Israel Strikes 300 Targets in Lebanon Amid Intensified Conflict with Hezbollah
In one of the most intense escalations of conflict in nearly a year, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on 300 targets in Lebanon on Monday, striking Hezbollah strongholds. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the strikes resulted in 50 fatalities and over 300 injuries, adding to the rising toll in a steadily intensifying conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
Israel’s Military Action
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation on social media, sharing an image of Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the military chief, overseeing additional attacks from military headquarters in Tel Aviv. Israeli leadership, including Halevi, has vowed stronger retaliation against Hezbollah, especially as air-raid sirens continued to sound in northern Israel, warning of incoming rocket fire from Lebanon.
Earlier on Monday, the IDF urged residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate areas suspected of housing Hezbollah weapons, warning of “extensive strikes” against the group. Despite the warnings, there has been little evidence of a mass evacuation in southern Lebanon, raising concerns for civilians who may be caught in the crossfire.
Growing Fear of All-Out War
The renewed violence marks a significant escalation following an exchange of fire on Sunday, where Hezbollah fired around 150 rockets, drones, and missiles at northern Israel in retaliation for the death of a senior commander and several fighters in earlier strikes. This surge in hostilities has sparked fears of a broader war, even as Israel is already engaged in fierce battles with Hamas in Gaza, attempting to recover hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas-led attack.
Israel has emphasized its commitment to stabilizing its northern border, though the risk of war looms larger with Hezbollah’s vow to continue its attacks in solidarity with Hamas.
Airstrikes Target Key Locations Across Lebanon
On Monday, heavy airstrikes were reported across southern Lebanon, extending to regions far beyond the immediate border area. According to the state-run National News Agency, areas such as the Byblos province—over 80 miles from the Israeli-Lebanese border—were hit for the first time since the conflict reignited in October. In addition to Byblos, strikes were also reported in the Baalbek and Hermel regions, where a shepherd was killed and two others were injured.
Israel’s airstrikes reportedly focused on Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, with no indication of an imminent ground invasion. However, an Israeli military official, speaking anonymously, stated that the air campaign aims to severely limit Hezbollah’s ability to launch attacks into Israeli territory.
Lebanese media reported that some residents received text messages urging them to move away from buildings housing Hezbollah’s arms, underscoring the increasing severity of the conflict.
Lebanese Response
Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary condemned Israel’s actions, describing the warnings as part of a “psychological war” against Lebanon. Despite these warnings, southern Lebanese communities have largely emptied out due to the near-daily exchanges of fire between the two sides.
The strikes and retaliatory attacks have so far claimed the lives of hundreds of people in Lebanon and dozens in Israel, displacing tens of thousands and causing widespread destruction. Lebanon’s Health Ministry has also instructed hospitals in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley to postpone non-urgent surgeries in preparation for an expected influx of wounded civilians.
Hezbollah’s Continued Resistance
Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict began on October 7, the day Hamas launched a deadly attack in southern Israel. Hezbollah’s stated goal is to assist Palestinian forces by tying down Israeli military resources in the north. Israel has responded with sustained airstrikes, turning the northern front into an increasingly volatile battlefield.
As the conflict rages on, Hezbollah has pledged to maintain pressure on Israel until a cease-fire is reached in Gaza. However, a truce remains elusive, with the anniversary of the war approaching and no signs of de-escalation from either side.
Widespread Humanitarian Toll
The prolonged violence has taken a heavy toll on both Lebanon and Israel. Brush fires sparked by shelling have devastated farmland, and entire communities near the border have been displaced, leaving a trail of destruction on both sides. International observers fear that the escalating strikes could lead to a broader, region-wide conflict unless urgent diplomatic efforts are made.
Israel remains committed to restoring peace along its northern border but has indicated that it is prepared to escalate military actions if necessary. For now, Hezbollah continues its operations, maintaining that its actions will persist until the conflict in Gaza is resolved.