Israel strikes Lebanon: IDF launches ‘large-scale’ offensive after Hezbollah missile barrage

News DeskLast Updated: 02 March 2026, 06:47 AM ISTShare Hezbollah framed its barrage of missiles and drones as retaliation for the death of Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei and in defense of Lebanon. File: Israel's air defense system fire to intercepts projectiles| Photo: APJerusalem: The Israeli military launched a sweeping wave of airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, signalling a major escalation in the regional conflict after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah opened fire on northern Israel. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the offensive in a statement, noting that the strikes were a direct "response to Hezbollah's projectile fire toward the State of Israel." The military added that it has "begun striking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation across Lebanon" to neutralise the threat.