Earlier today, the Biranit base of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in northern Israel sustained substantial damage due to a rocket barrage by Hezbollah, marking one of the largest attacks on the northern front since hostilities commenced in October after the Gaza based Hamas terror group launched a progrom against Israelis which killed more than1200, wounded over 500 and included the kidnapping of around 240 hostages. The assault, including the rape and torture of dozens of women, beheadings, the murder and dismemberment of babies and the mass imolations of countless victims, sparked a fierce response from Israel which began the rocket and mortar fire from Lebanon.
This aggressive action, reported by Hezbollah-controlled Lebanese media outlet al-Mayadeen, involved the use of Burkan short-range rockets, capable of carrying up to 500kg in explosive payload. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had previously indicated this month the initial deployment of this weaponry.
The Biranit base, which serves as the headquarters for the IDF’s 91st Division and includes barracks, has yet to report the extent of casualties, if any.
Huge damage!!
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) November 20, 2023
IDF’s Biranit base in northern Israel following a Hezbollah rocket attack from Lebanon.🔥🔥🔥
The IDF had confirmed rockets were fired at the base, which sparked a fire.pic.twitter.com/AYaOZwj9Yw
Despite ongoing skirmishes and strikes along the Lebanon border, Hezbollah has not yet escalated to a full-scale war with Israel. The IDF has neutralized several Hezbollah fighters in border confrontations. The situation has escalated within Israel, where over 100,000 citizens have been displaced due to daily cross-border shelling. This includes recent civilian casualties from an anti-tank missile targeting an electrical van repairing power lines.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a readiness to intensify actions against Hezbollah should certain 'red lines' be crossed. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has also been assertive, warning of severe repercussions for Lebanon akin to the situation in Gaza.
Hezbollah and Iran have cautioned against an IDF ground assault on Gaza, threatening military response. However, significant escalation has not occurred as the IDF continues operations in the strip. It is speculated that Hezbollah's restraint may be influenced by the presence of U.S. military forces in the region, including two aircraft carrier strike groups. Nevertheless, there remains a concern about the Israel-Hamas conflict expanding into a broader regional crisis.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for the launch of burkan rockets and damaging the IDF base of Biranit this morning (Nov 20). pic.twitter.com/gOAyEKAQcE
— Israel-Alma (@Israel_Alma_org) November 20, 2023
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified drone and missile attacks on Israel and recently seized a commercial ship off the Yemen coast, declaring Israel-affiliated vessels as military targets. Simultaneously, Iran-supported Shia militias in Iraq and Syria are attacking American military bases, leading to U.S. retaliatory air strikes.
