Israel, Lebanon Exchange Fire —Casualties Mount

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the Israeli military launched a massive pre-emptive strike into Lebanon, deploying 100 fighter jets to target Hezbollah positions.

The airstrikes, which Israel claims destroyed thousands of rocket launchers across dozens of sites, were intended to thwart an imminent attack by Hezbollah.

However, Hezbollah swiftly responded, launching hundreds of rockets and drones into Israeli territory. The group claimed responsibility for firing more than 320 rockets, declaring that the “first phase” of its retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander in Beirut last month is complete.

Hezbollah dismissed Israel’s justification for the strikes as “empty” and contradictory to the situation on the ground, promising to refute the claims later today.

The aftermath in Lebanon is grim, with the Ministry of Health confirming three deaths in the south of the country, including a fighter from the allied Shia Amal movement.

In a separate incident, an Israeli attack on the village of Tiri claimed two more lives, though details remain scarce. The region now teeters on the brink of further violence as both sides brace for the next move.