Hezbollah launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv today, marking the first time the militant group has directly targeted the Israeli city. Analysts interpret this strike as a message from Hezbollah, indicating that while the group has faced severe setbacks, it remains a formidable threat.
Hezbollah has been reeling from an unprecedented series of attacks that have critically impaired its operational capabilities. Recent strikes have included explosive devices that disrupted the group’s communications, as well as an airstrike on its stronghold in Dahieh, southern Beirut, which decimated the command structure of its elite Radwan Force.
Additionally, a widespread air campaign on Monday targeted various positions, including rocket launchers and weapons storage sites, resulting in the deaths of approximately 500 people, many of whom were civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. This has been described as the deadliest day in Lebanon since the end of the civil war in 1990. Despite the losses, Hezbollah remains resolute, vowing to continue its attacks.
Speculation persists that Israel’s military strategy may involve a ground invasion of southern Lebanon to establish a buffer zone, dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure, and drive militants away from the border. Thousands of civilians are reportedly fleeing north in search of safety.
Allison Kaplan Sommer, a journalist with the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, noted the tense atmosphere in Tel Aviv following the missile strike. “The mood in Tel Aviv is obviously tense and people are nervous, even if locals are used to sirens sounding off,” she said. She emphasized that today’s events demonstrate Hezbollah’s ability to launch missiles despite significant damage to its arsenal, underscoring the ongoing threat.
