Iran Press/West Asia: In a statement, Hezbollah reported that the attack began at 8:05 a.m. local time, with a "barrage of rockets," following artillery fire 25 minutes earlier. The Israeli military confirmed the escalation, noting that heavy clashes erupted in southern Lebanon just hours after the start of Israel’s ground offensive against Lebanon.
In response to the developments, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, warned that the movement's forces are prepared for direct confrontation with Israeli troops on the ground, cautioning that such a conflict could "last for an extended period."
Hezbollah also stated that in retaliation for Israeli aggression, it fired rockets at Israeli forces in Metula. Reports indicate that air raid sirens were triggered in Tel Aviv, while Israel claims to have intercepted at least three projectiles.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Najib Mikati expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, stating that the Israeli airstrikes over the past month have displaced nearly one million people across Lebanon, exacerbating the country’s already severe humanitarian crisis.
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