Israeli jets struck Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones on a military base near Haifa in northern Israel.
Hezbollah said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group described it as a move to defend Lebanon and its people.
The Israeli military responded with air strikes across southern Beirut, southern villages, and the Bekaa Valley. It said it targeted senior Hezbollah members and warned residents in more than 50 areas to evacuate.
Lebanese authorities have expressed concern over rising tensions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called the Hezbollah attack “irresponsible” and said it puts Lebanon’s security at risk.
Hezbollah operates independently from the Lebanese government and has been weakened by a 2024 war with Israel. Experts say it is unclear how much damage the group can inflict on Israel now.
The escalation comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and their allies.
With inputs from BBC