Israel and Lebanese-based Hezbollah exchanged fire early yesterday in an escalated set of strikes following Israel's assassination of Hezbollah's senior commander, Fuad Shukr, last month.
Hezbollah says it launched 320 rockets, hitting 11 Israeli military targets in what it called the first phase of its retaliation for the death of Shukr. Shortly before the rockets began firing, Israel said 100 of its fighter jets carried out preemptive strikes to prevent a larger-scale attack, saying it destroyed thousands of rocket barrels at over 40 sites. Lebanon reported three fatalities; none were reported in Israel.
The strikes come as the Biden administration continues to pursue a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas amid tensions with Iran, which funds both Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran has promised to retaliate against Israel over the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh but suggested it could hold off in the event of a cease-fire deal.
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