Hezbollah fired approximately 140 rockets into northern Israel on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing cross-border conflict, according to statements from both the Israeli military and the militant group.
According to the Associated Press, the rocket barrage came a day after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed retaliation against Israel for recent attacks on the group’s communication devices. The Israeli military reported that the rockets were launched in three waves Friday afternoon, targeting sites along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Hezbollah claimed it had struck several locations, including multiple air defense bases and, for the first time, the headquarters of an Israeli armored brigade. The group stated the attack was in response to Israeli strikes on villages and homes in southern Lebanon.
This exchange is part of nearly daily clashes between Hezbollah and Israel since October 8, following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. However, Friday’s barrage was notably larger than recent attacks.
The escalation follows two days of attacks on Hezbollah’s communication equipment, widely attributed to Israel, which damaged thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies. Nasrallah described these attacks as a “severe blow” but pledged to continue strikes against Israel. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in these operations.
The intensification of hostilities has raised fears that the limited conflict could expand into a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, potentially drawing in other regional actors.
As tensions continue to rise, international observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about the potential for wider regional destabilization.
