By Hezbollah fired more than 100 rockets into northern Israel early Sunday, striking deeper into Israeli territory than previous attacks and reaching as far as the city of Haifa. The assault came in retaliation for recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed dozens, including a senior Hezbollah commander.
The rocket barrage triggered air raid sirens across northern Israel, sending thousands of residents into shelters. In Kiryat Bialik, near Haifa, a rocket struck close to a residential building, injuring at least three people and igniting fires in buildings and vehicles. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service reported a total of four people wounded by shrapnel during the attack.
Avi Vazana, a Kiryat Bialik resident, described rushing to a shelter with his family before hearing the impact. “I ran without shoes, without a shirt, only with pants. I ran to this house when everything was still on fire to try to find if there are other people,” he said.
In response, Israel launched hundreds of strikes on Lebanon, targeting approximately 400 militant sites, including rocket launchers, according to Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported three deaths and four injuries from Israeli strikes near the border.
The escalation follows an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday that killed at least 45 people, including a top Hezbollah leader. This attack came days after a sophisticated operation caused thousands of Hezbollah communication devices to explode.
Hezbollah legislator Hassan Fadlallah stated that the conflict had entered a “new phase,” vowing to continue attacks until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to restoring security in the north, stating, “No country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities. We can’t accept it either.”
As tensions escalate, northern Israel has canceled schools, and hospitals are moving operations to protected areas. The situation remains volatile, with both sides seemingly prepared for further confrontation.
