Israel launched dozens of airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, in what Lebanese security sources described as some of the heaviest bombardments since Hezbollah began daily cross-border attacks on Israel’s northern communities following the Gaza war’s outbreak on October 7.
According to the Israeli military, fighter jets targeted more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon that were poised for imminent strikes on Israel. The launchers were said to contain approximately 1,000 launch barrels in total.
In addition to the rocket launchers, Israeli forces struck several buildings and a weapons depot belonging to Hezbollah in multiple locations across southern Lebanon.
The airstrikes began in the afternoon and were conducted in multiple waves.
“The IDF continues to weaken and dismantle the military infrastructure and terror capabilities of the Hezbollah terror organization,” the military said in a statement.
In response to the escalating situation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued updated safety guidelines for civilians in several northern Israeli communities, advising them to remain close to bomb shelters. The affected areas include the Merom HaGalil Regional Council, Upper Galilee Regional Council, Mevo’ot HaHermon Regional Council, Yesud HaMa’ala, Hatzor, Rosh Pina, Safed, Metula, and towns in the Golan Heights north of Katzrin.
The IDF urged civilians in these regions to limit outdoor movement, avoid large gatherings, secure entrances to their communities, and stay near bomb shelters until further notice.
The intensified airstrikes followed a heavy barrage of rockets launched from Lebanon targeting northern Israeli communities. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense establishment has heightened preparations for a potential full-scale conflict with Hezbollah.
Eli Bin, head of the Magen David Adom rescue service, told Ynet that a station in Metula had sustained a direct hit, though no injuries were reported.
