BEIRUT — The Israeli army reported that it launched more than 300 airstrikes in Lebanon since early morning, marking the heaviest bombardment since hostilities began on October 8.
Fighter jets targeted regions and valleys between the towns of Ansar and Zrariyeh in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA). Other areas hit included Wa'ba, Jibchit, Sharqia, Al-Namiriyeh, the edges of Kfar Tebnit, Nabatiyeh El Faouqa, and Deir El Zahrani.
Additionally, airstrikes were reported in the vicinity of the Kfar Roummane-Midneh highway, the outskirts of Yohmor Al-Shaqif, Arnoun, Jabal Al-Tuffah, Jabal Al-Rihan, and the former Kfar Tebnit crossing point. Heavy bombardment also occurred in areas east of Tyre and the Litani River, particularly around Dlafy in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli attacks have forced hundreds of residents in Tyre and surrounding areas to flee towards the city of Sidon, as reported by an Anadolu correspondent.
Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the actions, stating, “The Israeli aggression is a scheme aimed at destroying Lebanese villages, towns, and eradicating all green spaces.”
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari indicated that the army may target numerous Lebanese villages located up to 80 kilometers from the border.
“In recent hours, we have identified Hezbollah's plans to attack Israeli citizens. In the near future, we will strike hostile targets in Lebanon to eliminate this threat,” he added during a press conference.
The Israeli army has warned civilians in southern Lebanese villages to evacuate buildings associated with Hezbollah weapons storage.
“We advise civilians from Lebanese villages located next to buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes to immediately move out of harm's way for their own safety,” the army stated.
Tensions have escalated between Hezbollah and Israel following a deadly airstrike on Friday that killed at least 45 people, including children and women, and injured dozens in Beirut’s southern suburb. Hezbollah confirmed that at least 16 of its members, including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and top commander Ahmed Wahbi, were killed in the Israeli strike.
This attack followed two waves of wireless communication device explosions across Lebanon that resulted in at least 37 deaths and over 3,000 injuries. While the Lebanese government and Hezbollah attribute these explosions to Israel, Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza, which has resulted in over 41,400 casualties, predominantly among women and children, following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7. — Agencies
