In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel and Hezbollah today exchanged heavy fire across the Israel-Lebanon border. The Israeli military conducted preemptive air strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, claiming to have detected plans for a major attack.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that around 100 fighter jets struck over 40 sites, destroying thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels. In response, Hezbollah announced the start of “phase one” of an extensive attack on Israel. The group claimed to have fired 320 Katyusha rockets and drones towards Israel, targeting 11 military sites. The Lebanese health ministry reported at least one fatality after an Israeli airstrike on a car in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam.

Both sides have indicated readiness for further action, with Israel’s foreign minister stating they would “act according to developments on the ground,” while Hezbollah has not specified when a potential “second phase” might occur. This escalation follows the killing of Hezbollah’s military commander, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli attack in southern Beirut on July 30th. Israel has been on high military alert since then, anticipating potential retaliation from Hezbollah.