Israeli forces launch airstrikes on additional Hezbollah targets during nighttime operation

Israel reported striking dozens of Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight on Tuesday, following a wave of airstrikes against the Iran-backed terrorist group.

Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed that at least 558 people had been killed in the earlier strikes on Monday, including 50 children, with 1,835 wounded.

An official from Lebanon claimed it was the highest daily death toll from violence in the country since the 1975-1990 civil war.

Hezbollah announced on Tuesday morning that they had targeted several Israeli military sites, including an explosives factory situated 37 miles into Israel, using Fadi rockets.

The group stated that they attacked the factory around 4 a.m. local time and hit the Megiddo airfield three separate times overnight.

Almost a year after the conflict with Hamas in Gaza on its southern border, which began on October 7, Israel is now focusing its attention on the northern border, where Hezbollah has been launching rockets in support of Hamas.

The terrorist group, backed by Iran and controlling the Gaza Strip, is now being targeted by Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

According to police reports, fragments of interceptor missiles were discovered in various areas across northern Israel.

Lebanese authorities confirmed that Monday’s Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of nearly 500 individuals, prompting tens of thousands to flee for safety.

After intense cross-border exchanges of fire, Israel advised people in Lebanon to evacuate areas allegedly being used by Hezbollah to store weapons.

Families from south Lebanon packed their vehicles and headed north, causing highways to become congested.Missiles Intercepted

Coordinating the crisis response, Lebanon’s minister Nasser Yassin mentioned that 89 temporary shelters had been set up in schools and other facilities, capable of accommodating over 26,000 people as civilians fled what he described as “Israeli atrocities.”

The IDF confirmed targeting Hezbollah in various regions of Lebanon, destroying rocket launchers, command posts, and other militant infrastructure.

The Israeli Air Force carried out approximately 1,600 airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.

Hezbollah fired over 100 projectiles into Israel on Monday, reaching deep into Israeli territory including areas around Haifa and parts of the occupied West Bank, with most missiles intercepted; however, two individuals were injured by falling debris in northern Israel.

Additionally, the IDF presented evidence of Hezbollah weapons allegedly stored in homes to justify the strikes.

The IDF showcased images of cruise missiles, rockets with large warheads, and drones supposedly concealed in Lebanese residences.

In one instance, the IDF published photos showing a long-range rocket mounted on a hydraulic launcher found in the attic of a family’s home.

Commenting on the airstrikes, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi labeled the operation as “a proactive offensive measure,” aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure built over two decades.

“We are targeting infrastructure, preparing for the next phases… ultimately, the goal is to create conditions for the return of displaced residents in the north to their homes,” stated Halevi in a video released by the IDF.

‘Almost Full-Fledged War’

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, characterized the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah as “almost a full-fledged war,” expressing deep concern over the situation.

He emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prevent an all-out war, noting the high toll on civilians and the intensity of military operations.

This report includes contributions from Reuters and the Associated Press.