The Israeli military and Hezbollah engaged in intense exchanges on Thursday and into the night, following a brief period of quiet along Israel’s northern border after two waves of mysterious explosions in Lebanon.
Reports from Lebanon described the Israeli Air Force’s airstrikes on Hezbollah targets that night as the most extensive since the terror group’s attacks on Israel began last October.
Following a second wave of explosions affecting Hezbollah operatives, the IDF conducted airstrikes across seven regions simultaneously overnight. Hezbollah retaliated with significant rocket barrages and drone attacks targeting the Upper Galilee, resulting in a light injury to a woman in Metula.
Metula’s mayor reported extensive damage from the rocket strikes, which hit several homes and ignited fires, noting it was the worst destruction seen since the conflict started. On Thursday evening, the IDF announced it had targeted approximately 30 rocket launchers and military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, which included around 150 launcher barrels ready for immediate use.
The IDF Home Front Command advised residents of the Upper Galilee and northern Golan Heights to minimize public movement, avoid gatherings, secure town entrances, and stay near bomb shelters, anticipating potential further attacks.
Shortly after that, the IDF confirmed a major airstrike campaign had neutralized around 100 rocket launchers equipped with approximately 1,000 barrels prepared for immediate fire on Israel. Earlier that morning, two anti-tank missiles exploded on the Ramim Ridge, resulting in the death of Sgt. Tomer Keren, 20, from Haifa, and injuring eight other soldiers.
Around noon, a Hezbollah drone exploded near Ya’ara in the Western Galilee, killing Maj. (res.) Nael Fwarsy, 43, a logistics commander in the 300th “Baram” Regional Brigade, and wounding another soldier.
In a rare move before Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s televised address, the IDF announced its airstrikes aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s military capabilities and infrastructure. The statement characterized Hezbollah’s actions in southern Lebanon as turning the area into a war zone and accused the group of using civilian structures for military purposes.
On Friday morning, the IDF stated that residents in the north could return to their normal routines but should continue to adhere to safety instructions issued by the Home Front Command. Despite the successful airstrikes, reports indicated that about 50 homes in Metula had been damaged by Hezbollah’s fire.