Hezbollah launched “dozens” of rockets into northern Israel on Thursday in retaliation for a deadly Israeli strike in south Lebanon.
Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese group allied with Hamas, have exchanged fire almost daily since October 7. That’s when a Palestinian attack triggered the Gaza Strip war.
Hezbollah’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah, warned on Wednesday. He said that in an all-out war, “no place” in Israel would be safe. He also threatened Cyprus for potentially aiding Israel.
The Israeli military confirmed an airstrike in Deir Kifa, Lebanon. It targeted a Hezbollah operative, accusing him of planning attacks against Israel.
Meanwhile, Israeli jets struck a Hezbollah missile launcher in Lebanon. This action was deemed a threat to aircraft.
Further Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah attacks occurred on Thursday. The violence has intensified, raising fears of a broader conflict.
Lebanon’s foreign ministry emphasized its diplomatic ties with Cyprus despite threats. Lebanese and Cypriot officials are in high-level talks.
UN’s Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert called for a halt to the violence. She emphasized the need for solutions aligned with Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
Since October, cross-border violence has resulted in at least 479 deaths in Lebanon and 26 in Israel.
