Hezbollah has launched over 200 rockets and drones into northern Israel in response to the killing of one of its senior commanders. The barrage resulted in fires and the death of an Israeli officer. In retaliation, Israel targeted Hezbollah military structures and other sites in southern Lebanon. Lebanese reports indicated one casualty from an Israeli drone strike in Houla.

The conflict, ongoing for nine months, escalated with this significant attack following an earlier barrage of 100 rockets. Mohammed Nimah Nasser, a high-ranking Hezbollah commander, was killed in an Israeli airstrike near Tyre, Lebanon. He commanded Hezbollah’s Aziz Unit, responsible for launching rockets from southwest Lebanon.

Tensions have heightened since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah, aligned with Hamas and backed by Iran, has engaged in frequent exchanges with Israel across the Lebanon-Israel border. The violence has claimed over 400 lives in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and 25 in Israel, mainly soldiers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to restore security in northern Israel, asserting a policy of retaliatory strikes against those who attack Israel. Both sides have displaced tens of thousands and drawn international concern. Diplomatic efforts continue amid fears of broader regional conflict involving Iran and other groups allied with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has expressed reluctance for all-out war but remains prepared to escalate if necessary, emphasizing readiness to engage with Israel without constraints.