Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) struck the Ramim ridge in northern Israel early Thursday morning, causing casualties and prompting swift retaliation from Israeli forces. The attack, which occurred around 8:05 AM local time, saw two ATGMs hit the Upper Galilee region, marking a dangerous new phase in the ongoing border conflict. Eight injured were reported, including two who were treated for severe wounded.
Video: An attack on a chicken coop in northern Israel, Sept. 19, 2024
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) immediately responded with artillery fire into Lebanon, signaling a rapid intensification of cross-border exchanges. Additional ATGM impacts in Tel Hai were also reported. The recent attack from Lebanon comes as Israel anticipates Hezbollah's response to the mysterious explosions all across Lebanon that involved detonations of pagers held by its members, with many speculating this was an Israeli covert operation. Dozens of terrorists were killed and thousands injured
In the hours following the missile attacks, the IDF launched a series of retaliatory strikes. An IDF spokesperson announced that overnight air operations targeted Hezbollah military structures in several areas of southern Lebanon, including Shiheen, Al-Taybeh, Blida, Mays al-Jabal, Aytaroun, and Kfar Kila. The air force also struck an arms depot used by Hezbollah in the Al-Khiam area.
The escalation wasn't limited to the northern border. Israeli naval vessels reportedly shelled the coast of Gaza City, while Palestinian sources reported two airstrikes in Gaza's Zeitoun neighborhood, accompanied by artillery barrages.
These developments have raised alarms in Washington, with Pentagon officials expressing concern about the potential for a full-scale ground war with Lebanon. A senior U.S. official, speaking to the Wall Street Journal, said they were worried the situation could be "spiraling out of control." However, other sources emphasized that Israel has not yet taken actions indicative of an imminent ground incursion into Lebanon, such as mobilizing reservists to the area.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the evolving crisis in both Lebanon and Gaza with his Israeli counterpart. According to a Pentagon spokesperson, Austin's stance prioritizes achieving a deal for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as pursuing a diplomatic solution for the Lebanese border conflict.
פגיעת הנ"ט בלול במרגליות pic.twitter.com/EtpRB8CA6Z
— ישראל היום (@IsraelHayomHeb) September 19, 2024
As tensions continue to rise, local authorities in the Golan Heights have decided to proceed with regular school activities, following a security assessment with regional military commands. This decision underscores the complex balance between maintaining normalcy and responding to security threats in the area.
