The Israeli military has intensified its operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, launching hundreds of airstrikes on Monday. This escalation comes amid fears that the long-standing border conflict may evolve into a wider regional war.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli warplanes struck more than 800 targets in southern Lebanon during the early hours of Monday, resulting in significant casualties. The Lebanon Ministry of Public Health reported at least 274 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries, including women and children. Among the deceased are 21 children and 39 women, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is altering the “security balance” in the region. He emphasized Israel’s proactive stance, declaring, “We do not wait for a threat; we anticipate it,” underscoring the government’s commitment to eliminating perceived threats, including senior officials and missile stockpiles.
IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari warned of further strikes against Hezbollah’s “terrorist infrastructure” and urged civilians in areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes to evacuate for their safety. Following the strikes in southern Lebanon, the IDF plans to target locations in the eastern Bekaa Valley, another known Hezbollah stronghold.
In response to the Israeli attacks, Hezbollah has returned fire, launching dozens of projectiles across the border. The IDF reported that some munitions were intercepted, while others landed in open areas, causing limited damage.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticized Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, accusing him of endangering Lebanese civilians by placing weapons in populated areas. Katz labeled this a “clear war crime,” asserting that Israel will act decisively to ensure the safety of its citizens and return displaced residents to their homes.
The IDF also sent text messages to thousands of Lebanese cell phone users, advising them to stay away from buildings suspected of housing Hezbollah weapons. These warnings followed a weekend marked by intense cross-border fire, where Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel, prompting retaliatory airstrikes.
The conflict has escalated since October 8, when Hezbollah began attacks in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Hezbollah has vowed to continue its operations until Israeli forces withdraw from Palestinian territories, further complicating the situation.
In Israel, tens of thousands of residents have fled border areas, with the government prioritizing their safe return. Netanyahu stated, “We will take whatever action is necessary to restore security and bring our people back home.”
Israeli officials are demanding that Hezbollah withdraw north of the Litani River, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was established to end a previous major conflict between the two sides. Katz warned that if the international community does not facilitate this withdrawal, Israel will take unilateral action.
The situation intensified last week with Israel’s targeting of Hezbollah communication devices, described by Nasrallah as an “unprecedented blow.” A series of airstrikes killed at least 37 people and wounded 2,931. Following these attacks, a significant bombing in Beirut’s Dahiya suburb killed at least 45 people, including several children and women.
Hezbollah’s leadership remains resolute, with Deputy Secretary General Naim Qasem declaring at a funeral for a senior operative that the conflict has entered a new phase, characterized by an “open-ended battle of reckoning.” He asserted, “Threats won’t stop us, and we are ready to face all military scenarios.”
As hostilities continue, Israeli communities near the northern border are bracing for further escalation. The IDF has issued new security measures, closing schools and public areas, while Rambam Hospital in Haifa has relocated patients to underground facilities to ensure their safety.
In light of the ongoing violence, the U.S. State Department has reiterated its level 4 “do not travel” warning for Lebanon. This advisory emphasizes the deteriorating security situation and encourages American citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flight options are still available.
In a recent communication, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself and emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions to restore stability in the region.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for de-escalation and a return to peace in the region.
