Israel conducted numerous airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which Lebanese security sources described as some of the most intense bombings since Hezbollah began its daily cross-border assaults on northern Israeli communities following the start of the Gaza conflict on October 7.
According to the Israeli military, fighter jets targeted over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers situated in southern Lebanon, poised to launch attacks on Israel. In total, these launchers contained approximately 1,000 individual barrels.
The military also reported hitting several buildings and a weapons depot tied to Hezbollah in various locations throughout southern Lebanon.
The strikes commenced in the afternoon and were executed in multiple waves.
“The IDF continues to damage and degrade the terror capabilities and military infrastructure of the Hezbollah terror organization,” the military stated.
Subsequently, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued safety guidelines for residents in several northern Israeli communities, advising them to remain near bomb shelters.
The guidelines impacted civilians in areas including the Merom HaGalil, Upper Galilee, and Mevo’ot HaHermon Regional Councils, along with towns like Yesud HaMa’ala, Hatzor, Rosh Pina, Safed, Metula, and Golan Heights communities from Katzrin northward.
Residents in these areas were urged to limit their time outdoors, avoid large gatherings, secure entrances to their communities, and stay close to bomb shelters until further notice.
The large-scale airstrikes followed a significant barrage of rockets from Lebanon on northern Israeli towns and came as Israel’s defense apparatus fully mobilized for a potential full-scale conflict with Hezbollah.
Magen David Adom (MDA) rescue service chief Eli Bin informed the Ynet news site that an MDA station in Metula was directly hit by rocket fire, although no injuries were reported.
Metula’s mayor, David Azoulay, issued a statement noting the “tremendous damage” caused by rockets hitting multiple homes and igniting fires.
“I haven’t seen anything like it since the start of the war,” Azoulay remarked.
Earlier in the day, two Israeli soldiers—Maj. (res.) Nael Fwarsy, 43, a logistics company commander from Maghar, and Sgt. Tomer Keren, 20, of the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion from Haifa—were killed by Hezbollah missile and drone attacks in northern Israel. Nine additional soldiers were injured in these assaults.
Later on Thursday, while Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech threatening retaliation against Israel for recent explosions targeting Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and Syria, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a situational briefing, describing what he called “a new phase in the war.”
Gallant asserted that the IDF would continue its strikes in Lebanon to achieve the recently declared war goal of allowing displaced northern residents to return to their homes.
“Hezbollah is feeling persecuted,” Gallant said in a video message. “There are significant opportunities, but also heavy risks.”
“The sequence of our military operations will continue,” Gallant stated during a meeting with top IDF commanders and defense officials.
“Our objective is to ensure the safe return of northern residents to their homes. Over time, Hezbollah will face greater consequences,” he added.
“At the same time, we will continue efforts to return the hostages and dismantle Hamas,” Gallant concluded.
The large-scale strikes in Lebanon took place as Israeli military leaders were preparing to present strategic options for the northern front to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other political leaders during a Thursday evening meeting amid escalating tensions.
IDF sources indicated that the military aims to bring displaced Israelis back to their homes while avoiding the escalation of the conflict into a broader multi-front war.
The IDF remains on high alert following recent developments in Lebanon and anticipates that the situation in the coming days could also be volatile.
Israel has refrained from taking responsibility for the recent attacks on communication devices in Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of dozens, most of whom were identified as Hezbollah militants, and caused injuries to thousands.

{Matzav.com Israel}