Hezbollah Rockets Fired at Israel in Response to Killing of Top Hamas Leader

Hezbollah's Rocket Attack on Israel

Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, launched dozens of rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel on Saturday. They warned that this attack was their initial response to the targeted killing of Saleh Arouri, a top Hamas leader, presumed to be killed by Israel in Lebanon's capital earlier in the week.

Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stated that his group had a duty to retaliate for the killing of their ally Hamas's deputy political leader. He argued that not responding would leave Lebanon vulnerable to Israeli attacks. Despite the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Nasrallah made his case to the Lebanese public, risking further escalation between Hezbollah and Israel.

Targets Hit and Israeli Responses

Hezbollah claimed to have launched 62 rockets towards an Israeli air surveillance base on Mount Meron, hitting the target successfully. They also stated that rockets hit two army posts near the border. The Israeli military confirmed approximately 40 rockets fired towards Meron and mentioned a base being targeted but did not acknowledge it being hit. Israel responded by striking the Hezbollah cell responsible for launching the rockets.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon hit the outskirts of Kouthariyeh al-Siyad village, which is about 25 miles from the border. Lebanon's National News Agency reported casualties. Such deep strikes into Lebanese territory have been rare in recent months since the border fighting began. Israel's army did not immediately comment on these reports.

Other Developments and Blinken's Middle East Tour

The armed wing of the Islamic Group in Lebanon, which is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and an ally of Hamas, fired rockets towards the Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. Two members of the group were killed in the strike that had also killed Saleh Arouri, the targeted Hamas leader.

This escalation in cross-border attacks happened concurrently with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's fourth diplomatic tour in the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war broke out three months ago. Blinken is seeking support from regional powers like Turkey and Greece to ease tensions and prevent further conflict.

Blinken's trip began in Turkey, where he discussed plans for post-war Gaza and sought Turkish contributions towards reconstruction efforts. He will also travel to Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt as part of his tour.