The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the destruction of over 100 rocket launchers set for imminent attacks on Israel. These launchers, located in Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Lebanon, housed approximately 1,000 rocket barrels. In the same airstrikes, several Hezbollah buildings and a weapons depot were targeted.
The strikes occurred just a day after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed retaliation for what he called “unprecedented and deadly” attacks on Hezbollah operatives. Nasrallah accused Israel of detonating Hezbollah communication devices across Lebanon, resulting in 37 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries. He labeled the incident a “massacre” and warned Israel of harsh consequences.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged the nation was entering “a new phase in the war,” signaling an escalation of the conflict, which has now extended to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has ramped up its attacks, leading to daily exchanges of fire and mass evacuations along the border.
The Biden administration has urged restraint, while Lebanon’s Foreign Minister condemned the strikes as a violation of sovereignty. With tensions rising, there are growing fears of the conflict spreading further across the region.