Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, launched a significant attack on northern Israel overnight, escalating border tensions that have been simmering for almost a year. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that around 150 rockets, cruise missiles, and drones targeted Israeli territory, primarily northern regions.
The IDF stated that air defenses successfully intercepted most threats, though a few caused minor damage, resulting in debris falling within Israel’s borders. This exchange comes in the wake of ongoing cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters.
Hezbollah’s assaults intensified after Israel began military operations against Hamas, following the deadly October 7 attacks in which approximately 1,200 Israelis lost their lives, and over 250 were taken captive. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated dramatically, with more than 41,000 fatalities reported since violence reignited.
In addition to the Israeli casualties, the conflict has displaced over 60,000 Israelis and 100,000 residents in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah confirmed its strikes included targets over 30 miles into Israel, impacting areas like the Ramat David air base near Haifa.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant labeled this escalating conflict as a “new phase” and indicated a strategic shift of military resources to the northern front. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani from the IDF reported widespread destruction of homes and vehicles due to the rocket attacks, with multiple air alerts activated throughout the night.
Just a day prior, Israel targeted around 180 Hezbollah sites and fired upon senior Hezbollah figures including commander Ibrahim Aqil, who was confirmed dead. The bombing’s aftermath saw casualties from other attacks linked to Hezbollah communication devices in Lebanon, resulting in an additional injury count in the thousands.
The ongoing violence has prompted urgent warnings from officials, including Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert of the UN, who cautioned that the situation is “on the brink of an imminent catastrophe.”