Israeli warplanes conducted flights over the Baalbek-Hermel region of Lebanon on October 19th, 2025. This activity occurred as search and rescue operations continued in the Gulf of Aden for the LPG tanker MV Falcon, which caught fire on October 18th following an onboard explosion. Details regarding the Israeli military activity over Lebanon were reported by MTV Lebanon News via social media on October 19th. Meanwhile, the European Union's Operation Aspides, with participation from a French ATL2 aircraft, has been involved in the maritime rescue efforts for the MV Falcon in the Gulf of Aden, an operation aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation from Suez to Hormuz. The fire onboard the MV Falcon was reported on October 18th, 2025, with the situation being updated by EUNAVFOR Aspides. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had previously announced a large-scale military exercise commencing October 19th in the Galilee area and along the border with Lebanon, involving various military branches and scenarios.
