Israel: Hezbollah attacked sensitive air traffic base in the north, new war possible

(Patria) - Hezbollah attacked a flight control base in northern Israel, the Israeli army announced on Sunday, warning of "another war" with the Iran-backed group, AP reported.

The escalation of fighting across the border with Lebanon as Israel battles Hamas in Gaza has given new urgency to U.S. diplomatic efforts as Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepared to visit Israel on his latest Middle East tour. "This is a conflict that could metastasize, causing even greater insecurity and more suffering," Blinken said.

The Israeli army announced that Hezbollah hit a sensitive flight control base on Mount Meron on Saturday, but air defense was not hit as reserve systems were in place. It was stated that no soldiers were injured and all damage would be repaired.

Nevertheless, it was one of Hezbollah's most serious attacks in months of clashes that have accompanied Israel's war in Gaza and forced tens of thousands of Israelis to leave their homes. Hezbollah described its rocket barrage as an "initial response" to the killing of a senior Hamas leader in the group's stronghold in Beirut last week, which is believed to have been carried out by Israel.

Israeli Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, said that military pressure on Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, is increasing and that it will either be effective "or we will enter a new war".

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari claimed that Israel's focus is on Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces with the intention of pushing them away from the border.

Israel has largely sought to limit the fighting in its north. Hezbollah's military capabilities are far superior to Hamas's. But Israeli leaders have said their patience is running out and that if tensions cannot be resolved diplomatically, they are prepared to use force.

"I suggest that Hezbollah learn what Hamas has already learned in recent months.

No terrorist is immune," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet.

"We are determined to defend our citizens and safely return the residents of the north to their homes," he added.

Lower-intensity fighting along Israel's northern border erupted when Hezbollah began firing rockets shortly after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel launched the war in Gaza.