Israel’s military offensive against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon intensified dramatically on Monday, as relentless airstrikes killed at least 180 people and injured over 700 others. The strikes targeted more than 300 locations across southern Lebanon, raising alarms of an impending full-scale war in the region.
Lebanon’s state-run news agency confirmed that Israeli warplanes pounded several regions, including villages and towns in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah’s strongholds were hit particularly hard, with strikes targeting the group’s armament supply routes and military installations. Israel also issued a stern warning to residents of the Bekaa Valley, urging them to steer clear of Hezbollah depots amid the escalating conflict.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari underscored the strategic aim of the strikes, stating, “We are systematically broadening our strikes against Hezbollah to thwart potential attacks on Israeli territory.” He emphasized that Israel’s campaign was preemptive, designed to dismantle Hezbollah’s capacity to launch further strikes.
The violence has forced thousands of civilians to flee from southern Lebanon, creating widespread chaos on the main highway to Beirut. The growing hostilities follow weeks of rising tension, with both Israel and Hezbollah ramping up their military readiness along the volatile border.
While Hezbollah has yet to issue an official statement on the recent strikes, the group has previously vowed to retaliate for any sustained Israeli military action. The international community, meanwhile, has expressed deep concern over the escalation, fearing that a full-blown war could destabilize the broader Middle East.
The situation remains highly fluid, with Israel signaling that more strikes are on the horizon, and Hezbollah potentially preparing for counterattacks. Both sides are bracing for what could be a protracted and dangerous conflict.
