Hezbollah made headlines Thursday after firing air defense missiles at Israeli warplanes, claiming the aircraft were “breaking the sound barrier and terrorizing children.” The missiles forced the warplanes to retreat beyond the border, marking the first time Hezbollah has used air defense missiles in such a manner.
Hezbollah’s recent use of advanced weaponry, including drones that can fire missiles and explosive drones, has raised concerns within the Israeli military. The group’s strategic shift towards firing rockets with heavy warheads from areas further from the border has been met with increased Israeli strikes inside Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated following an attack by Hamas in Gaza, has resulted in casualties on both sides. At least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed in Israel, while in Lebanon, 455 people, including fighters and civilians, have lost their lives.