Hezbollah Fires Rockets at Northern Israeli City of Nahariya

Latest Developments

The Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah fired two rockets toward the northern Israeli city of Nahariya on February 5. The rockets fell in an open area, The Jerusalem Post reported. On February 4, Hezbollah launched numerous rockets that targeted 20 communities along Israel’s northern border and set off sirens throughout that area, according to a social media group that broadcasts the alerts.

The rocket fire came after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on February 3 that Israel had deployed three army divisions in northern Israel to defend against such attacks. Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant explained, “Each attack in Lebanon advances us in changing the security situation on the northern border. We still haven’t used all our special capabilities.” Gallant also warned Hezbollah that “the noses of our planes are pointed north.”

Expert Analysis

“Hezbollah’s escalation these past two days was likely temporary, owing to the IDF killing a relatively high number of its fighters. But that should provide little comfort. Earlier this month, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah described the situation along the Blue Line as a ‘war,’ and the group’s admission of conducting 961 operations against Israel and counting confirms this. It may be a low-intensity war of attrition, but it is a war nonetheless.” — David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow

“Hezbollah’s continued attacks against Israel represent a significant danger to Israel and the region. The Iranian-backed terrorist group has launched thousands of rockets at Israel since October 7 as it seeks to support Hamas and other Iranian-backed groups. Hezbollah must be deterred and its rocket attacks must stop so that peace can prevail on the border of Israel and Lebanon.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“It is unclear how long Jerusalem can sustain the insecurity and uncertainty on its northern border and the displacement of tens of thousands of northern residents. What is clear is that the status quo is unsustainable. Hezbollah must voluntarily remove itself from Israel’s northern border region or Israel must soon impose this outcome by military force.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

Israel Strikes Hezbollah Command Center

The IDF carried out strikes on February 4 against a Hezbollah command center near the Lebanese village of Yaroun. On the same day, the IDF also conducted strikes on a Hezbollah-operated launch site and observation posts. “Dozens of rockets have been fired in the north since this morning,” said Amit Sofer, the head of a regional council in northern Israel. “Our residents must be patient, but if progress is not seen on the ground, our patience will wear away.”

Related Analysis

“Israeli Airstrike Reportedly Targets Iranian Assets in Damascus,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Lifts Veil on Strikes Against Hezbollah in Syria,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah Threats Prevent Israeli Return to Northern Border Communities,” FDD Flash Brief