The Israeli military launched attacks on more than 1,600 locations in Lebanon on Monday, in an operation officials said was directed at Hezbollah infrastructure used to target the Jewish state since October.
The IDF’s chief spokesperson, Adm. Daniel Hagari, announced the maneuvers were intended to “repeal the threat posed by Hezbollah and enable the residents from the north of Israel to safely return to their homes.”
Although the strikes were concentrated in the Hezbollah stronghold of southern Lebanon, reports have emerged of targets being selected in Beirut, the Bekka Valley, and the municipality of Hermel near the Syrian border.
The incursion was the largest effort by Israel against the Tehran-backed militia following the start of the war in Gaza nearly a year ago, signaling a possible strategic shift by Jerusalem away from its current conflict with Hamas.
Prior to mission, radio, text, and voice messages were sent to Lebanese civilians in the affected combat zones so they could evacuate accordingly.
U.S. President Joe Biden responded to the action, telling reporters that State Department representatives are "in constant contact with their counterparts, and we're working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return home safely."
Biden’s comments came as the Pentagon revealed on Monday they are ordering additional forces to the region.
In response to the assault, Hezbollah reportedly fired at least 200 projectiles at the Lower Galilee, Upper Galilee, Golan Heights, and Haifa areas.
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