182 Killed, Over 700 Injured as Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah in Lebanon’s Deadliest Day Yet

Jerusalem: The Israeli military launched over 300 airstrikes on Lebanon on Monday, marking one of the most intense assaults in nearly a year of conflict with Hezbollah. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 182 people were killed, and more than 700 were injured, making it the deadliest day since the violence erupted in October.

Before this escalation, about 600 people had been killed in Lebanon, including over 100 civilians. The Israeli army announced the strikes on social media, showing a photo of Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the military chief, approving further attacks from Tel Aviv.

In response, Hezbollah claimed to have fired dozens of rockets at Israeli military posts in Galilee and targeted the facilities of the Israeli defence company Rafael for a second consecutive day.

Amid the escalating violence, Israeli authorities sounded air-raid sirens in northern Israel, warning residents of incoming rocket fire from Lebanon. Earlier, the Israeli military urged residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate, warning of extensive strikes against Hezbollah.

The latest exchange of fire raises concerns of a broader conflict as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah has pledged solidarity with Hamas, launching retaliatory strikes against Israel since the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants.

Israeli officials have stressed their commitment to securing the northern border but have indicated no immediate plans for a ground invasion. As the conflict intensifies, both Israel and Hezbollah remain entrenched, with no signs of de-escalation in sight.