The IDF launched a pre-emptive strike on Hezbollah targets in Southern Lebanon early on Sunday, after detecting preparations on the Iranian proxy’s part to launch an “extensive” attack.

Approximately 100 Israeli warplanes launched simultaneous strikes on some 40 Hezbollah targets, destroying over 6,000 missiles and drones, according to the IDF.

The strike targeted missile launchers that had been programmed to fire at 5 am at multiple targets in Israel, including targets in the Tel Aviv area, the New York Times reported, citing a western intelligence official. “All the launchers that were targeted were destroyed and Israel [anticipates] a harsh response from Hezbollah,” the official said.

Since joining the war in support of Hamas on October 8, Hezbollah has launched more than 6,700 rockets, missiles and armed drones at the Jewish state, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands from northern Israel. “Israel will not tolerate Hezbollah’s attacks on our civilians,” said IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari on Sunday morning. “We are operating in self-defence … We are ready to do everything — everything — we need to defend the people of Israel.”

According to Lebanese media outlets affiliated with Hezbollah, the group launched some 320 drones and missiles during the attack, and struck two “high-quality” military targets. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah is said to be delivering a speech later in the day with more details.

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on August 23, 2024. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP) (Photo by JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images)

The Iranian proxy stated that its attack on Sunday morning was in response to Israel’s assassination in Beirut last month of top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had met, and Netanyahu convened the Security Cabinet at 7 am local time, according to his office.

Gallant declared a “special situation on the home front” for the next 48 hours, a “declaration on the state of emergency [that[] enables the IDF to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant,” per the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

Gallant and US Secretary of State Lloyd Austin had also spoken on Sunday, shortly before midnight in Washington, according to the Israeli defence ministry.

“We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel,” Gallant told Austin, according to an Israeli readout of the call. “We are closely following developments in Beirut, and we are determined to use all the means at our disposal in order to defend our citizens.”

Gallant and Austin “discussed the importance of avoiding regional escalation,” and Gallant “emphasised that Israel’s defence establishment is determined to defend the citizens of Israel and will use all the means at its disposal to remove imminent threats,” according to the Israeli readout. “The defence establishment is following developments in Beirut and is prepared to deploy defensive and offensive means.”

US President Joe Biden “is closely monitoring events in Israel and Lebanon,” stated Sean Savett, a spokesman for the National Security Council. “He has been engaged with his national security team throughout the evening.”

“At his direction, senior US officials have been communicating continuously with their Israeli counterparts,” Savett added. “We will keep supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, and we will keep working for regional stability.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke with Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and “reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s security, the importance of restraint, the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.”