Israel has initiated a series of pre-emptive airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions, following a barrage of rockets and drones launched by the militant group. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has intensified following the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in an Israeli airstrike last month.
On Sunday, Israeli military forces conducted extensive airstrikes, deploying around 100 aircraft to destroy Hezbollah’s rocket launchers. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the initial strikes caused minimal damage but remained on high alert. The military also intercepted missiles fired from southern Lebanon by Hezbollah’s Iron Dome aerial defense system. Flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport were briefly suspended but resumed after about an hour.
The IDF has stated that the strikes were a response to Hezbollah’s preparations for a larger attack on Israeli territory. “We conducted pre-emptive strikes after observing Hezbollah’s readiness to launch missiles and rockets towards Israel,” said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to defending the country and vowed to retaliate against any aggression.
Hezbollah, which claims its attacks were in retaliation for the killing of top commander Fuad Shukr, reported that it had fired 320 Katyusha rockets and struck 11 Israeli military sites, including bases and barracks. The group’s official statement described the attack as a response to Israeli aggression and aimed to restore deterrence.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry has confirmed that two individuals were killed and two others injured in the Israeli strikes. Hezbollah’s ally, the Amal movement, also reported the death of a fighter in an Israeli strike. The Lebanese National News Agency reported significant damage to infrastructure, including electricity and water networks, due to the Israeli airstrikes.
The escalation comes as Egypt hosts new talks aimed at ending Israel’s protracted conflict with Hamas, which has been ongoing for 11 months. Despite the heightened tensions, an Israeli delegation is expected to attend the negotiations.
In a forthcoming televised address, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is expected to discuss the recent developments. The conflict’s intensification reflects broader regional tensions, with Hezbollah pledging to cease fighting if a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaging in a high-stakes exchange of fire amid efforts to address underlying regional conflicts.