Hezbollah and Israel Clash: Rockets, Retaliation, and Regional Risks

Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets at Israel, leading to a significant response from Israel's military. This action is part of ongoing border warfare between the two, with both sides confirming casualties. Diplomats indicate there's no desire for further escalation, but risks of a regional conflict remain high.

Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel early on Sunday, prompting a swift response from Israel's military, which deployed around 100 jets to strike Lebanon. This escalation marked one of the biggest clashes in over 10 months of border warfare. Missiles streaked across the dawn sky as air raid sirens wailed in Israel, followed by explosions lighting the horizon and smoke rising over houses in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam.

Confirmed casualties included three in Lebanon and one in Israel, though damage appeared limited. Hezbollah indicated it would temporarily halt further strikes, and Israel's Foreign Minister stated the nation did not seek a full-scale war. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that tensions were far from over.

Diplomats revealed that both sides exchanged messages indicating a desire to avoid further escalation, although the situation remains volatile with possible regional implications involving Iran and the United States. Hezbollah's recent attack was retaliation for Israel's assassination of a senior commander, and further responses are anticipated, though timed to avoid a full-scale conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)