Summary

Hezbollah rockets from southern Lebanon caused bush fires in northern Israel, leading to forest destruction and 11 hospitalizations. Evacuations were initiated in Galilee due to increased fighting. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, citing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon as provocation. Israel retaliated with airstrikes on Hezbollah targets. Over 4,000 acres were burned, exacerbated by a heat wave. Firefighters and military contained the fires, while Israel's security cabinet planned to address the escalating conflict.

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For those who read...

Hezbollah rockets sparked bush fires in northern Israel, destroying large areas of forest and causing at least 11 hospitalizations due to smoke inhalation. Israeli officials place the origin of the attack in southern Lebanon. Authorities began evacuating residents from their homes in the Galilee region on Monday, although many had already left due to increased fighting in the region.

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Lebanon-based Islamist group Hezbollah took responsibility for the attacks, saying it was targeting an Israeli military command center in Galilee. The group also said their attack was in response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah forces and civilian homes in southern Lebanon, noting that three Hezbollah fighters were killed on Monday. In retaliation, the Israeli military has announced they launched air strikes back across the border to what they say were Hezbollah targets.

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As of Tuesday night, government officials say the fires have burned through over 4,000 acres so far. The blazes came after government authorities warned the public of an upcoming heat wave, and encouraged them to be cautious when using open flames outside. 

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Israel Fire and Rescue Services said multiple firefighting squads have been deployed in an attempt to stop the fires before they cause more damage. In addition, members of the Nature and Park Service, as well as the police and the army were brought in to help control the fires. By late Tuesday afternoon, all major fires in Israel’s northern region had been contained.

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Israel and Hezbollah have been fighting near Israel’s northern border since October, and the attacks have grown more intense in recent weeks. Thousands of residents of both countries near the border have been displaced due to the fighting. Israel’s security cabinet was set to meet Tuesday evening in order to discuss the worsening situation on the border.

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Fires in northern Israel fuel demands to tackle escalation with Hezbollah 

Blazes break out in northern Israel after cross-border attacks from Lebanon | CNN 

Brush fires sparked by rockets from Lebanon blaze in north Israel 

Fires set off by Hezbollah rockets spread through northern Israel | Reuters