Tensions Escalate: Israel and Hezbollah Clash in Fierce Border Skirmish

Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Israel, prompting Israel to retaliate with airstrikes. The confrontation, one of the largest in months, raised the risk of wider conflict involving Iran and the U.S. Both sides aim to avoid full-scale war but reserve the right for further strikes.

Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel early Sunday, with Israel's military retaliating by deploying around 100 jets to strike Lebanon. This marks one of the most significant clashes in more than 10 months of border warfare. Missiles lit up the dawn sky, trailed by dark vapors, while an air raid siren echoed in Israel and distant explosions illuminated the horizon.

The risk of a broader regional conflict looms as fighting unfolds alongside the Gaza war, potentially drawing in Hezbollah's backer Iran and Israel's main ally, the United States. Fatalities include three in Lebanon and one in Israel, with both sides expressing a desire to avoid further escalation, though warning of possible future strikes.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah confirmed the group's barrage was in retaliation for the recent assassination of senior commander Fuad Shukr and declared the operation complete. Nonetheless, he indicated the possibility of additional responses depending on the effectiveness of the attack. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated their determination to defend the nation and respond to threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)