ALBAWABA - According to Al-Jazeera, Israel's military said on Monday that it had operational preparations to attack Lebanon amid rising tensions. Hezbollah staged further strikes, including a drone hit on a Nahariya structure.
In northern Israel, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said the army is ready to react quickly to any developments. "We are fully prepared for any mission that may be required of us," Halevi said, adding that operational preparations to strike Lebanon could be completed immediately.
Halevi said after Hezbollah's drone hit a Nahariya residential building on the western Galilee shore. Halevi called the event "serious" escalation.
Halevi also met with U.S. Central Command General Michael Kurilla to review security, especially in light of Gaza violence. An Israeli military statement said the two addressed Lebanon and Iran concerns. Halevi also informed Kurilla on Israeli military Lebanon plans.
Israeli authorities have hinted at a military action in Lebanon amid rising tensions with Hezbollah. According to Maariv, the Israeli army has been upgrading its offensive plans to prepare for a quick action if the political leadership permits it.
The report said Israeli military could attack Lebanon in minutes if the leadership gave the go-ahead. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly instructed the army and security services to prepare for a "change in the situation in the north." Israeli Channel 12 reported a possible military attack against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Hezbollah retaliated with drone, missile, and artillery assaults on Israeli military sites in the Galilee and occupied Shebaa Farms. Hezbollah said it attacked the Golani Brigade and Egoz Unit headquarters at Shraga barracks north of Acre.
Three of four Lebanon-launched drones were intercepted by the Israeli army. The fourth drone detonated in Nahariya after hitting a structure. Israeli security officials said that the drone first targeted military locations south of the city.
Hezbollah also attacked the Western Brigade command center and Israeli-Lebanese border outposts.
In response, Israeli fighter planes bombarded southern Lebanon's Kafr Kila, Wutlousa, Hanin, and Taybeh, wounding four. Lebanon launched 15 missiles at Galilee, according to the Israeli military.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the UN Security Council to act immediately on "Israeli violations" against civilians. After recent bombings in southern Lebanon, he asked the international organization to safeguard people and civil defense personnel.
Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib called for a truce and indirect talks with Israel. He stressed that a new UN resolution like Resolution 1701 may be needed to maintain peace.
