Israel launches series of airstrikes against Lebanon

Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Lebanon early Sunday in what the country's military described as a preemptive attack against Hezbollah, leading to them quickly responding with rockets and drones.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it launched the attack after learning Hezbollah had plans to launch missiles and rockets toward Israel, spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a video early Sunday.

The strikes involved about 100 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, which the IDF claimed eliminated thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels aimed at northern and central Israel. The strikes hit more than 40 Hezbollah launch areas, the IDF said.

A short time later, Hezbollah announced it waged an attack on Israeli military positions in retaliation for the death of Hezbollah's most senior military commander Fuad Shukr in a strike in Beirut last month, the Associated Press reported. He was the right-hand man to the Lebanese militia group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

At least three people were killed in the strikes in Lebanon, while no deaths were reported in Israel, the AP reported.

The exchange of fire marked one of the largest clashes between the Iran-backed group and Israel in the past 10 months, sparking further concerns of an all-out war.

Hezbollah began attacks against Israel shortly after the Israel-Hamas war broke out in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas's Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily, per the AP.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said Israel eliminated "thousands of rockets that were aimed at northern Israel," adding the country is "determined to do everything to defend" itself, the news wire added.

The Pentagon told The Hill Sunday it is continuing to monitor the situation closely and reinforced the U.S. is postured to support the defense of Israel.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding Israel's defenses, the AP said, citing the Pentagon.

National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said President Biden is closely monitoring the unfolding events.

"He has been engaged with his national security team throughout the evening. At his direction, senior U.S. officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts," Savett said Sunday. "We will keep supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability."

It comes as negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage release deal appeared to collapse last week as Israel and Hamas remain at odds on major issues. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to the Middle East last week to push negotiations toward the finish line but left without any major agreement in place.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.