Israel Launches Major Offensive, Destroys 1,000 Hezbollah Rocket Launchers, Says Military

Israeli fighter jets launched a significant strike on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon late Thursday, targeting hundreds of rocket launcher barrels poised to fire into Israeli territory, according to the Israel Défense Forces (IDF).

Since the afternoon, Israeli jets have hit around 100 rocket launchers, totalling approximately 1,000 barrels.

The IDF stated that it would continue operations to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and capabilities to protect Israel. This latest offensive follows earlier strikes attributed to Israel by Lebanon and Hezbollah, which destroyed Hezbollah radios and pagers, killing 37 people and injuring about 3,000.

Smoke rises from the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila following an Israeli airstrike on Sept. 20, 2024.

During the Thursday night operation, Israel dropped dozens of bombs across southern Lebanon, as reported by three Lebanese security sources. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that military actions against Hezbollah would persist.

Smoke and fire rise from the site of an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon on Sept. 19, 2024.

In response to the growing violence, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The U.S. has also expressed concerns over the escalating situation.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel will keep up military action against Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Wednesday to return tens of thousands of residents evacuated from northern Israel to their homes.

An Israeli fighter jet takes off at an unidentified location to conduct strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sept. 19, 2024.

The conflict has intensified since Hezbollah, backed by Iran, began firing rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas following the October 7 attacks, forcing many residents to flee to safer areas in the country.