Israel strikes Lebanon after Hezbollah launches hundreds of rockets in major Middle East escalation

Hezbollah has launched “phase one” of its attack on Israel with hundreds of rockets and drones overnight in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander last month.

In response the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) hit back with air strikes inside Lebanon.

Hezbollah said they had completed “the first phase” of their offensive and their full response “would take some time”.

The exchange of strikes is a major escalation in the Middle East amid fears of regional conflict.

Sunday’s violence was among the biggest exchanges of fire since hostilities began between Israel and Hezbollah following the eruption of the war in Gaza.

Hezbollah said it had launched drones and more than 320 Katyusha rockets towards Israel and hit 11 military targets.

The Israeli military said it had thwarted a much larger attack after it had been aware of the impending attack.

Israel launched an airstrike campaign across southern Lebanon as an act of “self-defence”.

Hezbollah’s retaliation comes after its top commander Fuad Shukr was killed in July.

Lebanon’s state-run news agency said at least two people were injured and the strikes caused “sever damage” to local infrastructure.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel’s cabinet met at 7am this morning – but there were no immediate details on any further response.

Defence minister, Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency with flights to and from Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv temporarily suspended.

The escalation between Israel and Hezbollah has triggered fears of a wider regional conflict – with the potential of involving both the United States and Iran.

US President Joe Biden is said to be following the events closely.

National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said: “At his direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts.

“We will keep supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability.”