Hezbollah has launched missiles and drones at a military base in northern Israel, describing the operation as retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attack marks a new phase in the expanding confrontation linked to the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. Israeli officials say the strike caused no damage, but subsequent air operations in Lebanon have resulted in casualties.
Missile and drone attack on northern Israel
In the early hours of Monday, the Iran-backed group Hezbollah said it had launched “missiles and a swarm of drones” at a military base in northern Israel.
The group, which is based in southern Lebanon, said the attack was carried out in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israel stated that the attack caused no damage. According to Israeli authorities, one projectile was intercepted, while others landed in open areas.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the strike as “an irresponsible and suspicious act” and announced a ban on Hezbollah’s military activities.
Escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border
Despite a ceasefire that took effect in 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli military has continued near-daily strikes in Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of rearming and rebuilding its forces in violation of the agreement.
In November, Israel said it had killed Hezbollah’s second most senior figure and Chief of Staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. Those operations were largely described as targeted strikes.
The United States had previously sought to prevent a broader conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border and facilitated the first direct talks between civilian officials from the two countries late last year.
Hezbollah’s decision to expand its involvement in the current conflict is expected to lead to intensified Israeli operations in southern Lebanon and in the capital, Beirut.
Israeli response and casualties in Lebanon
“Hezbollah opened fire last night. We warned it. It will pay a heavy price,” said Israel Defense Forces spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin during a press briefing.
As of Monday morning, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 31 people had been killed and 149 injured in Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
A day earlier, Israel announced the mobilisation of 100,000 reservists, describing the call-up as involving “dozens of battalions, brigades, and divisions”. Many of the reservists are expected to be deployed to the northern border with Lebanon.
The Israel Defense Forces continue to occupy five positions across the border, maintaining them as observation posts overlooking southern Lebanon.
Ground operation not ruled out
Asked whether Israel was preparing for a broader ground incursion into Lebanon, Brigadier General Defrin said, “All options are on the table. We are conducting ongoing situation assessments.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the Israel Defense Forces foreign media spokesman, said there were no imminent preparations for a ground invasion.
“There are no imminent preparations underway for a ground invasion,” Shoshani told reporters. He added that if Hezbollah escalates further, the situation could continue for weeks.