Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Monday resulted in the deaths of 492 people, marking the deadliest day of cross-border conflict since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired nearly 200 rockets into northern Israel, prompting air raid sirens in cities such as Haifa, Nazareth, and Afula. The intense back-and-forth has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict, with many countries urging restraint.

ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH CONFLICT INTENSIFIES

In the most significant escalation in nearly a year of cross-border violence, Israeli forces launched 1,600 airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the strikes resulted in 492 deaths, including women and children, and left 1,645 others injured. This toll makes Monday the deadliest day for Lebanon since the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and the largest daily loss of life since the country’s 1975-1990 civil war.

In retaliation, Hezbollah launched close to 200 rockets towards northern Israel. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that most rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system, no significant casualties or damages were reported within Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the military was "changing the security balance" along Israel’s northern border. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi also indicated that the Israeli military was preparing for "next phases" in Lebanon, though further details were not immediately disclosed.

The IDF shared images of long-range rockets stored in civilian homes in Lebanon, which were allegedly prepared to be launched against Israeli targets. The military claimed these were part of the 1,300 Hezbollah sites, including cruise missiles, rockets, and UAVs, struck in Israeli raids.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

Amid the escalating violence, US President Joe Biden was briefed on developments in the region and expressed his administration's focus on de-escalating tensions. A spokesperson from the US State Department reiterated the country's commitment to defending its "allies and partners." The Pentagon also announced plans to send additional troops to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting, and Egypt called on international powers and the UN to intervene immediately. Turkey also warned that Israel’s airstrikes could plunge the region into greater instability.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of attempting to lure Iran into a wider conflict, while Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Hezbollah of using civilians as human shields, resulting in the high death toll.

The situation prompted Egypt’s national carrier, EgyptAir, to suspend flights to Beirut starting Tuesday, with Jordan also halting flights to Lebanon until further notice.