Israel strikes Lebanon after Hezbollah attacks

Israel launched new air strikes targeting Tehran and expanded its military campaign to include attacks on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Israel said it was attacking sites connected to Lebanon’s Shi’ite Muslim armed group Hezbollah, one of Tehran’s principal allies in the Middle East, after Hezbollah acknowledged launching missiles and drones toward Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The Israeli military said it intercepted a projectile launched from Lebanon, while others landed in open areas of the country.

Israel carried out air strikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday, with more than a dozen explosions rocking the Lebanese capital. Israel said it also struck senior Hezbollah militants near Beirut.

People fled on foot and by car in Beirut, clogging the roads, after the series of strikes began around 2:40 a.m. (0040 GMT), Reuters reported.

Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in 2024 after more than a year of fighting that left Hezbollah severely weakened.

The Hezbollah and Israel tit-for-tat attacks widen the conflict that has spread through the Middle East since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, sending oil prices soaring and snarling air travel.

Global markets brace for oil shock after US–Israel strikes

Lebanon’s presidency said on Saturday it had been told by the U.S. ambassador that Israel would not escalate against Lebanon as long as there are no hostile acts from the Lebanese side.

The Israeli military said Hezbollah was “fully responsible for any escalation” and warned residents of dozens of villages in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate.

The Israeli military said late on Sunday that its air force had established aerial superiority over Tehran, and that a wave of strikes across the capital had targeted intelligence, security, and military command centers.

In Iran, President Masoud Pezeshkian said a leadership council composed of himself, the judiciary head and a member of the powerful Guardian Council had temporarily assumed the duties of Supreme Leader.

Air raid sirens sounded across Israel late on Sunday, including in Tel Aviv where projectiles were seen streaking across the night sky as Iran fired new barrages of missiles.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Troops foil kidnap attempt at late Gen Bagudos’ home

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have foiled an alleged kidnapping attempt at the residence of…

3 minutes ago

2027: INEC opposes Atiku’s bid to amend suit against Tinubu, APC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed an application by the African Democratic Congress…

20 minutes ago

FG begins N18bn payout to ex-Nigeria Airways workers

More than two decades after Nigeria Airways was liquidated, the Federal Government has begun settling…

31 minutes ago

Melaye to EFCC: Invite Atiku, face trouble

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against…

1 hour ago

T-Pain sues Akon’s label over $489,000 royalties

American singer T-Pain has taken legal action against Konvict Entertainment, the record label founded by…

2 hours ago

PCN shuts Kano drug market, seals 797 outlets

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has closed the illegal drug cluster at Dalan-Gyada, along Katsina…

3 hours ago

This website uses cookies.