IDF retaliates forcefully as Hezbollah reignites conflict, deploying laser defenses and striking Beirut strongholds.
The Israel Defense Forces launched widespread strikes across Lebanon early Monday after Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israeli territory, marking the most significant escalation since the November 2024 ceasefire.
In an official statement, the IDF confirmed it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in response to projectile fire aimed at Israeli civilians. Military officials emphasized that Hezbollah’s actions, carried out in coordination with Iranian interests, forced Israel to act decisively to protect northern communities.
Sirens sounded around 1:00 a.m. in Haifa and surrounding areas after three rockets were launched from Lebanon. One was intercepted and two landed in open areas. Magen David Adom reported no injuries. The interception marked the first operational use of the “Or Eitan” laser defense system, a breakthrough in Israel’s evolving multi-layered air defense network.
As part of Operation Roaring Lion, Israeli forces struck senior Hezbollah operatives in Beirut and southern Lebanon. Lebanese media reported explosions in the Dahieh suburb of the capital. Saudi outlet Al-Hadath claimed that Mohammed Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary faction, was eliminated, though official confirmation has not been issued by Israel.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conducted a high-level situational assessment and approved expanded operational plans. He declared that Hezbollah had opened a campaign against Israel and would bear full responsibility for any escalation, warning that any threat to Israeli security would carry a heavy price.
The IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Ella Waweya, issued evacuation warnings to residents in 53 southern Lebanese villages, urging civilians to move at least 1,000 meters away from Hezbollah positions and weapons sites. Israeli officials stated that their objective remains neutralizing militant capabilities while minimizing civilian harm.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the rocket and UAV launches, describing them as retaliation following the reported elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The group said it targeted a military site south of Haifa. This was the first missile fire toward Israel since the ceasefire took effect, despite prior commitments under a US-brokered agreement that included discussions of Hezbollah disarmament.
Israeli defense officials signaled that further aggression would draw an especially harsh response, underscoring a volatile moment along the northern frontier where deterrence and escalation now hang in the balance.
