Intensified Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Sparks Cross-Border Clashes

The Israeli military has launched extensive strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, marking one of the heaviest cross-border exchanges in nearly a year. This escalation follows Hezbollah opening a second front against Israel to support Palestinians in Gaza. Israel vows to continue operations until the border region is safe for residents.

The Israeli military launched extensive strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Monday, marking one of the heaviest cross-border exchanges of fire in nearly a year.

While the military did not provide further details, spokesperson Daniel Hagari advised south Lebanon residents to avoid Hezbollah posts. He said the strikes began after Israel identified an intention by Hezbollah to fire on it.

Israeli warplanes conducted intense air strikes on towns along Lebanon’s southern border and further north. Witnesses in southern Lebanon reported hearing low-flying warplanes and air strikes.

Hezbollah's al-Manar television confirmed Israeli airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, showing footage of smoke rising from the area. The conflict escalated as Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following intense bombardment.

Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem announced a new phase in the conflict, calling it an 'open-ended battle of reckoning.' Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant vowed to continue operations until it was safe for evacuated border residents to return, signaling a prolonged conflict.

The past week has seen significant escalation since Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel to support Palestinians in Gaza. Thousands of Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies exploded on Tuesday and Wednesday, an attack widely attributed to Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)