Israeli jets target Hezbollah rocket launchers amid escalating tensions

Israeli jets launched extensive airstrikes on Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon early Sunday, in what the Israeli military described as a "pre-emptive" action against the Lebanon-based militant group. As The Sun reports, the strikes come as Hezbollah attempted to launch a retaliatory attack following the assassination of one of its senior commanders last month.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hezbollah had planned to fire thousands of rockets towards northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv. However, Israeli airstrikes thwarted these plans, limiting the launch to only a few hundred rockets. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that about 100 fighter jets targeted more than 40 launch areas in an act of self-defense.

This marks the most significant escalation since the October 7 attacks last year and raises fears of a broader conflict that could involve the United States, Iran, and various militant groups across the Middle East.

Israel estimates Hezbollah managed to launch approximately 250 drones and missiles towards northern Israel, causing minimal damage. Israel's Iron Dome and David’s Sling defense systems intercepted all threats to populated areas, and many projectiles landed in open fields. Despite these defenses, the IDF reported that a naval soldier was killed and two others were injured in combat in northern Israel on Sunday.

Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, warned that this operation was merely "phase one" of a broader plan to avenge the death of their commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Thousands of rocket launchers aimed at Israel were destroyed in the strikes, including those targeting Tel Aviv and other strategic locations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the pre-emptive strikes were a necessary response to the imminent threat posed by Hezbollah. "Three weeks ago, we eliminated Hezbollah's chief of staff, and today we foiled their attack plan," he said. "This is another step in changing the situation in the north and ensuring the safety of our residents."

The United Nations expressed concern over the escalation and called for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry reported three fatalities from the Israeli strikes, including one killed in a drone strike and two in an attack on the village of Tiri.

As tensions mount, Western nations including the UK, US, and France have urged their citizens to evacuate Lebanon, fearing the conflict could escalate further. British Airways has suspended all flights between London and Tel Aviv until Wednesday, reflecting the increasing concerns over safety in the region.

Israel's actions follow nearly 10 months of conflict in Gaza, during which tensions have steadily escalated following a series of targeted assassinations of key militant leaders. This latest confrontation threatens to ignite a wider regional war, with major powers closely monitoring the situation.

[Information sourced from The Sun]