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Latest Developments
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck several Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon on December 20. “Among the targets attacked were several terrorist infrastructures and military sites where the organization’s militants operated,” the IDF said in a statement. The IDF released footage of the airstrikes, showing numerous targets attacked on a Lebanese hillside. The strikes come in the wake of numerous attacks on Israel by Hezbollah on December 19. Hezbollah also claimed on December 18 that it had targeted Israel’s Iron Dome air defense batteries.
Expert Analysis
“Even though Hezbollah continues to lose terrorists in the clashes with Israel, it is not deterred. Hezbollah’s threats must be removed from the border, and Israel’s partners should support every action necessary to stop the Iranian-backed Hezbollah attacks.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow
“It is becoming increasingly evident that Hezbollah’s strategy does not involve engaging in a full-scale war with Israel but rather focuses on tying up Israeli military capacities that could be used against Hamas in Gaza. Nonetheless, this strategy carries an inherent flaw. A single mass casualty incident on either side has the potential to trigger an aggressive response that can lead to war.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal
Hezbollah Losses Increase
Hezbollah announced two new casualties, Wissam Haidar Murtada and Hasan Ali Ibrahim, in Lebanon, according to a report by Israel’s Yediot Aharonot. Hezbollah has now lost 117 of its members since it began attacks on Israel in the wake of the Hamas attack on October 7. Hezbollah also buried another one of its members on December 18 in the town of Ayta al-Shabab.
Hezbollah Rocket and Drone Attacks Increase
On December 19, Hezbollah launched six rockets at the Israeli border community of Yiftah. The rockets were intercepted, and there were no injuries. The IDF responded with an airstrike. In addition, two IDF reservists were wounded in a Hezbollah attack near Malkia on December 19. Israeli air defenses also downed what it described as a “suspicious aerial target” from Lebanon, one of many drone threats Hezbollah has launched at Israel in recent weeks. In another incident on December 19, a rocket was fired at the Israeli community of Metula from Lebanon. The IDF responded with artillery and tank fire.
