Israel Launches Strikes on Lebanon Following Hezbollah Rocket Attack Amid Escalating Iran Conflict

Israel's military has conducted strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon after the Iranian-backed Shia group launched rockets and drones at the Israeli city of Haifa. This escalation follows the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which Hezbollah claims to be avenging. Lebanon's disaster management unit reported 52 fatalities from the Israeli strikes, while there were no casualties in Israel from Hezbollah's attack. The Israeli defense minister vowed a strong response, targeting Hezbollah's leadership and infrastructure.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Hezbollah's actions as irresponsible and announced a ban on the group's military activities. The conflict has rapidly spread across the Middle East following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases. Hezbollah's leader denounced Khamenei's assassination and pledged to confront Israeli and US aggression.

Sirens and explosions were reported in northern Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepting one projectile and others landing in open areas. In response, Israeli forces launched air and naval strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure. The strikes caused significant damage, prompting evacuations and widespread panic among residents.

Residents of more than 50 southern and eastern Lebanese villages were ordered to evacuate, with many already fleeing due to Hezbollah's rocket launch. The IDF continued heavy strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, targeting weapons storage and missile launch sites. In the Israeli border town of Metula, residents remained on alert, with some expressing support for the government's actions against Iran and Hezbollah.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli strikes and warned against turning Lebanon into a battleground. The Lebanese cabinet also condemned the rocket fire from Lebanese territory, emphasizing that decisions of war and peace rest with the state. Prime Minister Salam called for an immediate prohibition of Hezbollah's military activities, challenging the group's authority in Lebanon.

Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc criticized the government's stance, arguing that it unjustly targets Lebanese resisting occupation. The group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, maintains that it will not disarm until Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon and ceases air strikes.