Israel says 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers hit in Lebanon

Israel says 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers hit in Lebanon

Israel launched extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other sites, including a weapons storage facility. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the launchers were prepared to strike Israel, though it was unclear if there were any casualties. Lebanon's National News Agency reported at least 52 Israeli strikes on Thursday evening, while Hezbollah retaliated by attacking military positions in northern Israel. The Israeli strikes, lasting more than two hours, were some of the most intense since the conflict began. By Friday morning, Israel lifted movement restrictions in the Golan Heights and northern Israel, imposed the previous day, while announcing military activities over the weekend. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, accused Israel of crossing "red lines" following deadly explosions earlier in the week, which killed 37 and wounded 3,000. Israel has not claimed responsibility for these explosions. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Israel is entering a "new phase" of the war, focusing more efforts on the northern front. Cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel intensified after October 8, 2023, following an attack by Hamas on Israel. Since then, hundreds of Hezbollah fighters have been killed, and thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border. Medical facilities in Beirut received numerous patients following the explosions, with injuries mainly affecting the face, eyes, and upper body. Surgeries were scheduled to handle the influx of casualties. Companies in Taiwan, Hungary, and Bulgaria denied involvement in producing the pagers used in the attacks. Hezbollah, supported by Iran and classified as a terrorist organization by Israel, the UK, and other countries, claims it is fighting in solidarity with Hamas. The IDF vowed to continue degrading Hezbollah's infrastructure to defend Israel. Israeli forces also urged residents near the Lebanese border to avoid gatherings and stay close to bomb shelters, as Hezbollah continued to fire missiles and drones across the border, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers.