Israel pounds Hezbollah with airstrikes after Iran attack

The Israeli military on Sunday carried out a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The development came hours after Iran launched its barrage of missiles and drones against Israel.

Fox News reports that the fresh wave of Israeli attacks targeted a Hezbollah weapons manufacturing facility as well as other targets, according to the IDF.

“A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck a number of military structures in a complex belonging to Hezbollah’s Radwan Forces in the area of Jbaa in southern Lebanon,” Israeli forces said in a statement.

“Earlier during the night, IDF fighter jets struck Hezbollah military structures in the areas of Khiam and Kfarkela.”

Israel has yet to strike Iran directly following the attack, however, and the country’s ultimate plans for a response remain unclear.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed last week to respond to any Iranian assault in kind.

President Biden is reportedly advising Israel not to retaliate, given that its air defenses shot down roughly 99 per cent of Iran’s 300 missiles and drones during Saturday’s attack.

Biden reaffirmed US’ support for Israel in a Saturday night call with Netanyahu.

Over 300 threats of various types were used in the Iranian attacks on Saturday, Israel said. According to Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari, 99% were intercepted. They include:

More than 30 cruise missiles. According to Hagari, 25 of these missiles were intercepted by Israeli Air Force fighter jets outside the country’s borders. None of the 30 missiles crossed into Israeli territory.

Over 120 ballistic missiles. Only a few crossed into Israeli territory and the rest were intercepted. The ones that did make landfall fell at the Nevatim Air Force Base, which caused minor damage. The base continues to be operational.

Dozens of rockets. These were launched from Iraq, Yemen and Lebanese territory, according to the IDF. None of them crossed into Israeli territory and they caused zero casualties.

The only casualty was a 10-year-old girl who was severely injured by shrapnel. “We wish her a speedy recovery,” said Hagari. “Other than her, as far as we know, there are no additional casualties.”