Breaking: Israeli Army Launches Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli military reported that late Saturday, dozens of warplanes were conducting strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, as cross-border clashes intensified, raising concerns about a broader conflict. Israel also implemented additional security measures for its northern region.

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated in a televised address shortly after 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) that Israeli forces were conducting extensive operations in southern Lebanon after identifying Hezbollah’s plans to launch attacks on Israeli territory. “Dozens of air force aircraft are currently targeting terrorist sites and launchers to neutralize threats against Israeli civilians,” he said.

Another wave of airstrikes was launched approximately three hours later.

Earlier, Israel claimed to have targeted thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military assets. This escalation came a day after an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut killed 37 people, including senior Hezbollah commanders, according to Lebanese officials. The strike followed a series of sabotage attacks on communication devices used by Hezbollah earlier in the week, which killed 39 people and injured around 3,000. Hezbollah attributed the attacks to Israel, although Israel has not confirmed its involvement.

Hezbollah has been launching cross-border assaults on Israel following Hamas’ unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, which sparked the current war in Gaza. Thousands of people have been displaced on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border due to the hostilities.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expanded the objectives of Israel’s military campaign to include the return of displaced residents in northern Israel. Rear Admiral Hagari warned that there could be further rocket launches and other threats against Israel in the near future.

Late Saturday, the Israeli military announced stricter public gathering rules for northern Israel. Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 30 people, while indoor events are capped at 300 participants. Additionally, workplaces and educational institutions can remain open as long as there are adequate shelter facilities available.