Hezbollah launched several attacks on Israeli military sites in northern Israel on Sunday, reportedly causing casualties among Israeli forces. The militant group claimed these attacks were in retaliation for the death of Ayman Hashem Ghazme, a leader of the Sunni Islamist political party, the Islamic Group, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in eastern Lebanon on Saturday.
The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday that it had approved plans for an offensive against Hezbollah, escalating tensions between the two sides, which have been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire since October 7. Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah had warned that no place in Israel would be safe from their missiles in case of war.
In response, Israeli warplanes and drones conducted raids on several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, coupled with extensive artillery shelling.
Hezbollah also released a video showcasing critical Israeli targets, including oil refineries, military bases, and airports, captured by their reconnaissance drones.
The cross-border violence has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating over 480 deaths in Lebanon, most of them fighters, along with 93 civilians. On the Israeli side, at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed.
Meanwhile, US General Charles Brown indicated that the United States would not assist Israel in a potential war against Hezbollah, contrasting with previous support given in April during an Iran drone attack. He also noted that Iran would likely support Hezbollah if conflict escalates.