Israel states it has targeted over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other "terrorist sites" in southern Lebanon, including a weapons storage facility. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the launchers were prepared to fire at Israel, though no immediate reports of casualties were available. Lebanon's National News Agency confirmed at least 52 Israeli strikes in the southern region, and retaliatory Lebanese strikes on military sites in northern Israel.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused Israel of crossing "all red lines" after deadly explosions occurred earlier in the week, claiming they amounted to a declaration of war. While Israel has not confirmed responsibility for the explosions, Lebanese officials reported 37 fatalities and 3,000 injuries from the incidents.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged a "new phase of the war," focusing more on northern operations. Cross-border hostilities escalated after Hezbollah fired at Israeli positions on October 8, 2023, in solidarity with Palestinians following an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel. Since then, the conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths, predominantly among Hezbollah fighters, and the displacement of tens of thousands on both sides.
Hezbollah, supported by Iran and designated a terrorist organization by Israel and other countries, claims to be acting in support of Hamas. The IDF stated its operations would continue to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities. Meanwhile, international figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have called for restraint and a ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
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