IDF preemptive strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon
The IDF launched "preventive attacks" against Hezbollah targets early Sunday, anticipating rocket and missile fire toward Israel, IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.
“A short while ago, the IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians," Hagari said shortly before 5 am.
Hagari warned that Hezbollah is expected to fire rockets, missiles and possibly drones at Israeli territory.
"We are operating in self-defense from Hezbollah - and any other enemy that joins in their attacks against us - and we are ready to do everything we need to defend the people of Israel.״
Shortly after Hagari's statement, multiple sirens were heard in the Galilee and Golan Heights regions. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a state of emergency on the home front across all regions of Israel for the next 48 hours. The declaration allows the IDF to issue special instructions to the population, restrict gatherings and close specific sites as needed, according to an official statement.
Hezbollah said that it had begun its attack in retaliation for the assassination of its top military commander Fuad Shukr by Israel last month. The Iran-aligned terrorist group said that it would take "some time" to complete its response to Shukr's killing.
Starting at 5:30 a.m., approximately 150 rockets were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel within less than an hour, targeting areas from the Golan Heights to the western Galilee. Several impacts were reported, along with dozens of successful interceptions. The IDF is conducting operations in the north without direct U.S. involvement but in coordination with the U.S. military.
Residents reported power outages in parts of Acre after sirens were heard in the coastal city.
Meanwhile, all morning departures from Ben Gurion Airport have been delayed, and no flights will take off in the coming hours. Incoming flights to Ben Gurion will be redirected to alternative airports in the region.
The Israel Airports Authority advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for schedule updates.