Metula’s mayor reported ‘tremendous damages’ after rockets struck buildings and sparked fires.

Israel conducted dozens of strikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to Lebanese sources of security. These were the most intense bombings that Hezbollah has carried out since it began its daily attacks against northern communities following the Gaza War on October 7.

The military reported that fighter jets struck over 100 Hezbollah launchers in southern Lebanon, which were ready to attack Israel immediately. The military said the launchers contained around 1,000 launch barrels.

According to the military, several buildings and an arsenal depot owned by Hezbollah have also been struck in southern Lebanon.

The strikes started in the afternoon, and they were conducted in waves.

The military said that the IDF “continues to damage and degrade Hezbollah’s terror capabilities and its military infrastructure”.

After the strikes, IDF released a list for civilians living in various communities and cities of northern Israel. They were told to stay close to the bomb shelters.

Guidelines for civilians living in Merom HaGalil Regional Council and Upper Galilee Regional Council. Also, Mevo’ot HaHermon Regional Council.

The IDF issued guidelines to civilians living in these areas, urging them to limit their movements outside their homes, to avoid large gatherings and to guard the entrances of the communities. These guidelines will remain in effect until further notice.

The guidelines were taken down on Friday.

Major airstrikes were carried out after Lebanon launched a barrage of rockets on communities in the north, and Israel’s defense establishment was preparing for an all-out conflict with Hezbollah.

Eli Bin, the head of Magen David Adom rescue service, said to the Ynet website that he received reports indicating that an MDA Station in Metula had been directly hit. He said that no injuries were reported.

David Azoulay is the mayor of Metula. He released a press release describing “tremendous damages” caused by rockets which struck several homes and ignited fires.

He said, “I haven’t witnessed anything like this since the beginning of the war.”

On Thursday morning, two IDF troops, Maj. (res.) Nael Fawarsy, 43 years old, the Maghar-based logistics company commander, and Sergeant. Tomer Keren (20), of the Golani Brigade 51st Battalion from Haifa was killed by Hezbollah drone and missile attacks in northern Israel. In addition, nine soldiers were wounded.

Yoav Galant, the Defense Minister, also gave a situational analysis of what he termed “a new phase of the war” on Thursday. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had delivered a televised speech in which he vowed revenge on Israel over the deadly explosions this week of portable devices that belonged to terror group operatives operating in Lebanon and Syria.

Gallant stated that the IDF will continue to strike in Lebanon to achieve the newly-officialized war goal, which is to return displaced northern residents back to their homes.

In a video, he stated that “Hezbollah feels persecuted.” “There are many opportunities but also many risks.”

Gallant told the IDF top brass, as well as other defense officials: “The sequence of military operations will be continued.”

“Our aim is to safely return residents to the north. Hezbollah’s price will rise as time passes, he said.

Gallant said, “At the time we will continue to carry out our efforts and dismantle Hamas.”

In the face of heightened tensions, Israeli military officials had planned to discuss various plans with the political echelon on Thursday night, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

IDF sources stated that the military was trying to get displaced Israelis back to their homes, without expanding the conflict with Hezbollah into a multi-front regional war.

IDF is on high alert after the recent events that took place in Lebanon and anticipates that the next few days will be equally intense.

Israel has denied responsibility for the attacks on communication devices in Lebanon over the past two weeks, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of people – the majority of whom were terrorist operatives – and the injuries of thousands.

The IDF conducted continuous assessments and presented plans to the political echelon in the last few days. On Thursday evening, IDF chief of staff Lt.Gen. Herzi Halevi had approved new battleplans.

The IDF also announced on Thursday that it had foiled a bombing attempt against troops near the border with Lebanon on Monday.

The military released video footage taken from a GoPro found on one of the gunmen’s bodies.

According to the military reports, troops from the Golani Brigade as well as other commandos had been stationed near the so-called Tziporen Post (Upper Galilee) in an ambush.

The 869th Combat Intelligence Collection Unit, a surveillance unit, spotted two gunmen approaching the border on Monday. Golani soldiers, commandos, and artillery fired and launched a drone attack against them, killing them both.

According to the IDF the gunmen had planned to plant an explosive in the area.