Israel Strikes Lebanon After Hezbollah Attacks, Warns of Heavy Price

Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes in Lebanon following attacks by Hezbollah, warning the group it will pay a heavy price for choosing Iran over Lebanon.

The Israeli military's Northern Command chief, Major General Rafi Milo, stated that Hezbollah initiated an attack against Israeli citizens, prompting a strong response.

“Hezbollah chose the Iranian regime over the state of Lebanon and opened an attack against our citizens,” Milo said, emphasizing the military's preparedness for such a scenario.

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rockets and drones into Israel, citing retaliation. Separately, a Lebanese medical source reported fatalities resulting from the Israeli strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs.

According to Milo, Israeli forces are prepared for both defensive and offensive operations. He assured residents of northern Israel that the military would continue to protect them. He added that military deployments along the border have been significantly reinforced, with provisions in place to accommodate additional forces if needed.

“We will not evacuate you,” he affirmed.

Milo explained that shortly after the initial attacks by Hezbollah, Israel commenced a large-scale wave of strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah leadership, command centers, and infrastructure, in accordance with pre-established plans.

The army is also working to evacuate civilians in southern Lebanon for their safety ahead of further attacks, noting that military operations are ongoing and the “pace of force will escalate.”