The Lebanese Shiite militias, Hezbollah, have claimed to have launched “dozens of Katyusha rockets” against Israeli artillery positions in the north of the Jewish state. Israeli forces intercepted some of the 40 rockets launched against the north of the country from Lebanese territory. The announcement was made by Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari. The rockets were fired towards northern Israel, several falling in open areas, some inside Lebanese territory. There were no injuries in the attack, which was claimed by Hezbollah. Earlier, the IDF announced that the defense had shot down two explosive-laden drones launched by Hezbollah towards northern Israel.
Tension is very high in Israel due to a possible attack by Iran which has been predicted by various intelligence bodies as certain to occur in the next few hours. The United States has already made it known that it will send reinforcements to the Middle East: “A direct attack by Iran will result in an appropriate response from Israel,” said Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, in a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin . The two – according to an official note – discussed “preparation for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel, which could lead to an escalation in the region”.
“We are ready to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners. We know how to respond”, underlined Gallant at the end of a meeting with General Michael Kurilla, head of the US Central Command (Centcom). “Our enemies think they can separate Israel and the USA but – he added – the opposite is true: they are uniting us and strengthening our ties. We stand side by side”. “I am sure that the world sees the true face of Iran: the terrorist organization that incites terrorist attacks throughout the Middle East and finances Hamas, Hezbollah and other forces, and now also threatens the State of Israel,” he concluded.
