IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon after projectile fire toward Northern Israel; 31 killed

According to official IDF statements reposted on X (formerly Twitter), the strikes were a direct response to projectile fire directed at northern Israel and intended to counter what the military described as Hezbollah’s decision to enter the broader regional confrontation.

The IDF accused Hezbollah of acting on behalf of the Iranian regime, opening fire on Israeli civilians and contributing to instability in Lebanon itself.

"In response to projectile fire toward northern Israel, the IDF is striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon," IDF posted on X.

In its announcement, the IDF reiterated that its forces had been preparing for such an escalation under Operation “Roaring Lion”, with troops ready for a potential all-front conflict scenario.

According to an AP report quoting Lebanon's Health Ministry, the Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon after Hezbollah attacked Israel have killed at least 31 people. The Health Ministry said that the strikes also wounded 149 people. It said about two-thirds of the dead were in southern Lebanon, the US news agency reported.

Hezbollah’s Attack and Motives

Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite armed group backed politically and militarily by Iran, confirmed it had launched missiles and drones at Israeli military targets in northern Israel. The group framed its action as retaliation for the recent killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran.

Monday’s projectile launch marked the first significant attack by Hezbollah into Israel since the November 2024 ceasefire that followed a year-long war between the two sides. This has been interpreted by analysts as a major escalation, potentially signaling Hezbollah’s entry into the wider conflict with Iran and the United States.

Scope of the IDF Response

Israeli air forces and artillery have struck multiple Hezbollah targets, including command and operational facilities in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, areas known to be strongholds of the group. Reports indicate that senior Hezbollah figures may have been targeted.

The IDF has also reportedly ordered evacuations of dozens of villages in southern and eastern Lebanon close to Hezbollah positions amid fears of further escalation.

Regional Impact and International Response

This development comes amid a broader wave of violence in the region following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s longest-serving Supreme Leader and the country’s most powerful political and religious authority for over three decades. The killing sparked retaliatory attacks by Iran and its allied militias.

Iran has continued launching missiles and drones across the region, including at U.S. bases and allied Gulf states.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned the rocket fire from Lebanese territory as dangerous and “irresponsible,” warning it risks dragging Lebanon deeper into a regional confrontation.

Analysts note that although both Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in recurring exchanges for years, the current chain of retaliation — tied to the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader — marks one of the most dangerous escalations in the region in recent months.