Hezbollah launches 140 rockets into northern Israel
What's the story
Hezbollah has launched a barrage of 140 rockets into northern Israel, according to both the Israeli military and Hezbollah. This attack comes a day after Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, promised retaliation for a mass bombing attack by Israel. The rockets were fired in three waves during the afternoon, targeting sites along the war-torn border with Lebanon.
Counterstrike
Israeli military targets Hezbollah infrastructure
Following the attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has targeted Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon. The IDF reported that it targeted launchers and approximately 1,000 barrels prepared for imminent rocket attacks on Israeli territory. However, details of the damage inflicted were not provided by the IDF. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that Israel conducted at least 52 airstrikes in southern Lebanon within an hour.
Rocket targets
Hezbollah targets Israeli defense bases
Hezbollah stated that its rocket attacks targeted several sites along the border with Katyusha rockets. These included multiple air defense bases and the headquarters of an Israeli armored brigade, which Hezbollah claimed to have struck for the first time. The Israeli military reported that 120 missiles were launched at areas of the Golan Heights, Safed, and the Upper Galilee. Fire crews are currently working to extinguish fires caused by falling debris in several areas.
Ongoing conflict
Nasrallah vows continued strikes on Israel
Hezbollah's leader, Nasrallah, pledged on Thursday to continue daily strikes on Israel. This vow comes despite the recent sabotage of Hezbollah members' communication devices, which Nasrallah described as a "severe blow." The attacks resulted in at least 20 deaths and thousands of injuries when pagers, walkie-talkies, and other devices exploded in Lebanon earlier this week.