“In a self-defence act to remove these threats, the (Israeli military) is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians,” Israeli military spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said.
Sirens are sounding in northern Israel and flights to and from Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv have been suspended, though they are expected to resume on Sunday morning.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was convening an urgent meeting of Israel’s security cabinet.
Lebanese media reported strikes in the country’s south without immediately providing more details. Social media footage showed what appeared to be strikes in southern Lebanon.
In his statement, Rear Adm Hagari said: “We can see that Hezbollah is preparing to launch an extensive attack on Israel, while endangering the Lebanese civilians.”