Israel intensifies strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon as tensions rise

The Israeli military has carried out a series of airstrikes and raids targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives in Lebanon. The strikes, described by some reports as reaching their highest level since a November 2024 ceasefire, hit weapons depots, military sites, and tunnels, and killed several Hezbollah members, including commanders.

Hezbollah condemned the strikes but stopped short of pledging a major attack on Israel. A Hezbollah official said 'resistance' was the only choice. The group also rejected a Lebanese government disarmament timeline, calling it pro-Israel. Lebanon's government denounced Israeli actions, including the alleged spraying of a toxic chemical over southern land.

Israel warned that Lebanon's airport could become a target and threatened to strike civilian infrastructure if Hezbollah joined a wider conflict. The United Nations peacekeeping force reported an 'unknown chemical substance' was dropped near its operations. Australia urged its citizens to consider leaving Lebanon and Israel.