As Israel's conflict entered its 272nd day, the northern regions of the country faced persistent alerts, and multiple drone incursions, some of which were successfully intercepted as Hezbollah retaliated for the Israeli elimination of one of its key operatives, Muhammad Neamah Naser, among the most senior Hezbollah terrorists killed to date in the 8-month conflict.
Video: ROckets on Israel on July 4, 2024/Usage under Israeli intellectual property law, Article 27a
A source within Hezbollah, speaking to Al-Jazeera, made a striking claim about the scale of their recent attack on northern Israel. According to this source, "We launched rockets towards IDF outposts and the Nafha base. Rockets were fired towards the headquarters of the 7th Armored Brigade. More than 200 rockets of various types were fired at different sites in the Galilee and Golan." The terrorist organization also fired more than 10 attack drones were fired on Israel.
This reported massive barrage coincided with a day of relentless alerts across vast areas of northern Israel. Israeli authorities confirmed multiple fire incidents in open areas of the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee, which they attributed to the heavy rocket fire.
Video: Rockets rained on Israel on Thursday, July 4, 2024/Usage under Israeli intellectual property law, Article 27a
Throughout the day, alerts sounded in numerous northern communities, including Kiryat Shmona, Kfar Blum, and later in Nahariya, Acre, and Ein HaMifratz. In Acre, interceptor debris fell on the roof of a local mall, causing minor structural damage. Two individuals were reported lightly injured during the barrage and were evacuated for medical treatment.
The IDF responded to the threats with reports of successful interceptions of incoming projectiles. Overnight, Israeli fighter jets reportedly attacked several Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including a military structure in the Shihin area and three described as "terror networks" in the area.
This escalation comes as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the broader conflict. Hamas officials reported ongoing negotiations with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, aiming for a ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold an initial discussion on Hamas's response to the proposed deal and is expected to speak with President Joe Biden later in the day.
According to the IDF, the Israeli strike on Wednesday eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Neamah Naser, "the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organization's Aziz Unit which is responsible for firing from southwestern Lebanon at Israeli territory." The military said that "Muhammad Neamah Naser entered his position in 2016 and led the firing of rockets and anti-tank missiles from southwestern Lebanon toward Israeli civilians, communities, and security forces. Furthermore, Naser directed a large number of terror attacks toward Israel both during and before the war, and he previously held several central roles within the Hezbollah terrorist organization. Naser was the counterpart of Sami Taleb Abdullah, the commander of the Nasser Unit, who was eliminated last month. Together, they served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon."
Video: Rockets on northern Israel on July 4, 2024 / Usage under Israeli intellectual property law, Article 27a
