Israel has executed a series of extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and various “terrorist sites,” including a weapons storage facility.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the launchers were poised for potential attacks against Israeli territory. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, the strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency indicated that at least 52 strikes occurred in southern Lebanon on Thursday evening. In response, Hezbollah claimed to have launched strikes on military sites in northern Israel.
The air strikes, which lasted more than two hours, are considered among the most intense since the recent outbreak of hostilities.
Following the strikes, Israel, on Friday, lifted movement restrictions imposed on communities in the Golan Heights and parts of northern Israel, confirming that military activities would continue in northern Israel over the weekend, with “gunshots and explosions” expected.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the Israeli actions, stating that previous deadly explosions had “crossed all red lines” and accused Israel of declaring war.
Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for earlier attacks that resulted in numerous casualties, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant indicated a shift in focus, stating that Israel is entering a “new phase of the war,” with intensified operations in the north.
The situation escalated on 8 October 2023, following a historic attack by Hamas gunmen from Gaza, prompting Hezbollah to fire at Israeli positions in solidarity. Since then, hundreds, predominantly Hezbollah fighters, have died in the cross-border conflict, leading to significant displacement on both sides.
In a late Thursday statement, the IDF asserted that its warplanes struck approximately 100 launchers and other terrorist infrastructure, comprising around 1,000 barrels prepared for immediate use against Israel. The IDF vowed to continue its operations to undermine Hezbollah’s capabilities and infrastructure in a bid to safeguard the state of Israel.
Lebanese security sources reported that the Israeli strikes were among the most intense since the conflict in Gaza began in October last year. The IDF has advised residents near the Lebanese border to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and stay close to bomb shelters.
On Thursday morning, Hezbollah responded with anti-tank missile fire across the border, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and leaving a third seriously wounded, further escalating the tensions in the region.
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