Israeli fighter jets have successfully destroyed a surface-to-air missile launcher positioned by Hezbollah near Beirut’s international airport, as confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a statement released on Monday. The IDF reported that these launchers have a range exceeding 50 kilometers (31 miles) and have the capability to launch at four targets simultaneously.
The IDF further alleged that these missile launchers are strategically placed 'hidden within civilian infrastructure' across Lebanon, posing a significant threat to international airspace. However, it is important to note that these claims have not been independently verified by a reliable source.
As part of Israel’s military operations, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes targeting various Hezbollah infrastructure, including headquarters, storage facilities, and additional missile launchers.
These recent strikes coincide with reports suggesting that the United States anticipates Israel may soon initiate a more limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon than initially planned. This adjustment follows discussions between the two countries over the past weekend, according to a US official.
Furthermore, sources indicated that Israeli special forces have conducted small raids into Lebanese territory in recent days as part of preparations for a potential Israeli ground offensive. The Israeli military has also disclosed that its soldiers are actively training near Israel’s northern border to enhance defense capabilities and are gearing up for upcoming combat operations.