Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon have left at least 31 dead and 149 injured, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Officials noted that the toll is still preliminary.
A new front has opened in a war now spreading across the Middle East. Last night, Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militia supported by billions of dollars from Iran, launched missiles at the Israeli city of Haifa.
In response, Israel carried out a wide-ranging air assault, targeting Hezbollah’s stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut as well as areas near Beirut’s airport.
In southern Lebanon, Israel has instructed residents of more than 50 villages to evacuate, with strikes ongoing in the region.
Although Hezbollah is not as strong as it once was after being heavily attacked by Israel 18 months ago, the group’s ideological, religious, and financial ties to Iran make its involvement in the broader conflict almost inevitable.
Meanwhile, the situation in Israel has also escalated. About half an hour ago, the IDF reported missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.
The Home Front Command immediately sent a “precautionary directive” to mobile phones in the affected areas, advising residents to enter protected spaces and remain there until further notice.
Ten minutes later, the IDF updated the directive, saying people across the country are now “permitted to leave protected spaces” but should “remain near them.”
Iranian missile strikes have already caused significant casualties in Israel. At least nine people were killed and dozens injured in Beit Shemesh on Sunday, the deadliest attack on Israel since the conflict began.
Missile attacks continued into Sunday evening, with most intercepted, although one fell on a street near Jerusalem, injuring at least three people.
Before announcing fresh strikes in Lebanon, a senior Israeli military official warned that Hezbollah would “pay a heavy price” for its attacks.
“Hezbollah Chose the Iranian Regime Over the State of Lebanon and Initiated an Attack on Our Civilians. We Were Prepared – and They Will Pay a Heavy Price,” said Rafi Milo, chief of the IDF’s Northern Command.
He added that Israel will “continue to protect” residents in northern Israel and “will not evacuate” them, while noting that the IDF is “acting to evacuate civilians in southern Lebanon ahead of further strikes.”
Milo concluded, “The strikes continue – their intensity will increase.”
