Hezbollah has fired multiple rocket barrages into northern Israel, a day after Israeli airstrikes targeting the militant group in Lebanon
killed nearly 500 people and wounded 1,600 others — the deadliest day in the country in nearly two decades.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the people of Lebanon to leave the areas where Israel is targeting Hezbollah, and that his country is not at war with them, but with the Iran-backed group. People are fleeing their homes after receiving automated calls, text messages and broadcasts urging them to evacuate.
Israel and Hezbollah have been stuck in tit-for-tat escalation since the war in Gaza began. But over the past week, Israel’s escalated attacks on the group have again heightened fears of a wider regional war.
The Israeli military said it is preparing for its “next phases” following the strikes and did not rule out the possibility of a ground invasion. Hezbollah has said “a battle without limits” was underway. Iran, too, has warned Israel of “dangerous consequences” following Israel’s strikes.
