solidarity with Hamas but also “in defense of Lebanon and its people.”

A statement released by the terrorist group opened with, “Permission to fight has been granted to those for they have been wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory,” citing a verse from the Koran.

The statement went on to claim Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel were “in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in Gaza and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance and in defense of Lebanon and its people.”

Hezbollah has attacked Israel nearly daily in support of Hamas since Oct. 8, 2023, firing some 10,000 rockets, missiles and drones. Jerusalem has escalated attacks on Hezbollah since adding the return home of its displaced citizens in northern Israel to its official war goals on Sept. 17, 2024.

On Thursday night, the IDF announced that five soldiers were killed fighting Hezbollah terrorists in Southern Lebanon. The slain men were named as Maj. Ofek Bachar, 24, from Ness Ziona; Capt. Elad Siman Tov, 23, from Tzofim; Staff Sgt. Elyashiv Eitan Wieder, 22, from Jerusalem; Staff Sgt. Yakov Hillel, 21, from Jerusalem; and Staff Sgt. Yehudah Dror Yahalom, 21, from Hebron.

You have read 3 articles this month.
Register to receive full access to JNS.

Just before you scroll on...

Israel is at war. JNS is combating the stream of misinformation on Israel with real, honest and factual reporting. In order to deliver this in-depth, unbiased coverage of Israel and the Jewish world, we rely on readers like you. The support you provide allows our journalists to deliver the truth, free from bias and hidden agendas. Can we count on your support? Every contribution, big or small, helps JNS.org remain a trusted source of news you can rely on.

Become a part of our mission by donating today
Topics
Comments
Thank you. You are a loyal JNS Reader.
You have read more than 10 articles this month.
Please register for full access to continue reading and post comments.
Never miss a thing
Get the best stories faster with JNS breaking news updates