Sunday’s attacks began with what Israel calls “preemptive strikes” against targets in Lebanon.
– That Israel would go on a preventive attack on this scale to knock out these rocket launchers, and that it would happen on this scale, was a bit unexpected for many, says Persson.
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– Hezbollah has said that “phase one” of their revenge against Israel is over and it remains to be seen if there will be further phases ahead.
Not sure the numbers are correct
Israel’s military (IDF) says it has hit “thousands” of rockets and rocket launchers in Lebanon, where Iran-backed Shia militias are based.
– There are reports that there were an extremely high number of airstrikes during the night, residents say they have never seen anything like it. But I would like to see that information verified by journalists on the ground before taking it for established fact.
Revenge from several sides
Hezbollah describes the night’s attack as the “first phase” in revenge for the death of its commander Fuad Shukr.
Iran has also said that it will seek revenge against Israel, after the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. But there are now many indications that Iran has urged Hezbollah to carry out the Iranian revenge as well, according to Persson.
– We have not seen any comments from Iran about how they view the attacks and the way forward, but earlier this week we saw information that Iran had passed the ball to Hezbollah.
According to Hezbollah’s previous statement, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip would also mean a ceasefire in Lebanon. The peace negotiations continue, but there is, according to the Middle East expert, “a lot of pessimism.”
– Until the night’s attacks anyway, Hezbollah has said that they agree to a ceasefire if Hamas does so, says Persson.