A new front has opened in the widening conflict in the Middle East, with Israel and Hezbollah exchanging cross-border fire.
The escalation follows Israeli and US strikes on Iran and marks a significant intensification along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Hezbollah announced it had launched rockets toward northern Israel, saying it targeted an Israeli base in Haifa.
The Lebanese armed group said the attack was carried out “in defence of Lebanon and its people and in response to the repeated Israeli aggressions.”
In a statement, Hezbollah said the barrage was retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, after Israel and the United States began attacks on Iran early on Saturday.
Lebanon's Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has condemned the rocket attack, calling it “an irresponsible and suspicious act that jeopardises Lebanon’s security and safety and provides Israel with pretexts to continue its aggression.”
Writing on X, Salam said the government would not allow Lebanon to be dragged into “new adventures” and pledged to take necessary measures to apprehend those responsible and protect the Lebanese people.
Israel Responds with Strikes Across Lebanon
The Israeli military said it intercepted the rockets and reported no injuries or damage, adding that it was responding by striking Hezbollah “throughout Lebanon” in response to the rocket fire and pledged to respond “forcefully”.
Israel said it targeted senior Hezbollah figures in the Beirut area and struck what it described as another “central” member of the group in southern Lebanon.
Israeli strikes were reported in several towns, including Haris, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, and Mefdoun.
Israel also issued evacuation orders for residents in 53 villages and towns in southern Lebanon, including Bint Jbeil, signalling the possibility of expanded military operations.
