Hezbollah Rocket Barrages Wound 5 in Israel as US Pushes for Ceasefire in Lebanon
At least five people were wounded on Tuesday morning as Hezbollah launched rockets targeting central and northern Israel. The attacks coincided with the visit of U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein to Lebanon, aiming to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group.
Rocket Attacks on Israel
Hezbollah fired rockets at central Israel for the second time in under 24 hours, triggering alarms in towns such as Herzliya, Kfar Saba, Ra’anana, Netanya, and Hadera. According to medics, four individuals sustained minor injuries from shattered glass after a rocket struck near a building.
In northern Israel, a separate rocket strike injured one person in Karmiel and damaged a residential property. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that five rockets targeted central Israel and 25 rockets hit northern areas, most of which were intercepted.
Earlier in the day, 10 rockets were fired at the Upper Galilee, causing no significant damage. The IDF also intercepted two drones approaching from Lebanon before they entered Israeli airspace.
IDF Response
Overnight, Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit a three-story building in Beirut’s southern suburbs without issuing prior evacuation warnings. Lebanese media claimed the strike resulted in moderate injuries to several individuals.
The IDF has not commented on this strike but has intensified its operations in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s leadership and supply lines during its ongoing offensive.
US Mediation Efforts
Amos Hochstein, the U.S. special envoy, held talks in Beirut with Lebanese officials, including Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Speaking to the press, Hochstein expressed optimism about achieving a ceasefire.
“There is a real opportunity to bring this conflict to an end,” Hochstein said, noting that significant progress had been made in narrowing the gaps between the parties.
Lebanon and Hezbollah have reportedly agreed to a U.S.-proposed truce, albeit with reservations. Ali Hassan Khalil, an aide to Nabih Berri, confirmed Lebanon’s response to the proposal and said further discussions were ongoing.
UN Resolution 1701 in Focus
The proposed ceasefire seeks adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The resolution prohibits Hezbollah from maintaining armed presence near the Israeli-Lebanese border, a condition frequently violated by the group.
Lebanese officials have accused Israel of negotiating “under fire,” pointing to the escalation of airstrikes in Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds. Despite this, Lebanon’s comments on the U.S. proposal reportedly remain positive.
The ongoing conflict has seen daily clashes since October 2023, leaving significant destruction in Lebanon and casualties on both sides. The success of the ceasefire now hinges on Israel’s response to the initiative.