Sat Nov 16 20:56:03 UTC 2024: ## Israel Intensifies Air Strikes on Lebanon Amidst Continued Hezbollah Clashes

**BEIRUT/JERUSALEM** – Israel launched a wave of intense air strikes across Lebanon on Saturday, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons storage facilities and a command center. The attacks, which represent the deepest Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon in six weeks, followed days of escalating cross-border fighting and resulted in significant casualties.

At least eight Lebanese civilians were killed in the strikes, including three children in the village of Khreibeh, and two medics in southern Lebanon. Eleven others were injured, with two rescue workers still missing. The Israeli military acknowledged the strikes but maintained they were necessary to neutralize Hezbollah capabilities.

The southern suburbs of Beirut endured a fifth consecutive day of bombardment, forcing most residents to flee. Al Jazeera reported that the area is now virtually deserted. Further south, Tyre and surrounding villages were also heavily targeted, with Israel issuing evacuation warnings for at least 15 villages.

Hezbollah responded with approximately 65 missile strikes towards Israel, the Israeli military reported. A Hezbollah statement claimed a successful drone attack on an Israeli naval base near Atlit. The Israeli military also confirmed the death of one soldier during ground combat in southern Lebanon.

These latest clashes occur as Lebanese and Hezbollah officials review a 13-point US peace proposal, which includes a 60-day truce and the deployment of Lebanese troops to the border. While Lebanon is reportedly considering the proposal, Israel has yet to respond, and top Israeli officials remain skeptical of any truce that doesn’t guarantee the security of northern Israel and the return of displaced Israelis. They are demanding Hezbollah retreat north of the Litani River.

The conflict, which began in late September, has resulted in devastating losses for Lebanon, with at least 3,452 deaths and 14,599 injuries since October 2023. Israel reports significant casualties among its own forces and civilians as well. The escalating violence and continued lack of a lasting ceasefire leave the future of the region uncertain.

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