Israel launches strikes on Lebanon after intercepting rocket fire, warns residents
Istanbul (ANTARA) - The Israeli military launched waves of airstrikes across various regions of Lebanon early Monday (2 March) following the interception of a rocket fired from Lebanese territory.
Israeli military officials stated that another projectile fell in an open area without causing casualties or damage.
The Israeli military also warned residents of 53 villages in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley to evacuate and maintain a one-kilometre distance in advance of planned strikes.
Israeli media had previously reported that Lebanese Hezbollah fired rockets towards northern Israel, described as the first attack since the ceasefire agreement. Channel 12 reported approximately six rockets were fired in the assault.
Hezbollah subsequently claimed responsibility for launching rockets and drones from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel. The group stated the attack targeted Israeli air defence missile positions near Haifa.
In response, the Israeli military launched waves of airstrikes in Lebanon, according to Channel 12, citing military officials who stated the strikes were conducted “in response to rocket fire towards northern Israel.”
In an official statement, the Israeli military said it targeted “senior Hezbollah members” in Beirut and a “key operator” in southern Lebanon.
An Anadolu correspondent reported that large-scale Israeli airstrikes struck the city of Srifa in southern Lebanon, whilst two additional strikes hit the Al-Salihiya neighbourhood in Nabatieh, causing extensive damage and fires to buildings and vehicles.
Israeli airstrikes also targeted the Al-Shahabiya and Deir Qanoun al-Nahr outlying areas in southern Lebanon, according to the correspondent.
Earlier, Israeli airstrikes had targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut causing widespread damage, according to witnesses.
The correspondent also reported evacuations from the southern suburbs of Beirut and several areas in southern Lebanon to central Beirut and Mount Lebanon following the series of large-scale airstrikes.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Monday that the rocket launches from southern Lebanon constituted “irresponsible and suspicious actions” that endangered national security and provided Israel with justification for continuing strikes.
Salam stated that whoever was behind the launches had threatened Lebanon’s safety and stability, whilst emphasising that Lebanon “will not allow this country to be dragged into a new adventure.”
He added that the authorities would take all necessary steps to identify those responsible and protect the Lebanese people.