BEIRUT - An Israeli strike targeted what it described as a prominent Hezbollah operative in Beirut's southern district on Monday, as cross-border hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed group intensified.

The Israeli military confirmed the strike, with spokesperson Avichay Adraee stating on X that the military had precisely targeted a significant Hezbollah figure in Beirut.

The announcement followed a series of Israeli strikes earlier in the day on multiple locations in Lebanon, which, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, resulted in at least 31 fatalities and 149 injuries.

Amidst the escalating tensions, Israeli Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir foreshadowed a prolonged period of conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a video released by the Israeli military, Zamir declared the commencement of an offensive operation against Hezbollah, emphasizing the army's shift from defensive positions to active engagement. "We must prepare for many days of fighting," he stated.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military reported targeting senior Hezbollah officials in Beirut and southern Lebanon. The military said that the strikes were in response to Hezbollah's rocket fire towards Israel, initiating a wave of attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure throughout Lebanon.

Hezbollah, in a statement, claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli military site in northern Israel. The group stated the attacks were retaliation for repeated Israeli aggressions against Lebanon.

The latest exchange marks a significant escalation since a ceasefire in November 2024, which had previously ended over a year of sustained clashes between the two sides.