„What happened in South Lebanon is a consequence of what happened in Northern Israel. According to Hezbollah's position, in the early hours of this morning, the first phase of the strike was carried out, which was considered as revenge for the killing in Beirut of commander Fouad Shukr about 20 days ago. That is - “Hezbollah” say they fired about 320 rockets and drones at strategic sites in central and northern Israel.“
This was stated in the show “This Sunday” on bTV the Arabist Prof. Vladimir Chukov in connection with the tension that escalated overnight in the Middle East. According to him, Israel reacted automatically.
„They made a preliminary strike on those installations that were aimed at Tel Aviv. Practically, there was an exchange of blows that night, and it continues now. The Israeli army directly called on the civilians in southern Lebanon to leave the areas where they live in order to guarantee their security, Prof. Chukov added.
According to him, what we expected to happen 20 days ago is happening right now.
„Up until that point, there was an exchange of blows every day, but now there are 320 – apparently the intensity has gone up 10 times. So “Hezbollah” are trying to prove that they retaliated against the blow inflicted about 20 days ago in Beirut”, Prof. Chukov added.
He commented that all experts hope that the conflict will not escalate.
„From the Israeli side they said that from „Hezbollah” it depends on whether it will lead to a full-scale war. The strikes were carried out on strategic objects and targets of "Hezbollah". The intensity is greater, but the rules of the game are respected. Attacks are being made on subjects of power“, added Vladimir Chukov.