The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday launched "widespread" airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in nearly 182 deaths and injuring over 700 people, the Lebanon Health Ministry said. As it launched its largest cross-border escalation in Lebanon since war erupted in Gaza on October 7, Israel warned Lebanese civilians to move away from homes storing Hezbollah weapons.
In a post on X, the IDF said it had identified operatives preparing rocket attacks on Israel. By 12:30 a.m., the Israeli military had hit over 300 targets, with dozens of Israeli fighter jets involved.
Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported the strikes killed a "civilian" shepherd and wounded several others. Strikes targeted areas in southern Lebanon, including the Beqaa Valley and Tyre.
IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned civilians: "Hezbollah is lying to you and sacrificing you. Its missiles and drones are more valuable and important to it than you are."
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged public to remain calm, saying, "Ahead of us are days when the public will have to show composure, discipline, and full obedience" to instructions. He added that "the resilience of the home front is the key that allows the IDF to fight, to make achievements, and to harm the enemy".
The IDF's strikes come as tensions along Israel's northern border escalate, with Hezbollah increasing its rocket fire over the weekend.
On Sunday, Hezbollah launched 85 rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for the device detonations across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah communications.
The IDF on Monday released footage showing Hezbollah operatives preparing to launch a missile from a civilian home.
The missile, identified as a Russian-made DR-3 variant, was said to be packed with 300 kilograms of explosives and capable of striking targets up to 200 kilometers away. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told Lebanese civilians, "Hezbollah puts you and your families in danger."
Meanwhile, Gallant also held discussions with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding the situation.