Hezbollah unleashed a heavy barrage of rockets toward northern Israeli communities at 1:00 a.m. early Sunday and then several times later through the night and early morning, claiming the attack as retaliation for what it termed "the massacre carried out by pagers and communication devices." The events mark a significant escalation, including following Israel's elimination of senior members of the terror group's Radwan Force, including its commander, Ibrahim Aqil.
Video: Interceptions over Nazareth
The Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar network boasted about firing "very heavy rockets" at Israel. Numerous alarms blared across the Galilee region, with explosions heard as far as Haifa. The attack range expanded to include Yokneam and Afula, deeper into Israeli territory.
Video: Footage captures moment of missile impact in Kiryat Bialik / Credit: Free usage under Israeli copyright law (Section 27A)
The terror organization later claimed to have targeted a Rafael military production facility north of Haifa with dozens of Fadi 1 and Fadi 2 missiles, alleging the it "specializes in manufacturing unique electronic devices."
Video: Interceptions over Haifa / Credit: Michel Makhoul
Residents of Nof HaGalil, Nazareth, and surrounding areas reported multiple interceptions. In Nazareth, falling rocket debris caused a fire.
Hezbollah's terrorism targets civilians.
Hundreds of thousands of Israeli civilians spent their night hiding in bomb shelters, while barrages of rockets were flying over their heads, some hitting their homes, and rocket alert sirens were constantly sounding throughout the night.… pic.twitter.com/2XzgAQQ7Fp
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 22, 2024
In response to the escalation, the IDF has significantly ramped up its operations in Lebanon. IAF jets are actively engaging terrorist targets, while air defense systems have successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats aimed at civilian areas in northern Israel. The military has bolstered its defensive posture along the border, maintaining a high state of readiness.
The IDF remains on high alert, with the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet, which was scheduled to convene tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in Tel Aviv to discuss the ongoing threats and necessary responses, eventually being called off. Authorities canceled classes in Haifa to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Video: IDF striking Hezbollah launchers and terror buildings / Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
The United States issued an urgent notice to its citizens in Lebanon, raising its travel advisory to Level 4 and urging immediate evacuation while commercial flights are still available. The warning cites the "ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah across Lebanon, including Beirut," with specific emphasis on those in southern Lebanon near the Syrian border to leave immediately.
