The Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah attacked Israel with rockets, marking the first major attack since the November 2024 ceasefire, in retaliation for the Israeli killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with air strikes across Lebanon, including in Beirut, resulting in at least 31 deaths and 149 injuries in Lebanon.
Key points
- Hezbollah justified its rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel as revenge for the death of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- The Israeli military, led by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, stated they began an offensive campaign against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
- Israeli strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, including houses in Beirut, where 20 deaths and 91 injuries were reported.
- Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Hezbollah's attack as irresponsible, fearing it gives Israel pretext for further bombing.
- Israel's actions occurred despite the ceasefire agreement established in November 2024.
Why it matters
This exchange marks a significant escalation of the Middle East conflict, breaking the 2024 ceasefire and raising international concerns about wider regional involvement.
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