In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, launched a surface-to-surface missile targeting what it claims to be the Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv on September 25, 2024. This action marks a new phase in the intensifying hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.
The missile, detected crossing from Lebanon, triggered warning sirens in Tel Aviv, Israel's economic and technological hub. Israeli air defense systems successfully intercepted the projectile, with no reported damage or casualties. The Israeli military maintained existing civil defense instructions for central Israel, including Netanya, where warning sirens also sounded.
Hezbollah, founded in 1985 during the Lebanese Civil War, asserts that the attack was in retaliation for the assassination of its leaders and the sabotage of its communication equipment. The organization, which receives significant support from Iran, has been involved in multiple conflicts with Israel since its formation and is considered a terrorist organization by several countries and organizations.
This latest incident occurs amidst a backdrop of intensified hostilities. In recent months, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of missiles and rockets into Israel from southern Lebanon, where the group maintains a strong presence. In response, Israel has conducted its heaviest air strikes of the conflict, targeting Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure deep inside Lebanon.
The Israeli military campaign has resulted in over 500 fatalities and more than 1,800 injuries in Lebanon. On September 24, 2024, an Israeli strike in Beirut killed Ibrahim Qubaisi, a senior Hezbollah commander who headed the group's missile and rocket force. This targeted elimination highlights the escalating nature of the conflict and Israel's efforts to disrupt Hezbollah's military capabilities.
Hezbollah, led by Hassan Nasrallah since 1992, has evolved from its origins as a resistance movement to become a significant political and military force in Lebanon. The organization holds seats in the Lebanese parliament and is part of the country's government. It also maintains a vast network of social services and operates its own media outlets, including Al-Manar TV station.
The group's military wing is estimated to have tens of thousands of fighters and has demonstrated its capabilities in various conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel and its involvement in the Syrian Civil War supporting the Assad government. Hezbollah has also developed significant cyber warfare capabilities and has been accused of engaging in drug trafficking to finance its operations.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has implications beyond Lebanon's borders, with the organization's involvement in conflicts in Iraq and Yemen further complicating the regional dynamics.
"We targeted the Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv in response to their continuous aggression against our people and infrastructure. This action demonstrates our capability and resolve to defend Lebanon against Israeli threats."
The ongoing hostilities underscore the complex nature of the conflict and the challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region. As both sides continue to engage in military actions, the risk of further escalation remains high, potentially drawing in other regional actors and complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.