Israel launches offensive against Hezbollah, warns of days of fighting

2026-03-02 - 08:43

Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir declared Monday the initiation of an "offensive campaign" against Hezbollah, warning that the operation could extend over multiple days. "We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah and must be prepared for several days of fighting," Zamir stated, adding, "We are not only on the defensive lines; we are moving to the offensive." He emphasized the need to strengthen defensive readiness and continue waves of airstrikes as the conflict with the Lebanese group intensifies. Deadly strikes rock Lebanon The Israeli army carried out a series of airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and southern Lebanon throughout Monday, dramatically escalating the long-running confrontation. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that at least 31 people have been killed and 149 others wounded in the strikes, based on preliminary figures. The bombardment marks one of the most significant Israeli operations against Lebanese territory since the 2006 war, raising fears of a broader conflagration along the border. Hezbollah responds with rocket fire The Israeli offensive came in response to rocket fire launched by Hezbollah toward northern Israel, with the Israeli army stating it had targeted Hezbollah sites across Lebanon. Hezbollah confirmed it had struck a military site in northern Israel with a barrage of rockets and a swarm of drones. In a statement, the group framed its action as retaliation for "ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon" and in the context of the wider regional confrontation following Saturday's joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior commanders. Regional conflict expands Monday's developments represent a significant expansion of the conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, now drawing in Hezbollah as an active front. The Iran-backed Lebanese group possesses an extensive rocket arsenal and fought a devastating 34-day war with Israel in 2006. With Zamir warning of "several days of fighting" and both sides exchanging fire, fears are mounting that the confrontation could escalate into a full-scale war, further destabilizing a region already reeling from the decapitation of Iran's leadership and retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.