Jerusalem: Amid escalating hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati called an emergency meeting on August 25 to de-escalate the situation. The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel early Sunday, in retaliation for the assassination of senior Hezbollah Commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut last month. In response, Israel conducted a wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions.

This clash marks one of the most significant escalations in over 10 months of border conflict. Three deaths were reported in Lebanon, while Israel experienced limited damage, with one soldier killed and two others wounded. Both Hezbollah and Israel focused their attacks on military targets, and by mid-morning, the heavy exchange of fire had halted, signaling no immediate further escalation.

Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister announced that Beirut is working with international partners to prevent further conflict, as concerns over a full-scale war grow. The emergency cabinet meeting also addressed the readiness of Lebanon’s emergency services, which are struggling with a fuel shortage and power cuts affecting hospitals.

As Egypt hosted high-level talks aimed at a cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, diplomats hope these efforts will ease broader regional tensions. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the recent military actions "are not the end of the story," with Israeli President Isaac Herzog noting that while escalation to a major war was prevented, the threat remains.