Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
Hezbollah launched a large-scale attack on Israel early on Sunday, firing hundreds of rockets and drones. In response, the Israeli military deployed around 100 jets to strike targets in Lebanon. This marks one of the most significant escalations in the 10 months long border conflict.
In a post on social media platform X, Israel has thanked its 'Iron Dome' defence for its ability to withstand missiles launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Posting a video on X, Israel's official account wrote, “Thank God for the Iron Dome.”
Three deaths have been confirmed in Lebanon and one in Israel in the recent fire. The Reuters report noted that while both sides have “indicated they were happy to avoid further escalation”, warnings were also given for "more strikes" in the future.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video showcasing the operation, stating, "Our operation in Lebanon targeted the terrorist infrastructure Hezbollah planned to use against us, protecting Israeli families and homes."
In the aftermath of the rocket strikes, Israel declared a 48-hour state of emergency and temporarily shut down its main airport, leading to the cancellation of several intflights.
Defence minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency and foreign minister Israel Katz said Israel would respond to developments on the ground but did not seek a full-scale war.
Reuters described the attack as smokes “curling up through the dawn sky, dark vapour trails behind them.” It added that Israel sounded air raid sirens, and “a distant blast lit the horizon, smoke rose over houses in Khiam in southern Lebanon.”
The war between Israel and Hamas has hurt thousands of small businesses. In Jerusalem's Old City, nearly all souvenir shops remain closed. In Haifa's flea market, forlorn merchants polish their wares on empty streets.
“The economy right now is under huge uncertainty, and it's related to the security situation — how long the war will go on, what the intensity will be and the question of whether there will be further escalation,” said Karnit Flug, Israel's former central bank chief who is now the vice president of research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank.
The economy of Israel is struggling too. Businesses in Israel are failing and luxury hotels are half empty. Some leading economists say a cease-fire is the best way to stop the financial damage to the economy. The Bank of Israel chief had already warned a few months ago the bill for the war is already $67 billion.
The fighting in Gaza and daily attacks from Hezbollah have made thousands homeless along Israel's northern and southern borders.
