Israel targets Hezbollah rocket launchers in Lebanon shelling

Israel began shelling Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, the Israeli military announced on Monday morning. The targets are underground rocket launchers belonging to the terrorist organization, primarily located in the southern part of the country, it added.

Israel initiated the shelling after learning that Hezbollah was planning to attack the Jewish state, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said at a press conference.

Local media reported explosions in wooded areas in southern Lebanon, including around the cities of Tyre, Marjayoun, Nabatieh, and the Bekaa Valley, according to the "Jerusalem Post." Videos show black smoke rising over the targeted areas.

Hagari said that before the shelling began, the Israeli military warned civilians in southern Lebanon to stay away from Hezbollah positions.

When asked by reporters about the possibility of a ground attack by Israel on Lebanon, he added, "We will do whatever is needed" to ensure that evacuated residents of northern Israel can safely return home.

The exchange of fire between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah has been ongoing for months, but it has recently become more intense. In the past week, at least 39 people were killed, and over 3,000 were injured in coordinated explosions of electronic devices attributed to Israel in Lebanon. Over the weekend, the Israeli army carried out air raids on targets in Lebanon, and Hezbollah responded with rocket attacks.