In a significant escalation of hostilities, Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has launched several rockets deep into northern Israel, prompting a swift response from the Israeli military. The incident marks the most serious escalation of tensions between the two sides since the 2006 war.
The rocket attacks occurred early Tuesday morning, with multiple explosions reported in the Israeli towns of Kiryat Shmona and Metula. No injuries have been reported so far, but the Israeli military has confirmed that it intercepted several rockets using the Iron Dome missile defense system.
The Israeli military has retaliated with a series of airstrikes on targets in southern Lebanon, targeting what they claim are Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and observation posts. The Lebanese military has reported casualties, but the exact number is not yet clear.
Both Israel and Lebanon are on high alert, with the Israeli Home Front Command urging residents of the north to prepare for further attacks. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has also expressed concern and called for restraint from all parties involved.
The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been growing for some time, fueled by ongoing conflicts in the region and the presence of Hezbollah forces in Syria. The international community has called for dialogue and de-escalation to avoid a wider conflict. The situation remains fluid and the potential for further escalation is high.