Israel launched targeted strikes on Hezbollah, an Iranian terrorist proxy, in Lebanon, its military announced on Sunday night.
The Israeli military struck “senior” Hezbollah terrorists in Beirut and one “central” Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon, according to its air force. It also urged civilians in nearly 50 villages in Lebanon to evacuate ahead of what is likely more strikes.
“For your safety, you must immediately evacuate your homes and move away from the villages by at least 1,000 meters to open areas,” an IDF spokeswoman said. “Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, facilities, and combat means endangers their life.”
The strikes came in response to missiles launched by Hezbollah toward northern Israel, all of which fell in open areas. The terrorist group said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday.
There were no reports of injuries or damage in Israel from that missile barrage.
Israel has long been clashing with Hezbollah, having been at war with the group in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas.
But the strikes come at a precarious time for the region. Israel and the U.S. have just begun a coordinated bombing campaign against Iran that is designed to topple its regime.
Israel now engaging with one of its proxies threatens to expand that conflict into a wider regional war.
Israel maintained that they prepared for the possibility of proxy attacks in “Operation Roar of the Lion,” its mission targeting Iranian regime leadership.
They also said they are “ready for a multi-arena scenario and to confront any threat to the State of Israel.”
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This is a developing story.