Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon Amid Cross-Border Tensions

The Israeli military has issued warnings and launched extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials urged Lebanese residents to distance themselves from Hezbollah sites, citing imminent attacks. This escalation runs parallel to ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, with significant cross-border fire exchanges.

The Israeli military announced imminent airstrikes on Hezbollah weapon caches hidden in Lebanese houses, urging calm among Israelis. Defence Minister declared the attacks on Hezbollah will deepen.

Southern Lebanon residents were warned to stay 1,000 meters away from Hezbollah posts via calls from Lebanese numbers, as confirmed by Reuters. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated the warnings are distributed in Arabic nationwide.

In its most extensive airstrike campaign against Hezbollah in nearly a year, Israel targeted southern Lebanon, eastern Bekaa, and the northern border with Syria. Hagari hinted at a possible ground incursion to ensure the safe return of evacuated northern Israeli residents, amid escalating cross-border fire in context of Israel-Hamas conflict. Hezbollah’s weapon hoarding in civilian areas was highlighted as endangering residents' lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)