Israel's 'Extensive' Airstrikes on Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon; Opposition Leader Supports Attacks

In the early hours of Monday, the Israeli army announced that it had begun 'extensive' attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported attacks in the south and deep within the country. Following the start of these attacks, Yair Lapid, the leader of the Israeli opposition, issued a statement supporting the attacks and emphasized that 'the time has come.' According to Israeli media, missile warnings were also sounded in the border towns of 'Sasa' and 'Netua' in the Galilee. Extensive Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and also in the Bekaa Valley were reported by Lebanese media. In this context, Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, issued a message to Lebanese civilians in border villages, warning them about Hezbollah's use of their homes for storing weapons. This Israeli military official warned all residents of Lebanese villages that 'attacks on terrorist targets in Lebanon will occur in the near future.' Hagari stated, 'We ask everyone who is near properties or inside homes where Hezbollah is hiding weapons to immediately distance themselves from them. This is for your safety and protection.' Hagari showed videos of Hezbollah operatives preparing to launch a cruise missile from inside a civilian home in a village in southern Lebanon that had not been previously released. This building was targeted in an airstrike. According to the Israeli army spokesperson addressing the Lebanese, 'Hezbollah is putting you and your families at risk. Hezbollah is planning to launch these weapons towards Israel, immediately distance yourself for your protection.' Meanwhile, Hagari stated that the extensive attacks in Lebanon come after the army identified Hezbollah's preparations to launch missiles at Israel. He mentioned that the attacks would continue to 'eliminate threats.' Hours after the announcement of the new round of Israeli attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, Yair Lapid welcomed the extensive attacks by the Israeli army on Hezbollah and stated that 'the time has come.' He declared his support for the army and urged Israeli forces to be 'strong, brave, and fearless until all residents of the north return safely to their homes.' In recent days, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified, increasing the likelihood of a broader war in the region. Meanwhile, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, told reporters at the White House yesterday that he remains concerned about the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and that the U.S. will do everything it can 'to prevent a wider war.' Netanyahu stated that Israel struck Hezbollah with blows that were unexpected. Biden: The U.S. will do 'everything it can' to prevent a wider war in the Middle East. The President of Israel: Hezbollah is armed to the teeth by the 'evil empire' of the Iranian regime. Netanyahu: We struck Hezbollah with blows that were unexpected. Hezbollah claims to have bombarded northern Israel; the army says all rockets were intercepted.