Tel Aviv, April 9: Israel launched its largest air campaign against Lebanon in decades on Thursday, hitting over 200 Hezbollah targets, just hours after Iran warned that the fragile US-brokered ceasefire faces imminent breakdown.
Israeli jets pounded southern Lebanon and Beirut suburbs from pre-dawn, targeting weapons depots, command centres, and underground tunnels. The Israel Defense Forces reported 28 enemy fighters killed, including three senior Hezbollah commanders. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed 41 civilian deaths, including 12 children.
The offensive followed a Hezbollah rocket attack on Haifa that wounded 15 Israelis overnight. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “pre-emptive necessity” to neutralise threats. “We will not allow terrorists to hide behind civilians,” he declared.
Iran issued a stark warning hours earlier, stating any Israeli ground incursion would void the two-week truce President Trump secured on April 7. Tehran’s UN envoy accused Israel of “deliberate sabotage” and vowed “severe consequences.”
The ceasefire had paused US strikes on Iranian targets after Tehran halted missile barrages on US bases. Qatar-mediated talks showed promise until Wednesday’s escalations. Casualties since last week’s flare-up exceed 300 across three countries.
Diplomatic frenzy unfolded. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged restraint via hotline with Netanyahu. “America seeks peace, but will back Israel’s defence,” he posted on X. UN Security Council scheduled emergency session for Friday.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun appealed for international protection. “Our people cannot bear another war,” he told Al Jazeera, as 50,000 residents fled border towns. Hezbollah vowed retaliation, claiming downed Israeli drone.
Analysts see high stakes. “Israel wants Hezbollah neutered before Iran rebuilds; Tehran tests Trump’s red lines,” said Middle East expert Dr. Fatima Hosseini. Oil prices spiked 5% fearing Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
Global reaction split sharply. Pro-Israel voices praised decisive action; Arab states condemned “aggression.” Demonstrations erupted in Tehran and Dearborn, Michigan.
Day two of the ceasefire hangs by a thread as Israel’s Lebanon blitz challenges Iran’s warnings and tests superpower diplomacy. Failure risks multi-front regional war with global fallout.
