Israeli Military Strikes Hezbollah Targets Near Beirut After Rocket Fire

Israel responded swiftly and decisively after Hezbollah fired rockets toward Haifa and the Upper Galilee, launching a broad wave of air and naval strikes against senior Hezbollah operatives and terror infrastructure in Beirut and across Lebanon.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Monday afternoon that it had completed a series of coordinated strikes targeting Hezbollah commanders, command centers, and weapons storage facilities. The operation followed the launch of multiple projectiles from Lebanese territory into Israel. At least one rocket was intercepted by the Israeli Air Force, while others fell in open areas.

Air-raid sirens sounded across Haifa and northern communities as the attack unfolded.

Hezbollah openly claimed responsibility, describing the rocket fire as “revenge” for the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly eliminated in the opening strike of the Israeli-U.S. campaign against the Iranian regime.

Israeli leaders made clear that the escalation would not go unanswered.

“The firing at Israel is a red line crossing,” said Innovation, Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel. “Hezbollah and its leader, Naim Qassem, will bear the full cost for the attempt to harm the citizens of the State of Israel.”

The strikes were carried out under the framework of Operation Roaring Lion, Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle threats emanating from Iran and its proxies. According to the IDF, dozens of Hezbollah and Iranian regime command centers were hit, along with weapons depots in the Tyre area and additional strategic sites.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a high-level situational assessment and ordered preparations for sustained offensive and defensive operations.

“Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight and is fully responsible for any escalation,” Zamir stated. “Any enemy that threatens our security will pay a heavy price.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has become “a marked target for elimination,” signaling that Israel views the organization’s leadership as directly accountable for the escalation.

Israeli officials stressed that Hezbollah’s decision to join the confrontation reflects pressure from Tehran rather than Lebanese national interests.

“By launching rockets, Hezbollah chose the ayatollahs over Lebanon,” said IDF Northern Command head Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo. He emphasized that Israel has reinforced its northern border forces and will not evacuate residents.

The military also announced that civilians in parts of southern Lebanon are being warned to evacuate areas near Hezbollah infrastructure ahead of further strikes.

Meanwhile, ministers underscored the broader strategic objectives of Operation Roaring Lion: dismantling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities and weakening the axis of Iranian-backed militias across the region.

Hezbollah, which has refused to disarm despite a 2024 U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, has intensified military coordination in recent days. Reports indicate growing involvement of Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers in directing Hezbollah operations.

Israel has warned that it will not return to pre–October 7 rules of engagement.

“We’ll defend the residents of the north and all citizens of the State of Israel with full force,” Katz declared.

As sirens echoed and northern communities took shelter, Israeli leaders praised the resolve of civilians standing firm on the home front.

“The State of Israel is currently fighting for its existence, and it will win,” said Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf.

The message from Jerusalem is unequivocal: any attempt to threaten Israel’s sovereignty or its citizens will be met with strength, precision, and unwavering determination.

Israel stands united, defending its people and its borders against terror. Share this update and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on Israel’s fight to secure peace and stability in the region.