Israel intensifies strikes on Hezbollah as regional war expands

As fighting involving Iran intensifies, Israel has launched a sweeping military campaign across Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, in what analysts say could mark a decisive phase in the long-running confrontation between the two sides.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have carried out extensive strikes from the northern city of Tripoli to villages along Lebanon’s southern border. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has struck Hezbollah positions with hundreds of air and artillery attacks, CNN reports.

Lebanese authorities report that at least 123 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in the bombardment. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said at least four Israeli soldiers were injured by Hezbollah anti-tank fire.

Military activity is expected to intensify in the coming days. Evacuation warnings have been issued for wide areas of Lebanon, including regions south of the Litani River and densely populated neighborhoods of Beirut. Asked earlier this week whether Israel was preparing a large-scale ground invasion, an IDF spokesperson said: “All options remain on the table.”

The latest escalation follows the outbreak of a wider conflict that began on February 28 morning when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran. Israeli leaders had long anticipated that the war could spread to Iran’s regional allies.

After Hezbollah launched a limited barrage of missiles and drones at a military base in northern Israel on March 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved to intensify military operations. 

Despite a ceasefire that nominally took effect in November 2024, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have continued at a lower level. Israel has conducted near-daily strikes on what it describes as Hezbollah targets, accusing the group of violating the truce by attempting to rearm and rebuild its forces.

The current escalation signals the potential for a broader regional confrontation as Israel moves to weaken one of Iran’s most powerful allied militias.

By Vafa Guliyeva