Hezbollah says it is attacking Israel with a large number of drones and rockets, in response to the killing of a top commander last month.
In fact, the Shia Movement says it fired over 320 rockets at military bases in Northern Israel in the past few hours, terming it an “initial response” to the killing of its military commander Fuad Shokr in Beirut.
Israel has also launched airstrikes inside Lebanon, in what it calls an act of self-defence.
Air raid sirens have been heard in parts of Northern Israel, and flights to and from Tel Aviv are being diverted.
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari says Hezbollah has planned an extensive attack.
“The IDF learned that Hezbollah was preparing to launch missiles at Israeli territory. In response to these threats, the IDF carries out strikes at terrorist targets in Lebanon. IDF planes currently carry out strikes at Hezbollah targets that pose a direct threat to Israeli citizens. After the strikes are carried out and the situation is assessed by the IDF home front command, vital recommendations will be issued for people living in certain parts of Israel,” the press office said.
In this regard, the IDF Spokesperson said that since October, 2023, Hezbollah militants have launched over 6,700 missiles and drones at Israeli territory.
“For purposes of self-defense, in order to eliminate these threats, the IDF carries out strikes at terrorist targets in Lebanon, where Hezbollah planned to begin its attacks on Israeli civilians from,” he added.
“We warn the civilians present in regions that Hezbollah operates in to immediately leave dangerous areas for their own safety. The continued Hezbollah aggression may pull the people of Lebanon, the people of Israel and the entire region into a wider escalation,” Hagari underscored.
Israel’s president has said this morning’s attack “epitomises Israel’s right and duty to defend itself”.
Isaac Herzog said in a statement: “The decisive action we witnessed early this morning epitomises Israel’s right and duty to defend itself and its citizens against the threat of terrorism.
“This is once again an opportunity to express our gratitude and support for our daughters and sons in the Israel Defense Forces, as well as in the security, emergency, and rescue services for their relentless efforts across all battlefronts.
“Their immense sacrifices and personal costs in thwarting the malicious acts of our enemies and in defending the state of Israel and its citizens deserve our deepest thanks. I hug all of them with deep gratitude!”