In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah launched a substantial attack against Israeli targets on Sunday, marking what it described as an “initial response” to the recent killing of a top commander.
The group announced that over 320 Katyusha rockets had been fired at various Israeli positions, including 11 bases and barracks, some of which are located in the annexed Golan Heights. Additionally, Hezbollah reported initiating an air assault involving numerous drones targeting deep within Israeli territory.
The group’s action follows ongoing exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel, which intensified after the October 7 Gaza war instigated by Hamas’s attack on Israel. The situation escalated further following the deaths of key figures: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, allegedly killed by Israel in Tehran, and Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, killed in an Israeli strike on south Beirut.
Hezbollah claimed its assault was a direct response to Shukr’s death and announced the successful completion of the attack’s first phase. This phase was aimed at targeting Israeli military positions to pave the way for drone strikes.
While the Israeli military has yet to provide immediate confirmation, reports indicate ongoing Israeli strikes on numerous locations in southern Lebanon. Despite the turmoil, Beirut’s international airport continues to operate normally.
Since the beginning of this cross-border violence in October, more than 600 individuals in Lebanon have been killed, including at least 131 civilians. On the Israeli side, the death toll includes at least 23 soldiers and 26 civilians.
