Israeli warplanes targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Sunday, responding to what the Israeli military described as preparations for a large-scale aerial attack by the Iran-backed group. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that around 100 fighter jets destroyed “thousands” of rocket launchers, calling the strikes an act of “self-defense.”
Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed three fatalities from the strikes, including one in Khiam and two in Tayri. Hezbollah retaliated by firing 320 Katyusha rockets at 11 Israeli military sites, framing the barrage as the first phase of a broader response to the killing of senior commander Fuad Shukr by Israel last month. No casualties were reported in Israel.
The exchange marks a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, part of the ongoing conflict since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7. The clashes have already displaced nearly 200,000 people on both sides of the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the country’s commitment to defending its territory, warning that anyone who harms Israel will face retaliation. Despite the intensifying conflict, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the nation does not seek a full-scale war in the region.
The situation remains fluid as efforts continue to broker a ceasefire and secure hostage releases in Gaza.
