Israel prepares for retaliation against Iran, IDF loses 8 soldiers in Lebanon fight; Stop attacks and reprisals: EU

Israel prepares for retaliation against Iran, IDF loses 8 soldiers in Lebanon fight.  Stop attacks and reprisals: EU 

Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah militants clashed in Lebanon on Wednesday, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that eight of its soldiers had been killed. These were Israel's first combat losses since cross-border raids began earlier this week. Fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants continues in southern Lebanon, both sides said in separate statements. 

Last month, Israel shifted its focus from the conflict in Gaza that erupted after Hamas's Oct. 7 attack to strengthening its northern border against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran, Hezbollah's primary backer, has said it will step up its response if Israel retaliates, defying calls to de-escalate a war that has killed more than 1,000 people in Lebanon since last week.

Israel has sent more troops and artillery to the border area in recent weeks. The fighting began hours after Iran launched its largest direct attack on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Iran will pay for its "big mistake".

Yesterday, Iran fired nearly 200 missiles, including hypersonic weapons, into Israel, averting incidents as frightened Israelis fled to shelters. Israel said it intercepted most of them. Two people were injured and the school building was damaged. Israel's military said several Iranian missiles landed inside air force bases without causing any casualties.

It is indicated that Israel, which is preparing to counter-attack in Iran's missile attack, is targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and large oil reserves.  There are media reports that military officials have said that Israel is planning a counter-attack with all possible means, including an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

At the same time, the European Union condemned Iran's missile attack against Israel. The European Union called for an end to the attacks and reprisals. European Commission Vice President Joseph Borrell called for the ceasefire to take effect immediately.