Israel launched its most intense airstrikes yet on Hezbollah targets across Lebanon. However, the offensive came just hours after a ceasefire agreement with Iran was announced.
The Israel Hezbollah airstrikes operation, codenamed “Eternal Darkness,” saw 50 fighter jets strike rapidly. Meanwhile, about 160 bombs were dropped on 100 targets within just 10 minutes.
Despite expectations of calm, explosions were reported across Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Beqaa Valley.
Moreover, the strikes have raised fresh doubts about whether the ceasefire extends beyond Iran.
According to the Israeli military, key Hezbollah positions were targeted during the assault. These included command centers, intelligence hubs, and military infrastructure used for planning attacks.
“This is the largest attack carried out against Hezbollah’s infrastructures since the start of Operation Roaring Lion,” the IDF stated. It also claimed that many sites were located within civilian areas.
However, reports from Lebanon painted a grim picture. A civil defense source confirmed that dozens were killed in Beirut alone. In addition, at least a dozen deaths were recorded in cities like Sidon and Tyre.
Meanwhile, emergency services struggled to respond as roads became congested. The Lebanese health ministry urged residents to clear pathways for ambulances.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, described the operation as a major blow. He said it was “the largest concentrated blow Hezbollah has suffered since the pager operation.”
Furthermore, he issued a warning to Hezbollah leadership, stating that consequences would continue if attacks persisted.
Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran had been announced, its scope remains unclear. Pakistan had suggested that Lebanon would be included in the truce.
In addition, Hezbollah has not officially committed to the ceasefire. The group had earlier warned civilians not to return to southern Lebanon.
Interestingly, Hezbollah largely held back its response during most of the day. However, later in the evening, rockets were launched toward northern Israel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Israeli military leadership has made its stance clear moving forward. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said, “We will continue to strike the Hezbollah terror organization and seize every opportunity.”
He added that operations would not stop until security is guaranteed.
