Hezbollah Launches 320 Rockets at Israel After IDF Strikes Terror Targets in Lebanon

Jerusalem: The Israeli military conducted preemptive strikes in Lebanon on Sunday, targeting Hezbollah positions in anticipation of an aerial assault by the Iran-backed group. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired over 320 Katyusha rockets from Lebanon into Israeli territory.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the missile barrage and drone attacks, stating that the strike was in response to the killing of its military commander, Fuad Shukr. The group reported hitting a “special military target,” Israel’s Iron Dome platforms, and other strategic sites, declaring the “first phase” of its operation a complete success.

Following the preemptive strikes, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour state of emergency. Gallant stated that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched precise strikes to thwart an imminent threat and reiterated Israel’s commitment to defending its citizens.

In response to the perceived threat, the IDF launched 40 air-to-surface missiles at Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, described the operation as an act of self-defence, aimed at neutralising threats posed by Hezbollah to Israeli civilians.

Residents of southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates, were warned to evacuate immediately as Israeli fighter jets targeted the group’s positions. The IDF also announced that life-saving instructions would be issued to residents in certain areas of Israel based on ongoing assessments.

Amid Hezbollah’s attack on northern Israel, shrapnel wounded a woman in the coastal city of Acre. She was transported to Bnai Zion Hospital in Haifa for treatment.

In light of the conflict, the Israel Airports Authority temporarily suspended operations at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.