IDF strikes senior Hezbollah targets in retaliation for early-morning attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it carried out precision strikes against senior Hezbollah operatives in Beirut and southern Lebanon on Monday, following the group’s early-morning projectile attack targeting northern Israel.

According to the IDF, the attack marked Hezbollah’s first direct action against Israel’s northern regions since 2024, officially signaling the group’s entry into the ongoing conflict alongside Iran.

Before the retaliatory strikes, the Israeli Air Force intercepted one projectile that crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanon. Several additional projectiles landed in open areas, and no injuries or damage were reported.

The IDF described the Hezbollah attack as being “on behalf of the Iranian regime” and vowed to act decisively against any threat posed by the group. “The Hezbollah terrorist organization brings ruin to the State of Lebanon, and the IDF will forcefully respond to such actions,” the military said in a statement.

Ahead of Operation Roaring Lion, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted multiple visits to Air Force and intelligence bases to oversee readiness and review contingency plans. The military noted that troops were on alert for potential strikes from Hezbollah and prepared for a possible “all-fronts scenario.”

Following Monday’s attack, Zamir held a situational assessment with the IDF General Staff and approved operational plans to continue both offensive and defensive operations. “Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight and is fully responsible for any escalation,” Zamir said. “Any enemy that threatens our security will pay a heavy price. We will not allow harm to come to the people of Israel and our northern border.”

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack as “an irresponsible and suspicious act that endangers Lebanon’s security and safety.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stressed that the Lebanese government would not allow the country to be dragged into new conflicts and pledged to take all necessary measures to stop the perpetrators and protect civilians.

Photo: Protesters raise Hezbollah and Iranian flags during a rally in Beirut on March 1, 2026, following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israeli and US strikes.