Israel: Israel has begun mobilizing 100,000 reservists as it prepares to expand its ongoing offensive beyond Iran and Lebanon, Israeli media reported. The initiative marks a significant escalation in military operations, indicating a broader strategic move by Israel.
According to Anadolu Agency, military intelligence units have initiated a reserve call-up as part of preparations for 'additional theaters of operation and an expansion of the war,' as reported by the Walla news website. This development comes amid increasing tensions in the region, with Israel signaling a more extensive military engagement.
The Israeli army announced on Sunday that it was preparing to absorb about 100,000 reservists who had been called up to reinforce all sectors under its 'Operation Roaring Lion.' This operation is the code-name for Israel's ongoing offensive against Iran, highlighting the scale of military readiness being orchestrated by Israel.
In a related development, the military confirmed early Monday that it had launched an 'offensive battle' against the Lebanese group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Beirut's southern suburbs and areas in southern Lebanon, resulting in 31 fatalities and 149 injuries, as reported by Lebanon's Health Ministry.
Hezbollah responded early Monday morning, stating that it had fired missiles and drones at an Israeli military site. This action was in retaliation for what Hezbollah described as near-daily attacks by Tel Aviv on Lebanon and the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The situation has escalated since Saturday morning, with Israel and the United States conducting attacks against Iran that have resulted in hundreds of deaths, including Khamenei and other top officials. Tehran has retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israeli and US bases and interests in several Gulf countries.
Washington and Tel Aviv have accused Tehran of pursuing nuclear and missile programs that pose threats to Israel and US allies in the region. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and denies any intentions to produce nuclear weapons.