Israel Defense Forces Launch Strikes on Hezbollah Positions in Lebanon; Thousands Fleeing Homes Amid Widening Conflict

Beirut: The Israel Defense Forces has launched air and artillery strikes on Hezbollah positions across Lebanon after the Iran-backed group fired rockets toward northern Israel, in what marks a sharp escalation linked to the widening Iran conflict.

According to Israeli military statements carried by international media, the strikes targeted what it described as Hezbollah command centres, weapons depots and launch sites in southern Lebanon and in parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area known to be a Hezbollah stronghold. The attacks came hours after projectiles were launched from Lebanese territory, which Hezbollah said were in response to Israeli and US actions against Iran.

Air raid sirens were activated in parts of northern Israel following the rocket fire. Israeli authorities said the military response was aimed at neutralising immediate threats and warned that further action would follow if attacks continued.

Lebanese officials have reported intense bombardment in the south and around Beirut, with damage to residential neighbourhoods and infrastructure. Humanitarian agencies and local authorities say the violence has triggered a major displacement crisis, with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing their homes in southern Lebanon and the capital’s outskirts in search of safer areas.

The renewed cross-border fighting has raised fears of a broader regional war, as tensions between Israel and Iran spill over into neighbouring countries. International observers have called for restraint, warning that further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah could destabilise Lebanon, which is already grappling with severe economic and political challenges.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides signalling readiness for further military action if hostilities persist.