The IDF has reportedly expressed a desire to retaliate for the Hezbollah drone that struck an Israeli engineering vehicle in southern Lebanon, but is awaiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's final authorization, according to a ynet report. The statement updates earlier indications that a response was under discussion, following an Israeli source's remarks at 15:55 that a response would proceed.
At 19:59 Jerusalem time, ynet reported that the IDF has expressed a desire to respond to the Hezbollah drone strike that hit an Israeli engineering vehicle in southern Lebanon, but is awaiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's final authorization. The report updates earlier indications from an Israeli source at 15:55 that a response would proceed and that discussions were underway, as The Zioneer reported.
Earlier Wednesday, the IDF confirmed at 11:18 that a Hezbollah explosive drone struck an IDF D9 armored vehicle on the Ali Taher ridge, violating the ceasefire. No casualties were reported. Subsequent reports through the morning indicated that Israel formally attributed the attack to Hezbollah and was preparing a response, with discussions ongoing. At 14:49, a security commentator argued for automatic IDF retaliation at the field level without waiting for cabinet deliberation, as The Zioneer reported. By 15:55, an Israeli source confirmed that a response would be carried out, as The Zioneer reported.
The incident occurs under a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah. The Lebanese terror group has stated it would respond proportionately to any Israeli violation of the arrangement, as The Zioneer reported on June 23. The security establishment has stressed its commitment to northern defense, as The Zioneer reported on June 16.
The timing and scope of any potential retaliation remain unclear, pending the prime minister's decision. It also remains uncertain whether Hezbollah will respond to any Israeli action.
11 developments
- DevelopingCautious assessment: Recent Lebanon events may push Israel into major campaign against Hezbollah, possibly Iran
- StrongSecurity commentator urges automatic IDF response to Hezbollah drone attacks, warns against cabinet delays
- DevelopingAnalyst: Hezbollah in touch with IRGC to weigh response to Israeli strike
- StrongHezbollah ceases claiming responsibility for attacks on IDF since Monday
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