The Israeli military significantly escalated its operations in Lebanon on Monday with hundreds of airstrikes, intensifying the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Israeli warplanes hit over 1,300 targets in southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Lebanese health authorities reported that 492 people were killed, including 35 children and 58 women, while over 1,600 others were injured.
In addition to these strikes, Israel also targeted a residential area in Beirut, injuring six people. While Hezbollah confirmed that senior commander Ali Karaki was the target, he survived the attack.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country was reshaping the security dynamics in the region, emphasizing that Israel would continue preemptive strikes to neutralize threats.
Israeli officials warned civilians in Hezbollah-controlled areas to evacuate, signaling further strikes.
Hezbollah responded with over 250 projectiles fired at Israel on Monday, escalating the cross-border tensions.
Israeli officials have vowed to continue their operations until Hezbollah withdraws from southern Lebanon, with a demand that the group retreat north of the Litani River, as stipulated by a 2006 U.N. resolution.
The conflict, which began in early October, has displaced thousands of civilians on both sides, and the situation remains volatile.
The U.S. has reiterated its support for Israel’s right to defend itself while stressing the need for a diplomatic solution.
Warnings have also been issued for American citizens to leave Lebanon due to the worsening security situation.
