Tel Aviv: The Israeli military has launched its most extensive wave of airstrikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah, targeting southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and northern regions near Syria amid nearly a year of conflict.
When asked about a potential ground incursion into Lebanon, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, “We will do whatever is needed” to ensure the safe return of evacuated residents in northern Israel, which remains a top priority for the Israeli government.
These latest strikes coincide with some of the heaviest cross-border exchanges of fire, occurring alongside the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Hagari urged residents of southern Lebanon to avoid Hezbollah posts, highlighting that the militant group has stored weapons, including cruise missiles, in civilian structures throughout the area.
During a media briefing, Hagari presented an aerial video showing Hezbollah operatives attempting to launch cruise missiles from a civilian house in Lebanon, followed by an Israeli strike just before the launch. “Hezbollah is endangering you. Endangering you and your families,” he asserted.
The Israeli military initiated airstrikes on Hezbollah positions after identifying intentions to fire on Israel. Israeli warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes on towns along Lebanon’s southern border and further north on Monday morning, as reported by Reuters witnesses. Residents in the southern port city of Tyre reported low-flying warplanes and a series of nearby explosions.
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Hezbollah’s al-Manar television reported airstrikes targeting the outskirts of multiple towns and villages in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, showing columns of smoke rising in the aftermath. Additional strikes were reported in the Hermel area of northern Lebanon.
Heavy exchanges of fire continued into Sunday, with Hezbollah firing rockets deep into northern Israel following intense bombardment. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem, speaking at a funeral for a group commander killed last week, declared, “We have entered a new phase, the title of which is the open-ended battle of reckoning.”
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Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that operations would persist until it is safe for evacuated individuals on the Israeli side to return, indicating a prolonged conflict. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has pledged to continue fighting until a ceasefire is achieved in the ongoing Gaza war.
Hezbollah has faced unprecedented pressure following the explosion of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members last week, an incident widely attributed to Israel, though the country has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. The conflict has escalated sharply in recent days since Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel, citing its support for Palestinians amid the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
