Tensions Escalate: Missile Barrage Between Hezbollah and Israel

Hezbollah launched a significant missile barrage against Israel in response to the assassination of a senior commander in Beirut. Israel retaliated with airstrikes on Lebanon. The strikes come amid heightened tensions and a precarious balance after recent attacks, while negotiations in Cairo aim for a ceasefire.

Hezbollah launched a major missile barrage against Israel on Sunday, retaliating for last month's assassination of a senior commander in Beirut, according to the Iranian-backed group. As a result, Israel's cabinet convened to prepare a response.

Shortly before the missile strikes, Israeli jets targeted locations in Lebanon, anticipating Hezbollah's plans. 'The IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to launch missiles toward Israeli territory. In response, the IDF is targeting terror sites in Lebanon,' stated the Israel Defence Forces.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that Israel's cabinet planned to meet at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT). Meanwhile, all flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv were suspended, and an emergency was declared by the defense minister. Sirens blared in northern Israel, and multiple explosions were heard as the Iron Dome defense system intercepted rockets from southern Lebanon. Magen David Adom ambulance service declared high alert nationwide. The escalation follows last month's missile strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that resulted in 12 deaths, and the subsequent Israeli assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

New civil defense measures are anticipated, with Israeli authorities warning southern Lebanon civilians to avoid areas controlled by Hezbollah. The attacks coincide with ongoing Cairo negotiations aimed at halting the Gaza conflict and exchanging hostages and prisoners.

Following the Hamas attacks on October 7, Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire without major escalation, but recent developments threaten to shift this balance. The assassination of senior military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut was swiftly followed by the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, prompting Iran to vow retaliation against Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)