On Monday, a series of explosions echoed throughout Lebanon as the Israeli military executed its largest offensive in the region in nearly a year, resulting in at least 100 fatalities and over 400 injuries, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry.

The exchange of airstrikes between Israel and Hezbollah has seen a significant surge over the past week, ignited by explosions from pagers and walkie-talkies affiliated with the militant group, which led to the deaths of 37 individuals and injured more than 2,700 in what is believed to be an Israeli operation. This has heightened concerns of an impending full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has increased its attacks on Israel in response to Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Where Were the Latest Airstrikes Targeted?

The recent airstrikes affected regions from Lebanon’s southern border all the way to the north near Syria. A Hezbollah-associated TV channel reported that Israeli warplanes targeted locales close to the eastern Bekaa Valley and northern Hermel. Social media videos captured dense clouds of smoke rising above buildings.

The health ministry in Lebanon indicated that the death toll had quickly risen to at least 100, with additional reports noting over 400 people were injured.

According to the Israeli military, they have struck more than 300 targets associated with Hezbollah.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has directed its personnel to evacuate areas north of the Litani River, as per local media sources.

Were Residents Given Evacuation Warnings?

During the airstrikes, individuals from southern Lebanon to Beirut received alerts from Israel instructing them to evacuate any areas associated with Hezbollah. A resident in Beirut, located near the Saudi embassy, informed Reuters that they received a call lasting 30 to 40 seconds on their home phone.

“People were panicking, and so was I, because we believed the area we lived in was secure due to being surrounded by embassy buildings,” said the unnamed individual.

Ziad Makary, Lebanon’s information minister, stated on X that their ministry also received a warning call, which he characterized as “psychological warfare” and “intimidation.” The ministry chose not to evacuate and continued its operations normally, according to Makary.

A telecom operator in Lebanon reported to Reuters that over 80,000 suspicious evacuation orders were sent to citizens throughout the nation.

What Is Israel’s Stance?

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari of the Israeli military stated that the airstrikes were initiated due to signs indicating Hezbollah’s preparations to target Israeli territory.

Hagari explained that the phone calls to Lebanese citizens were intended as “a precautionary alert for your safety and that of your family.”

“Hezbollah is putting you and your families in harm’s way,” he asserted.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee mentioned that the airstrikes aimed at residences where “Hezbollah concealed its weaponry.”

Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, remarked in a video that the nation is intensifying its operations against Lebanon, stating, “Our efforts will persist until we ensure the safety of northern residents returning to their homes.”

In an interview on CBS’ Face the Nation, Israeli President Isaac Herzog noted that Hezbollah’s frequent assaults on Israel since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war have displaced approximately 100,000 Israelis.

Gallant also briefed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the current airstrikes.

Austin “acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense while emphasizing the significance of pursuing a diplomatic resolution,” reported Pentagon Press Secretary Gen. Pat Ryder.

How Has Hezbollah Reacted?

In response to the attacks, Hezbollah announced on Monday that it had launched numerous rockets targeting Israeli military installations.

The group called for “every possible effort to halt this relentless aggression and safeguard the Lebanese population from its devastating aftermath.”

Israel’s military confirmed that it detected approximately 35 projectiles being launched into Israeli territory from Lebanon, prompting alarm sirens to sound across northern Israel.

What Preceded the Monday Airstrikes?

Strains between Israel and Hezbollah escalated last week after a series of explosions from pagers and walkie-talkies ignited across Lebanon for two consecutive days, an operation believed to be orchestrated by Israel, which has not confirmed nor denied its involvement.

The recent airstrikes represent the most extensive incursions into both countries since Hamas’ unexpected attack on Israel last October, which initiated the largest escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict seen in decades.

On Friday, an Israeli air strike in Beirut resulted in the deaths of four high-ranking commanders of Hezbollah. The situation escalated on Sunday when Israel conducted further airstrikes in retaliation for approximately 150 Hezbollah rockets, cruise missiles, and drones that targeted the northern Israeli city of Haifa and the Jezreel Valley. This bombardment led to the closure of schools and the relocation of patients in hospitals to safer areas.

“Life has been completely disrupted along our northern border. I doubt any American would accept such a situation as the norm,” Herzog stated.

Contributing: Reuters