Hezbollah fired around 250 rockets into northern and central Israel on Sunday, marking one of the heaviest attacks on the country since the escalation of violence in September. The Israeli military confirmed the rocket barrage, which caused injuries and property damage across several areas, including Petah Tikva and near Tel Aviv.
The rockets hit key locations in northern Israel, including Haifa, Nahariya, and Kfar Blum. Israeli police reported that some of the rocket debris fell in the Tel Aviv area. Several buildings were damaged, and emergency services responded to the casualties.
The attack follows an Israeli airstrike on central Beirut on Saturday, which the Lebanese Ministry of Health said killed 29 people. The violence has intensified since the conflict began earlier in the year, with both sides launching strikes across the border.
In response to the barrage, Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating that it had targeted two military sites in Israel, specifically in Tel Aviv and nearby areas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it had carried out airstrikes on 12 Hezbollah command centers in Dahieh, a southern Beirut suburb.
Israeli media reports indicated that the IDF had attempted to target senior Hezbollah figures, including Mohammed Haydar, a prominent military official. The ongoing exchange of attacks has intensified calls for a ceasefire.
Israeli officials have stated that the ultimate goal of the military operation is to allow the return of around 60,000 Israeli citizens displaced due to the ongoing violence.
In Lebanon, the conflict continues to take a heavy toll. More than 3,670 people have been killed, and over 15,400 injured since October. The violence has forced over a million people to flee their homes.
As diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire gain momentum, both Israel and Lebanon appear to be moving closer to an agreement. However, uncertainty remains as the situation on the ground remains volatile.
