An Israeli airstrike on a village in eastern Lebanon has killed at least 12 people, according to Lebanese officials, as Israel called up additional troops for possible deployment along the border. The strike, which occurred early Tuesday, targeted a residential area in the village of Sohmor, near the city of Baalbek. The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, which has been exchanging fire with Israeli forces along the border since the start of the war in Gaza.
Escalating Conflict
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hezbollah weapons depot and command center. However, Lebanese security sources reported that the strike destroyed several homes and a bakery, with casualties including women and children. Rescue workers continued to search through the rubble for survivors. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered.
In response to the escalating situation, Israel's security cabinet authorized the call-up of reserve troops for possible ground operations in southern Lebanon. This marks a significant escalation, as Israel has not conducted a large-scale ground invasion of Lebanon since the 2006 war. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its northern communities, which have faced daily rocket attacks from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah's Response
Hezbollah retaliated by launching a barrage of rockets into northern Israel, targeting military bases and towns. The group claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they were in response to the killing of civilians in Lebanon. Israeli air defenses intercepted most of the rockets, but some landed in open areas, causing minor damage. No Israeli casualties were reported.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called for restraint from both sides, warning that the conflict could spiral into a full-scale war. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti urged all parties to respect the Blue Line and avoid further escalation.
International Reaction
The United States condemned the airstrike and called for de-escalation. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concern over the rising civilian toll and urged Israel to take all precautions to avoid harming civilians. Meanwhile, Iran, Hezbollah's primary backer, warned that any ground invasion would be met with severe consequences.
The strike in Sohmor is part of a broader pattern of Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory since the Gaza war began in October 2023. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, over 400 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, but including dozens of civilians. On the Israeli side, 20 soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed by Hezbollah fire.
Humanitarian Impact
The violence has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. In Lebanon, many families have fled to Beirut and other cities, seeking shelter in schools and makeshift camps. The United Nations reports that over 100,000 Lebanese have been internally displaced, while in Israel, some 80,000 residents have evacuated northern towns.
International aid agencies have warned of a growing humanitarian crisis, with limited access to food, water, and medical supplies in affected areas. The World Food Programme has begun distributing emergency rations to displaced families in Lebanon, but funding remains insufficient.
The international community continues to push for a ceasefire, but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to yield results. Analysts warn that the conflict could further destabilize the region, drawing in other actors such as Iran and Syria.
