Israel has launched a series of preemptive airstrikes across southern Lebanon aimed at countering a large-scale rocket and drone attack by Hezbollah. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli jets targeted and destroyed thousands of rocket launchers belonging to the Iran-backed group early on Sunday morning. Hezbollah and its ally, Amal, reported that three fighters were killed in the strikes.

In retaliation, Hezbollah announced it had fired 320 rockets and drones at Israel, targeting in response to the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander. The IDF confirmed the death of one Israeli navy soldier during these exchanges. The U.S. has indicated that it is working to prevent further escalation following 10 months of hostilities, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war.

Daily exchanges of fire have persisted across the Israel-Lebanon border since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7. Recent peace talks in Cairo, supported by the U.S., have failed to produce a breakthrough. Hamas has accused Israel of reneging on previous commitments, a claim Israel denies.

Hezbollah's actions are framed as support for Hamas, which is also backed by Iran. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are designated as terrorist organizations by Israel, the UK, and other nations. Since the conflict began in October, over 560 people have been reported killed in Lebanon, primarily Hezbollah fighters, while 26 civilians and 23 soldiers have died in Israel. The UN reports that nearly 200,000 people have been displaced on both sides of the border.

The Israeli assault early Sunday was the most significant since the 2006 war with Hezbollah. The IDF reported that about 100 fighter jets hit over 40 locations in southern Lebanon, including key areas like Beaufort Castle and the outskirts of various towns. Local reports describe the attacks as catastrophic.

Hezbollah confirmed casualties in its ranks and claimed responsibility for a drone strike in Khiam and an attack on the village of Tiri, resulting in additional deaths. In response to the latest Israeli strikes, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah stated that his group targeted an Israeli military intelligence base near Tel Aviv and would retaliate further if necessary.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who has limited control over Hezbollah, has called for international intervention to halt the escalation and implement a 2006 UN Security Council resolution. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, hopes to avoid a regional war, emphasizing that resolving the Gaza conflict is crucial for de-escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border.