Israel opens Lebanon warfront; kills 52

Hezbollah fires salvo of missiles at Zionist regime to avenge Iranian leader's death

BEIRUT:

Lebanon's government on Monday banned military activities by Hezbollah after it opened fire on Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader, a move likely to fuel tension with the Tehran-backed group as it faces a new Israeli offensive.

The government's decision, which was rejected by a senior Hezbollah politician, underlined a dramatic shift in Lebanon's power balance since the once-dominant group was pummelled by Israel during a war in 2024, reshaping politics in a country that suffered civil conflict from 1975-90.

Israel launched heavy airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut and more widely in Lebanon, in response to the Hezbollah drone and rocket strike, killing 52 people and wounding more than 150, according to a Lebanese health ministry official. Roads were jammed as people fled from targeted areas which bore the brunt of Israeli bombardment in 2024. The violence widened the conflict that has spread through the Middle East since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes across the region.

Hezbollah said its attack was to avenge "the pure blood" of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday, and "in defence of Lebanon".

It was Hezbollah's first attack since the 2024 war, despite near-daily Israeli strikes targeting the group. Israel held Hezbollah responsible for the escalation and declared Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem a "target for elimination".

The Israeli military said it had killed Hussein Makled, a top Hezbollah intelligence official. There was no confirmation from the group. Israel said no injuries or damage were reported from Hezbollah's attacks.

"We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah... We must prepare for many prolonged days of combat ahead," Israeli Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir said.

In a statement after a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Hezbollah's attack showed disregard for "the will of the majority of Lebanese" and that Lebanon rejected being dragged into the regional conflict.