Israel has launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, with the militant group saying it has responded by firing drones and hundreds of rockets.
Warning sirens sounded in northern Israel and explosions were heard as the military’s Iron Dome aerial defence system shot down missiles from southern Lebanon.
Flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport were also suspended.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Hezbollah of “preparing to file missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory”.
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“In a self-defence act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon,” Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.
Hezbollah has issued a statement saying it has completed the “first phase” of its attack, after launching 320 Katyusha rockets and hitting 11 Israeli military sites.
There has been no independent confirmation about the claims, nor whether any damage has been caused.
Israeli military Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi gathered with colleagues to direct Sunday’s attacks. Pic: IDF
The Iran-backed fighting group – designated a terrorist organisation by several countries including the UK – said its attacks were in retaliation for the killing of a top commander last month.
Fuad Shukr died in a strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, previously described Shukr as “one of the most wanted terrorists in the world”.
Meanwhile the Lebanese National News Agency described “enemy warplanes” causing “severe damage to property, crops, and infrastructure, especially the electricity and water networks”.
The escalation was predicted according to an assessment of Israeli intelligence by the country’s best-connected security correspondents.
Mr Netanyahu held a meeting early on Sunday with members of his cabinet about the attacks.
US defence secretary Lloyd Austin has also spoken with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant.
The Pentagon said he “reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s defence against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies”.
Sunday’s attack came as Egypt hosts a new round of talks aimed at ending Israel’s war against Hamas, now in its 11th month.
Hezbollah has said it will halt the fighting if there is a ceasefire.
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