Sept 23, V7N - The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has sharply escalated, with intense exchanges of fire continuing into Sunday, marking one of the most significant escalations in almost a year. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group based in Lebanon, launched rockets deep into northern Israel, retaliating after suffering heavy bombardment from Israeli forces.

Hezbollah’s deputy chief, Naim Qassem, declared the start of an "open-ended battle of reckoning" during the funeral of a commander killed in Beirut, signaling that the group is preparing for a prolonged conflict. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed that operations would continue until it was safe for civilians on Israel’s side of the border to return, hinting at a sustained military campaign.

The fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified as Hezbollah opened a second front in support of Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel is conducting an offensive. Israel's Chief of the General Staff, Herzi Halevi, emphasized that the Israeli military is prepared for the next stages of the conflict.

In a significant escalation, Israel conducted its heaviest bombardment of Lebanon to date, targeting Hezbollah positions. An airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburb killed 45 people, including senior Hezbollah commanders Ibrahim Aqil and Ahmed Wahbi, as well as 14 other members of the group. In response, Hezbollah launched more rocket attacks, further intensifying the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah of further consequences if they continue the fight, saying that Israel’s recent actions had delivered blows Hezbollah "never imagined." The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides entrenched in their positions and sirens continuing to sound across northern Israel, leading to school closures and widespread disruption.

Hezbollah's leadership remains defiant, asserting that Israel's attempts to weaken the group will not succeed, setting the stage for a potentially long and destructive confrontation.

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