Hezbollah Fires 320 Rockets in Response to Israel's Preemptive Strike (Summary)

Military clashes between Israel and the Iran-aligned militant group Hezbollah are accelerating. Israel launched a preemptive strike against Hezbollah, and Hezbollah began drone attacks citing revenge for the killing of a former high-ranking commander. Israel declared a state of emergency for 48 hours and urgently responded by convening the security cabinet.

On the 25th (local time), according to local media such as The Times of Israel and major foreign news outlets, Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Hagari stated in a press release that Hezbollah is preparing to launch rockets and missiles, and that a preemptive strike was carried out in Lebanon to eliminate the threat.

Spokesperson Hagari warned, "We urge civilians in areas where Hezbollah operates to immediately move away from danger for their own safety," adding, "Hezbollah's continued attacks risk dragging the Lebanese people, the Israeli people, and the entire region into greater tension. Israel will not tolerate Hezbollah attacking our civilians."

Following the statement, Lebanese media reported that Israel conducted about 40 airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Israel views Hezbollah’s preparations for attacks as a response to the killing of Hezbollah military leader Fouad Shukr last month and is preparing for missile attacks.

Hezbollah launched a large-scale counterattack. Hezbollah stated that in response to the airstrikes, it targeted military facilities by firing over 320 rockets into northern Israel and deploying drones to strike 11 military bases.

On social media platform X and others, sirens presumed to be from rocket and drone attacks in Israel’s western Galilee region, as well as scenes of Iron Dome missile interceptions in response, are being posted one after another.

As the preemptive strike and counterattack intensified, Prime Minister Netanyahu convened the security cabinet at 7 a.m. that day. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency for 48 hours starting from 6 a.m.

Regarding the clashes, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) stated that the U.S. continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself and that President Joe Biden has instructed officials to maintain ongoing communication with Israel.