THE EARLY PHOENIX
★ ISRAEL – HEZBOLLAH WAR 09-09-24
Israel Prepares Ground War as Hezbollah Threatens With Rockets
Israeli forces are preparing a ground war against Hezbollah, which reportedly has over 150,000 rockets, precision-guided missiles, and drones. Israel remains on high alert, closely monitoring Hezbollah’s activities and potential cross-border aggression. Shin Bet intelligence revealed that Hezbollah fired 1,307 rockets at northern Israel in August 2024, totaling 8,000 since October 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to “crush Hezbollah” to secure northern Israel and return settlers.
Israel Issues Final Diplomatic Warning
Israel notified Lebanon, the U.S., and the EU of its readiness for conflict, according to a European ambassador. Finance Minister Smotrich urged a short war that would cripple Lebanon for 30 years. The U.S. warned Israel against an unlimited response if Hezbollah harms civilians. Lebanese officials are concerned, while experts say Hezbollah serves Iran’s agenda, not Lebanon’s. Israeli MK Nissim Fatouri stated that Israel might target Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah if necessary. Last week, over 50 Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah targets, including 15 rocket launchers near the Litani River. Fires from Hezbollah’s attacks destroyed 138,000 acres in northern Israel.
Rocket Exchanges Escalate, No Casualties Reported in Northern Israel
The IDF struck 20 rocket launchers, killing three Hezbollah militants, whom Lebanese sources identified as Amal movement medics, on Friday September 6. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired 50 rockets at northern Israel overnight, with 20 hitting Kiryat Shmona, causing property damage but no injuries. Later, 30 rockets were launched at the Upper Galilee, most intercepted or landing in open areas. Several Hezbollah drones crossed into the Upper Galilee, but no injuries were reported on Saturday morning. Hezbollah drones also damaged Israeli surveillance equipment at Malikiya.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Key Hezbollah Sites, Hezbollah Retaliates
The Israeli Air Force struck Hezbollah military structures in Aitaroun, Maroun El Ras, Yaroun, Ayta al-Shaab, Sathrun, Srifa, Kharbat Salem, and Rihan. Israel intercepted a suspicious aerial target and struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Al Rihan. Later, Hezbollah fired an air-to-ground missile at an Israeli UAV over Beqaa, forcing its withdrawal. Additional airstrikes targeted Kunin and Qabrikha, with 15 raids between Sathrun and Srifa. In response, Hezbollah launched Katyusha rockets at Israel’s Nerya base in the Upper Galilee, operated by Golani forces. No further retaliation was reported after the morning exchange, on Sunday.
Biden Administration Wants Israel to Swap Territories with Hezbollah
Israeli media revealed that Amos Hochstein, U.S. President Biden’s adviser, proposed a land swap during a May meeting with Israeli officials. The plan, came to public attention again on September 7 during Hezbollah’s 50 rocket attacks, includes a phased Israel-Lebanon border agreement. It aims to reduce conflict by allowing displaced residents to return and strengthening Lebanon’s army. Israel’s key condition is Hezbollah’s full military withdrawal 10 kilometers from the border, which Hezbollah rejects. The proposal also includes recognizing “Point B1” near Rosh Hanikra as Lebanese with UN oversight and a land swap involving Kibbutz Misgav Am.
Special Detention Cell for Banker Accused in Lebanon’s Economic Collapse
Riad Salameh, former Central Bank Governor of Lebanon, is currently held in a special detention cell with privileges such as air conditioning and phone access. He is widely blamed by the public for Lebanon’s financial collapse, often referred to as the “black box” of the country’s economic crisis. On Monday, he will appear before Judge Bilal Halawi in Beirut, facing charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. Detained since last Tuesday, Salameh will be escorted to the Palace of Justice, where the court may either issue an arrest warrant or release him on a residence permit with a substantial financial guarantee. Meanwhile, the French judiciary has been investigating him and his family since 2021 for transferring millions to European banks. An international arrest warrant remains unenforced by Lebanon.
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