Hezbollah declares "unlimited battle" as Israel expands strikes in Lebanon

Israel's military launched strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon during the early hours of September 23, urging civilians to evacuate areas under the control of the Iran-backed militant group in anticipation of further operations.

These latest attacks, described as the most extensive in geographical scope carried out by Israel in Lebanon since the start of the Gaza conflict, follow a weekend of heavy exchanges between the two sides, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Israel has confirmed hitting 150 Hezbollah targets and reiterated its call for civilians to leave regions where the group operates. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported one fatality and six injuries resulting from earlier Israeli airstrikes on September 23.

With rising concerns over the potential for a broader regional conflict, Hezbollah’s deputy leader declared that an "unlimited battle" was in progress, and the group launched its deepest incursions into Israeli territory in decades.

Notably, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has worsened amid growing cross-border clashes, following Israel's offensive on Gaza in 2023, which has reportedly claimed over 41 thousand lives, predominantly women and children.

The recent escalation follows deadly explosions in Lebanon, which Hezbollah and the Lebanese government blamed on Israel. These blasts, affecting wireless devices across the country, killed dozens and injured thousands, further straining the fragile security situation.

By Khagan Isayev