Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday to launch a wave of airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The strikes follow a barrage of rockets fired earlier in the day toward northern Israel, which officials attributed to the Iran-backed group. According to a statement from Katz’s office, the IDF was directed to hit dozens of Hezbollah sites, including rocket launchers and a command center. The Israeli military described the rocket fire as a “blatant violation” of ceasefire understandings and warned that Lebanon’s government would be held responsible. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the morning rocket barrage, while Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, warned against the resurgence of military conflict.
Israel kills Hamas official, raid Gaza
An Israeli airstrike conducted in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis reportedly killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardweel along with his wife, according to Quds News Network. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly bombed a home in the area of Al-Fakhari in southern Khan Younis, killing at least four people. Additionally, Israeli forces stormed al-Mawasi, which lies west of Khan Younis and shelled the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.