The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a sweeping series of retaliatory airstrikes across southern and central Lebanon today, targeting dozens of Hezbollah military positions, including rocket launchers, weapons depots, and command centers. The strikes come in direct response to a morning barrage of rockets fired from Lebanon toward northern Israeli communities, including Metula and the Galilee Finger.
At least three incoming projectiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defenses, preventing casualties. The rocket fire, however, was described by IDF officials as a clear violation of previous understandings between Israel and Lebanon and a direct threat to Israeli civilians.
“This morning’s attack from Lebanon is a blatant breach of existing agreements and an act of aggression,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who held a situational assessment shortly after the attack. “Israel holds the Lebanese state fully responsible for allowing Hezbollah to operate freely from its territory.”
By early afternoon, the IDF had expanded its response, striking dozens of Hezbollah sites across the border. Among the targets:
- Multiple launch positions used for this morning’s rocket fire
- A Hezbollah command post directing terror activity
- Weapons storage facilities and terrorist infrastructure
Footage released by the IDF shows precision strikes hitting Hezbollah assets in broad daylight, with Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin personally overseeing operations near the frontlines.
“This is not just retaliation—it’s preemptive defense,” said Gordin. “We will not allow Hezbollah to create another Gaza in the north.”
The IDF confirmed that additional airstrikes were conducted throughout the evening, targeting Hezbollah operatives and key military assets across southern Lebanon. This sustained campaign marks one of the most extensive IDF operations on the Lebanese front since the beginning of the Iron Swords War.
Lebanon’s Complicity and Iran’s Hand
Hezbollah, the dominant force in southern Lebanon and an Iranian proxy, has repeatedly used Lebanese villages, mosques, and schools to store weapons and fire rockets at Israeli civilians. While the world focuses on Gaza, Israel faces a two-front war, with Hezbollah launching near-daily attacks from Lebanon since October 8.
The Israeli government has reiterated that Lebanon, as a sovereign state, is ultimately responsible for any aggression emanating from its territory. “If Lebanon cannot restrain Hezbollah, then it will suffer the consequences,” an IDF spokesperson said.
Despite international calls for “de-escalation,” Israel made it clear: there is no ceasefire with terrorists. The IDF will continue to act decisively to protect its citizens—north and south.
