Israel launches major strikes on Lebanon targeting Hezbollah

International Desk | PNN

The Israeli army (IDF) has launched renewed large-scale airstrikes in Lebanon. The operation began after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced intensified attacks against Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley and other regions across the country through multiple airstrikes.

The Iran-backed Shiite armed group Hezbollah claimed it carried out retaliatory attacks against Israel. The group said it launched at least 22 drones and rockets targeting Israeli soldiers, tanks, barracks, and military installations.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said Israel is currently at war with Hezbollah and has ordered the military to deliver “severe blows.”

He claimed that more than 600 fighters have already been killed in the military campaign and that the intensity of attacks will now increase.

Two far-right Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, have called for expanding the military operation to the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Earlier this month, Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a 45-day ceasefire, but in reality, clashes and attacks continue along the border.

Hezbollah says it has carried out attacks in northern Israel and southern Lebanon in response to ceasefire violations.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, more than 100 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire period, including emergency service workers. Israel, meanwhile, claims several of its soldiers have been killed in the clashes.

At the same time, more than one million people have been displaced, according to local authorities.

Analysts say the Israel–Hezbollah conflict is no longer just a border war but is spreading tension across the entire Middle East. Positions of Iran, the United States, and other regional powers are further complicating the situation.

Although diplomatic talks continue, there are no signs of the war stopping in reality; instead, fears of expansion are increasing.