Arab al-Aramshe, northern border village of Israel, was targeted by an apparent Hezbollah drone on Wednesday. At least 13 individuals were wounded, 4 of them seriously as the drone struck a community centre. The strike, which Hezbollah claimed responsibility for, was deemed a response to the killing of three of its members, including two commanders, in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon the day before.
Victims in Arab al-Aramshe
According to the Magen David Adom ambulance service, four victims of the attack were listed in serious condition while one person sustained moderate injuries – the remaining eight were in good condition.
Footage disseminated across social media platforms depicted what appeared to be an explosive-laden drone descending upon the community centre.
Claims and IDF’s Response
Hezbollah claimed that the attack targeted a building utilized by the Israeli military with guided missiles and explosive-laden drones. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that several projectiles struck the border community, refraining from immediate disclosure of casualty figures. Media outlets reported that a nearby vehicle was also struck in the assault.
Shockingly, warning sirens failed to sound before the strike, prompting an ongoing investigation by the IDF to determine the cause of the oversight. Shortly after the strike, alarms warning of incoming rockets sounded twice in Arab al-Aramshe. In response, the IDF disclosed that it targeted the launch sites, with fighter jets also striking a building in southern Lebanon’s Ayta ash-Shab where Hezbollah operatives had amassed.
A number of launches were identified crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel over the past hour.
In response, the IDF struck the sources of the fire and a Hezbollah military compound in southern Lebanon where terrorists were operating. pic.twitter.com/oZmTpWEU4i
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 17, 2024
Continuation of Hostilities
This was a continuation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter resorting to daily attacks on Israeli communities and military posts along the border since 8 October. These attacks have included rockets, drones, anti-tank missiles and other means, seemingly in solidarity with Gaza amid the ongoing conflict there.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Hezbollah launched several rockets from Lebanon at the Biranit army base. No injuries were reported. In retaliation, Israeli troops shelled the launch sites with artillery. Overnight, Israeli fighter jets targeted several Hezbollah installations in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s drones launch at northern Israel on Tuesday resulted in three injuries. On the same day, the IDF struck and killed two top Hezbollah commanders and another member of the terror group in airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
Israel’s Threat
In light of these events, Israel has threatened to engage in war if Hezbollah does not retreat from the border and stop endangering northern communities. About 70000 individuals have been evacuated from the region to pre-emptively avoid potential harm.
Death Toll
Ever since the hostilities have taken place, casualties have been reported on both sides, with 8 civilian deaths on the Israeli side and 10 IDF soldiers and reservists killed. Moreover, attacks originating from Syria have occurred, albeit without resulting in injuries.
Hezbollah has recorded 278 members killed by Israel, primarily in Lebanon, with additional casualties in Syria. Lebanon has also witnessed the deaths of 54 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier and at least 60 civilians.
