Intensified conflict: Israel targets Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

Israel began shelling Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, the Israeli military announced on Monday morning. The targets are underground rocket launchers belonging to this terrorist organization, mainly located in the southern part of the country, it added.

Israel started the shelling when it learned that Hezbollah was planning to attack the Jewish state, military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said at a press conference.

According to the Jerusalem Post, local media reported explosions in wooded areas in southern Lebanon, including around the cities of Tyre, Marjayoun, Nabatieh, and the Bekaa Valley. Videos show black smoke rising over the attack targets.

Before the shelling began, the Israeli military warned civilians in southern Lebanon to stay away from Hezbollah positions, Hagari said.

Asked by reporters about the possibility of a ground attack by Israel on Lebanon, he added, "We will do whatever is needed" so that evacuated residents of northern Israel can safely return home.

The exchange of fire between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah has been ongoing for months, but it has recently become more intense. In the past week, at least 39 people were killed, and over 3,000 were injured in coordinated explosions of electronic devices attributed to Israel in Lebanon. Over the weekend, the Israeli army carried out air raids on targets in Lebanon, and Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks.