Israel reportedly plans to move troops from Gaza to north as Hezbollah shoots 45 rockets toward Galilee region
US official: ‘It’s a miracle’ war between Israel and Hezbollah hasn't started yet
Against the backdrop of the Biden administration's attempts to prevent a war and find a diplomatic solution between the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah and Israel, CNN reported Thursday that Israel Defense Forces has been moving troops to the northern border to prepare for the outbreak of war.
The terrorist group launched 45 rockets at northern Israel on Thursday, after an Israeli Air Force (IAF) drone eliminated a senior Hezbollah commander. In response, Hezbollah stated it had launched a barrage of rockets toward an IDF post near Zar’it.
3/ Recent US and Israeli reports have emphasized the Hezbollah rocket, drone, and missile threat that Israel could face in the event of a major war between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah is targeting Israeli air defense assets and surveillance equipment, probably to create… pic.twitter.com/U6DMea0gBk
— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 21, 2024
According to the IDF, the 45 rockets were launched in two salvos about an hour apart, with both activating alarm sirens in the area of Zar’it, Arab al-Aramsheh, Shomra and Gornot Hagalil. They all fell into open areas, the army said.
The U.S. State Department, meanwhile, stated that State Secretary Antony Blinken spoke about the current situation with Hezbollah while meeting with Israeli officials, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who are currently in Washington.
Blinken “underscored the importance of avoiding further escalation in Lebanon and reaching a diplomatic resolution that allows Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes,” the U.S. statement read.
On Thursday, CNN cited conversations between Israeli and American officials indicating that Israel plans to reduce its troops in the Gaza Strip and move them to the north in preparation for a potential war with Hezbollah.
In such a case, American officials warned, Israel’s aerial defense system might be overwhelmed by the massive firepower of rockets and drones the terror group can employ.
“We assess that at least some” of Israel’s Iron Dome batteries “will be overwhelmed,” a senior administration official told CNN.
The report came after concerning comments made on Thursday by Shaul Goldstein, CEO of Nega Electricity System Management, the company responsible for managing Israel’s electric grid.
Responding to the question of whether he can guarantee the electricity supply in Israel during a war with Hezbollah, he said: “The answer is no, after 72 hours without electricity in Israel it will be impossible to live here, we are in a bad situation and are not ready for a real war.”
The U.S. has repeatedly cautioned Israel against taking action in Lebanon, fearing this could lead to a regional war with direct Iranian involvement just as the U.S. is gearing up for a fateful election.
During an interview with CNN, a senior source said it was “a miracle” the U.S. managed to prevent a war from breaking out so far.
“We’re entering a very dangerous period. Something could start with little warning,” he said.
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The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
