The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) apparently exchanged fire today in Southern Lebanon. One high-ranking officer was killed on the Israeli side, and at least two soldiers and one journalist, were killed on the Lebanese side.
It may be too early for analysis, but it looks like the violence has stopped or at least paused for now. This is the most significant conflict in the area since the 2006 War, which escalated quickly after two Israeli soldiers were captured by Hizballah and taken into Lebanon. Soon after, the IDF launched a massive air strike on Hizballah targets, beginning a devastating 34 day campaign that ended with Israel withdrawing from Lebanon.
This story is extremely fluid right now. The situation could escalate from here, but it it likely that both sides will step back from the precipice to take stock of what has happened. Hopefully that will allow time for foreign bodies to put pressure on both sides to maintain maximum restraint. In the mean time, here are some words from Time Magazine, the New York Times, Al Jazeera and the Daily Star.
More on this as it develops…
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