Hezbollah's Rocket and Missile Barrage Shakes Israel: Civilians Take Shelter Amid Intensifying Conflict with Hundreds of Explosive Strikes

New Delhi – The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is rapidly escalating, with both sides exchanging aerial attacks. Tensions have intensified, bringing Israel and Lebanon to the brink of war. On Sunday, Hezbollah launched a massive retaliatory strike on Israel, firing more than 100 rockets, missiles, and drones. This is considered one of Hezbollah’s largest retaliatory attacks, with Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) confirming the assault.

The IDF reported that Hezbollah's attacks targeted northern Israel, specifically the Jezreel Valley, with over 140 rockets and drones. In response, Israel has issued alerts across key military zones, including Haifa, Nazareth, and Afula. On social media, the IDF stated, "Hezbollah terrorists are targeting our civilians. Thousands of Israelis spent the night in bomb shelters, with rockets falling on homes. Sirens blared continuously throughout the night."

In retaliation, Israel also launched hundreds of missiles, signaling that the country is not prepared to pause its military operations. Following the pager and walkie-talkie blasts in Lebanon, some believed Israel would temporarily halt its operations. However, the continuous strikes from Israel indicate a relentless approach, with the aim of completely neutralizing its enemies.

A Tense History

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has reignited fears of a full-scale war, which could extend beyond Hezbollah to involve the Lebanese state. Israel's airstrikes, utilizing drones and fighter jets, are a strong response to Hezbollah’s earlier attacks, which included sporadic rocket fire following explosions in Lebanon. Hezbollah likely underestimated the strength of Israel’s counterattacks.

Since September 17, when the pager and walkie-talkie blasts occurred in Lebanon, the conflict has escalated into aerial bombardments. Israel’s drone strikes have been accompanied by extensive fighter jet missions, leaving no doubt about their readiness for sustained conflict.

Military Strength Comparison

If the conflict escalates into an all-out war, Lebanon will face an uphill battle. In terms of military strength, Israel far surpasses Lebanon. Israel and Lebanon share a 130-kilometer border, with Hezbollah often challenging Israel from Lebanese territory. According to the Global Firepower Index, Israel ranks 18th among 145 global militaries, while Lebanon lags far behind at 111th, underscoring the vast disparity between the two countries.

Israel’s military forces are substantially larger than Lebanon’s. Israel has a standing army of 173,000 personnel, while Lebanon has only 80,000 soldiers. Furthermore, Israel boasts a reserve force of 465,000, whereas Lebanon has no formal reserve force.

While Lebanon surpasses Israel in paramilitary strength with 25,000 personnel compared to Israel’s 8,000, the gap in air power is glaring. Lebanon has only 78 aircraft, compared to Israel’s fleet of 601, including 241 fighter jets. Notably, Lebanon has no fighter jets in its arsenal, while Israel operates a formidable fleet, including 241 fighter jets and 153 training aircraft.

Israel also has a significant advantage in ground forces, with 2,200 tanks compared to Lebanon’s 361. Additionally, Israel’s artillery capabilities far exceed Lebanon’s. Israel has 650 self-propelled artillery units, dwarfing Lebanon’s 84.

Sea Power Comparison

Israel’s naval superiority is just as pronounced. Lebanon has no submarines, whereas Israel has five. While both nations lack destroyers and frigates, Israel has seven corvettes, while Lebanon has none. Lebanon's navy consists of 22 patrol vessels, compared to Israel's fleet of 45.

As tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalate, the prospect of full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon looms large. Israel’s military strength, both in terms of personnel and equipment, far exceeds Lebanon’s capabilities, making it clear that any conflict would likely weigh heavily in Israel's favor. With military buildups and retaliatory strikes continuing, the situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for a prolonged confrontation.