Israel launches attack on southern Lebanon: Hezbollah announces retaliatory strike for Shukr

Israeli Army Spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed that Hezbollah was preparing for a large-scale attack on Israel and announced that they had launched "preemptive" strikes on southern Lebanon.

In his statement, Hagari said, "Missile and rocket attacks were just launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Following this, sirens have been activated in Israeli regions." he said.

Claiming that Hezbollah was preparing for a large-scale attack, Hagari emphasized that the Israeli army had begun striking Hezbollah targets in response.

"LEAVE THE AREA"

Hagari called on Lebanese residents living south of the Litani River in Lebanon to leave their areas, stating that Israel "will eliminate all threats against it" issued a warning.

On the other hand, a written statement from Hezbollah stated, "The Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance have launched an aerial attack with a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) toward the depths of the Zionist regime (Israel) and toward an Israeli military target to be announced later, as part of the retaliation for the assassination of the Great Commander Fuad Shukr." the statement read.

The statement further added, "A large number of enemy sites, barracks, and Iron Dome platforms in occupied northern Palestine (northern Israel) were also targeted with a large number of missiles." it was noted.

Pointing out that details regarding the progress of the operation would be announced later, the statement emphasized that Hezbollah remains on high alert and will stand firmly against Israeli attacks.

48-HOUR STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ISRAEL

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that a 48-hour state of emergency has been declared in Israel.

A statement from the Ministry of Defense indicated that Gallant declared the state of emergency due to the "situation on the home front."

It was stated that the state of emergency will remain in effect for 48 hours.

RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED IN TEL AVIV AND NORTHERN ISRAEL

Due to the recent clashes with Hezbollah, certain restrictions have been implemented in Tel Aviv as well as in regions across northern Israel.

Within this scope, gatherings exceeding 30 people in open areas and 300 people in indoor spaces have been prohibited.

Additionally, beaches near the Lebanese border will be closed to the public.

HEZBOLLAH: FIRST PHASE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

Lebanon's Hezbollah announced that the first phase of its attacks against Israel, launched in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, has been completed with 320 rockets.

In a written statement from Hezbollah, "With the help of God, the first phase has been successfully completed." the statement read.

The statement noted that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeted Israeli military barracks and sites, and emphasized that 320 Katyusha rockets struck Israeli military barracks in the Galilee and the occupied Golan Heights.

The statement added that further details of the operation would be announced later.

While Israel announced it had launched an attack on Lebanon, Hezbollah had also announced it had initiated an attack on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of its commander, Shukr.

ISRAELI ARMY: ATTACK CARRIED OUT WITH 100 FIGHTER JETS

The Israeli military spokesperson stated that approximately 100 fighter jets participated in the attack on Lebanon this morning, noting that they targeted launch sites identified by the Northern Command and Israeli military intelligence that were intended to fire thousands of missiles.

The Israeli army noted that most of Hezbollah's missile launchers were positioned to strike the north, while some were aimed at central Israel, and stated that 40 launch points were hit.

According to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli army stated that attack plans for numerous locations within Lebanon had been prepared and submitted to the government, and that they would act "in accordance with directives from the political leadership." it stated.

Israel Army Radio also reported that Hezbollah had planned to launch approximately 6,000 missiles and drones, targeting strategic structures, and that the Israeli army had struck around 200 locations inside Lebanon.

While Israel announced it had launched an attack on Lebanon, Hezbollah had also announced that it had begun an attack on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of its commander, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut.

FIRST STATEMENT FROM NETANYAHU

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a Security Cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv, made assessments regarding the "preemptive strike" that Israel said it carried out against Hezbollah in Lebanon this morning. Claiming that they had detected Hezbollah preparing for an attack on Israel, Netanyahu stated that they had instructed the Israeli army to

eliminate the "threat." He noted that they had given the order to neutralize the threat.

Netanyahu stated that the Israeli army had destroyed "thousands of rockets" belonging to Hezbollah in the attack.

Calling on Israelis to follow the instructions issued by the army, Netanyahu used the following phrase regarding the attacks on Hezbollah: "Whoever harms us, we will harm them." he said.