Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah has announced the destruction of Israel’s well-regarded Iron Dome air defense system. This claim came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of potential "very intense" operations near Lebanon.
On June 5, Hezbollah claimed it struck an Iron Dome launcher near Ramot Naftali, referred to by Hezbollah as “northern occupied Palestine.” The group supported this claim with a video showing a guided missile hitting the launcher. Israeli media, however, did not confirm the aftermath of the attack.
Additional visuals emerged on social media showing an Iron Dome battery stationed at an Israel Defense Force (IDF) barrack being hit in a precision strike. Despite this, the IDF has not acknowledged any attack on the Iron Dome system. Earlier, on June 2, Hezbollah claimed to have destroyed an Iron Dome radar in the Golan Heights using attack drones, causing an explosion and casualties.
The video has sparked celebrations among pro-Iranian and pro-Palestinian social media users, who hailed it as the first-ever destruction of an Iron Dome battery.
Observers noted that while Hamas has attempted to destroy the Iron Dome in the past, there is no credible evidence of success, making Hezbollah’s claim more significant. Some users pointed out the irony of a system designed to destroy incoming missiles being destroyed by a missile.
Israel has extensively used the Iron Dome against incoming targets from Hezbollah and Hamas, particularly since launching a bombing campaign against Gaza following a Hamas attack in October 2023. The Iron Dome is credited with intercepting 99% of aerial targets launched by Iran in a large-scale attack in April 2024. Developed with US support, the Iron Dome is designed to intercept short-range rockets and has a reported success rate of over 90%.
The system’s reported failure to intercept a Hezbollah rocket has become a focal point on social media, highlighting Hezbollah’s growing capabilities. There are claims that Hezbollah has acquired more sophisticated weapons, allegedly supplied by Iran via Syria.
Israel and Hezbollah have been in continuous conflict since October last year, with Hezbollah opposing Israel’s war on Gaza, which has resulted in over 36,000 civilian deaths and widespread condemnation. In November, Hezbollah warned the US that Israel’s ongoing campaign could lead to regional escalation.
The recent destruction of an Iron Dome battery has intensified hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. Following months of daily clashes, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel was “prepared for a very intense operation” in the north.
Fighting has increased over the past week, with Israel conducting deeper strikes into Lebanese territory, raising fears of a larger conflict. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s readiness to restore security in the north during a visit to the border area.
Israel has intensified its attacks on Hezbollah members and Palestinian and Lebanese fighters in Lebanon. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched a drone attack on June 5, injuring at least ten people.
Netanyahu’s coalition partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have also called for aggressive action against Hezbollah. Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Herzi Halevi, emphasized the military’s preparedness for an offensive in the north following extensive training.
Since October 7, Israeli strikes have killed around 300 Hezbollah members and 80 civilians. The Israeli military reported 18 soldiers and 10 civilian deaths from attacks originating in Lebanon.
Hezbollah's deputy head, Sheikh Naim Qassem, stated that while the group has not decided to expand the conflict, it is prepared to do so if necessary, warning that Israel would face significant destruction if the conflict escalated.
No comments:
Post a Comment