Inside Israel: Damage caused by Iran, Iraq, and Hezbollah amid field difficulties in South Lebanon

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

As the world awaits Israel's response to Iran's recent missile strike, the Israeli military is ramping up preparations for what it warns will be a "significant and dangerous" counterattack. 

Israeli officials have been clear: Tehran must understand the severe consequences of its actions following the recent strike on Tel Aviv.

Simultaneously, high-level discussions are underway in Tel Aviv between Israeli military leaders and U.S. Central Command chief General Michael Kurilla. The focus of these talks is on Israel's expected harsh and painful response, according to military sources.

Iran's missile barrage caused extensive damage to at least three Israeli air force bases, including Nevatim, which was hit by dozens of missiles, as well as Tel Nof and Glilot airbases. Reports indicate that Israel's missile defense systems prioritized protecting military installations, which may have allowed some Iranian missiles to strike civilian areas.

While Iran remains the central issue, the Israeli military also assessed threats from Iraq after two drones launched from the country targeted the Golan Heights, killing two Israeli soldiers and wounding at least 24 others.

On the Lebanese front, the confrontation with Hezbollah has intensified. 

As Israeli casualties rise, the military has announced the expansion of its 'ground operations' in South Lebanon, adding two new brigades.

According to Israeli officials, the goal is to push Hezbollah's elite Radwan forces north of the Litani River, securing the northern border and allowing residents to return safely.

Despite a media blackout on the battlefield, reports have emerged that at least 30 Israeli soldiers have been injured in the past two days, in addition to the rising death toll. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated that the military will not relent in its pursuit of Hezbollah's targets.

Meanwhile, inside Israel, Hezbollah's intense rocket fire has targeted Israel's Jezreel Valley and Afula, with additional strikes on Ramat David airbase and massive explosions reported in Haifa Bay and its port, though details remain scarce. 

Cities like Safed, Karmiel, and Misgav have also faced significant rocket barrages, resulting in multiple injuries and widespread damage.

Over the last three days, Hezbollah has launched more than 700 rockets and drones, reaching as far as the Golan Heights and the outskirts of Tel Aviv from the direction of Haifa.

In response, Israeli airstrikes have focused on Hezbollah positions, including an attack on a group of Hezbollah fighters inside a mosque near Salah Ghandour Hospital. 

Leaked reports suggest that these operations have been aided by precise intelligence, allegedly obtained from Israeli agents embedded in Lebanon, playing a vital role in the success of the strikes.