Tensions Rise as Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Strikes Amid High-Level Cease-Fire Talks

Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a significant exchange of airstrikes and rocket fire, following the killing of a Hezbollah commander. Despite heavy attacks, both sides avoided a full-scale war. Concurrently, high-level cease-fire talks in Egypt aim to de-escalate the wider Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon early Sunday, claiming it was a preemptive strike on Hezbollah. The militant group responded by launching hundreds of rockets and drones to avenge the killing of a top commander last month.

The exchange doesn't seem to have sparked a long-feared war, but tensions remain high. Egypt is hosting critical talks to broker a cease-fire in the 10-month-old Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, aimed at reducing regional hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military action targeted thousands of rockets aimed at northern Israel and urged citizens to stay vigilant. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was expected to deliver a speech, while US and European diplomats continue efforts to prevent a regional escalation.

(With inputs from agencies.)