22 Sep 2024 | 05:25 AM UTC
Israel, Lebanon: Lebanese Hizballah's projectiles continue to target northern Israel early Sept. 22 /update 3
Israeli forces intercept projectiles launched from Lebanon as of early Sept. 22. Several people injured.
The Lebanese Hizballah's (LH's) rockets targeted multiple areas of northern Israel overnight Sept. 21-22. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) state that Hizballah launched over 85 rockets early Sept. 22. According to the IDF, some of the projectiles were intercepted, while some caused fires in Krayot and Kiryat Balik in Haifa District and Lower Galilee in Northern District; initial reports indicate that at least three people were injured and several buildings damaged. The LH claims to have launched 'tens of rockets' toward Israel's Ramat David air base overnight Sept. 21-22, reportedly injuring at least one person.
The LH's projectile attack comes after the IDF said it had launched a preemptive attack targeting some 400 LH rocket launchers in southern Lebanon on Sept. 21. The IDF has introduced several measures in Haifa and Northern District amid escalating tensions, including restrictions on public gatherings. The IDF states that schools will be closed across northern Israel and parts of the Golan Heights from 06:00 Sept. 22 to at least 18:00 Sept. 23. Beaches will also be closed to the public. Additionally, the IDF has advised Israeli citizens to remain vigilant and near bomb shelters as further attacks remain likely over the coming hours. Additional details on restrictions can be found here.
On Sept. 21, authorities in Israel also imposed flight restrictions over northern parts of the country, from the city of Hadera northwards. The order is valid through Sept. 22 and restricts flights involving recreational and agricultural aircraft; it does not apply to emergency fights by the military, police, firefighters, medical evacuations, or flights servicing oil platforms.
Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business operations remain likely over the coming hours.
Consider avoiding nonessential travel to Lebanon, Israel, and Syria, particularly the shared border region, until the situation stabilizes. Consider departing Lebanon via commercial means while these are available. Note that commercial options in Lebanon may become increasingly limited if the security environment deteriorates. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Monitor local media and abide by security forces' directives. If incoming mortar rounds or rockets are reported or warning sirens sound in the general vicinity, report to the nearest bomb shelter and await further instructions from authorities. If there is no shelter nearby, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Reconfirm the status of transport services before departure. Review and update contingency plans.
The Israeli government has moved thousands of troops to the northern region of the country near the border with Lebanon. The Netanyahu administration intends to return thousands of Israelis who have been displaced as a result of the projectile attacks from southern Lebanon. Since the Israeli government has made the safe return of its citizens to their communities in northern Israel an official war aim in mid-September, the IDF has increased its attacks against the LH.
