Israel and Hezbollah Engage in Rocket and Missile Attacks, Cease Hostilities Temporarily
The IDF stated that earlier jet strikes had thwarted a potentially larger attack, while Hezbollah declared retaliation for the killing of its military commander last month.
The Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist group launched numerous rockets and drones at Israel on Sunday, while Israel’s military reported around 100 jet strikes in Lebanon to prevent a more significant attack.
Social media footage showed Iron Dome missiles intercepting targets from Lebanon in Israel’s north. Rocket sirens were heard across northern Israel, including Golan Heights and several Upper Galilee border communities. Drone sirens were also reported in several Galilee towns.
During the attacks, Hezbollah released a statement claiming over 320 rockets and several explosive-carrying drones were launched towards northern Israel, targeting 11 military bases. The statement did not mention IDF airstrikes in Lebanon.
With casualties reported on both sides and a desire to avoid further escalation, both Israel and Hezbollah warned of the possibility of future strikes.
Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stated that the group’s retaliatory attacks had been completed as planned in response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr. However, he mentioned the possibility of further responses depending on the impact of the initial strikes.
Israel’s foreign minister clarified that the country did not seek full-scale war, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning of continued actions.
Hagari emphasized the ongoing efforts to remove threats against Israel and intensively strike Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah later disputed Israel’s claims, calling them empty and contradicting the actual events on the ground.
Hagari issued a warning to Lebanese civilians in southern Lebanon regarding the dangers posed by Hezbollah’s actions towards Israeli territory near their homes.
The Israeli Foreign Minister’s office explained that strikes on Hezbollah were in response to imminent threats to Israel, seeking support from other countries to justify its defensive actions.
The White House and Pentagon affirmed their support for Israel’s defense against attacks by Iran and its proxies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant coordinated the national response from Tel Aviv, declaring a special situation on the home front.
Restrictions on civilian movement were imposed for at least 48 hours as part of the special situation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
