IDF launches ‘extensive’ strikes against Hezbollah in 10 areas of southern Lebanon

Ben Gvir, who visited the site, demanded a response “in most unambiguous, clearest manner”.

IDF claimed that they carried out “extensive airstrikes” against Hezbollah terror sites in southern Lebanon over the night, as violence between both sides continued to escalate.

According to a military update, fighter jets attacked weapon depots, Hezbollah buildings and a launcher in 10 southern Lebanon areas.

The strikes are in response to the Hezbollah’s barrage of rockets that caused damage and injured an Israeli man the day before, which was launched at the northern town Katzrin.

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On Thursday morning, rocket and drone alarm sirens were sounded at the border town Kiryat Shmona as well as in a number other Galilee communities. There were no injuries reported.

The IDF’s widespread strikes came just a day after Benjamin Netanyahu hinted about Israel’s offensive capability in the north and National Security Minister Itamar Gvir demanded a harsh reaction to Hezbollah’s attack on Katzrin.

Iron Dome’s air defense system intercepted most of the Hezbollah projectiles, but several landed in Katzrin and caused heavy damage to houses, as well as injuring an injured man in his 30s.

Ziv Medical Center reported that the 33-year old suffered superficial shrapnel wounds to his body and face. He was in a mild to moderate state of health. The 33-year-old also suffered a fractured foot, but was conscious.

Ben Gvir, who visited the Golan Heights on Wednesday, demanded that Hezbollah be dealt with harshly and for him to have a greater say in the handling of the conflict across the border.

The ultranationalist minister in Katzrin said, “What is happening now is one of the many reasons why I demand to be included in the limited cabinet.” “You must also attack and make a campaign.” We must not lose this opportunity.

He added that “the State of Israel must respond in a way that is unambiguous and clear.”

Ben Gvir repeatedly asked to be included in the now defunct war cabinets, but Netanyahu consistently denied his requests. He is also widely perceived as distrusting the fiery Otzma-Yehudit leader because of his tendency to leak press information.

Netanyahu stated that Israel was “ready for every scenario, on both the offensive and defensive side.”

Netanyahu referred to the IAF as “our iron hand that can strike our enemies’ soft underbelly,” referring to the Hezbollah underground tunnels revealed by the group in a recent propaganda video.

He stated that the Air Force had performed heroic missions “and will continue to do so if needed.”

Netanyahu was briefed by the chief of the IAF staff and head of the air defense system on the preparations to deal with threats coming from the North and beyond.

Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesman, said that Hezbollah’s rocket barrage on Wednesday was not directed at a military facility as claimed by the terror group but at the town Katzrin.

Hezbollah fired 50 rockets at the heart of Katzrin this morning. Hagari, writing on X, said that Hezbollah was once again firing at Israeli civilians without discrimination. “Like every country that protects their citizens, we’ll act accordingly.”

IDF fighter jets attacked a Hezbollah cell that was launching rockets into the northern community Zar’it later Wednesday evening. According to footage provided by the military, the Hezbollah operatives had been spotted in a building located in Chihine, a southern Lebanon town.

IDF said that another airstrike was conducted against a Hezbollah building in Kafr Kila.

Hezbollah forces have been attacking Israeli communities and military positions along the border almost daily since October 8. The group claims it does so in support of Gaza during the war against Hamas terrorists.

As of now, 26 civilians on the Israeli side have died, along with 19 IDF soldiers, reservists, and other personnel. There were also several attacks by Syria without any injuries.

Hezbollah named 420 of its members killed by Israel in the current skirmishes. Most were in Lebanon, but some also died in Syria. Another 73 terrorists, including a Lebanese army soldier and dozens civilians, were killed in Lebanon.