IDF intercepts Hezbollah drones over northern Israel, strikes in Lebanon

The IDF likely targeted Hezbollah's rocket chief, Amr Abdallah Dalsh, in Beirut on Tuesday, though Lebanese media claim he survived. The IDF has not confirmed his status.

This follows a series of high-level Hezbollah assassinations, including the recent killing of Radwan special forces commander Ibrahim Aqil and an attempted strike on Ali Karaki, Hezbollah’s third-in-command. The IDF aims to destabilize Hezbollah's leadership to weaken its threat to Israel, as thousands of IDF missiles continue to hit Hezbollah positions across Lebanon.

Despite escalating tensions with Hezbollah, Haifa’s ports continue operating at full capacity, according to Israeli authorities. Haifa, a vital hub for Israel’s seaborne trade, faced its first rocket sirens in months, but no damage occurred, thanks to defense systems.

The Israeli port authority reassured businesses that all ports, including Haifa and Ashdod, remain secure, with high levels of security and protection from the Iron Dome. Additionally, Israel will compensate for war-related damage to commercial vessels. Shipping sources highlighted the rising threat from Yemen's Houthi militia in the Red Sea, increasing war risk premiums for vessels heading to Israel.

A rocket struck an open area in Haifa's bayside suburbs as approximately 105 rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory within an hour and a half on Tuesday.

Multiple rocket sirens sounded across Haifa, Acre, and surrounding areas, with alerts also reported in Kiryat Bialik and the Golan Heights. Police confirmed that forces were operating at the scene, with no casualties reported despite damage from shrapnel in the Jadeidi-Makr area and a fire in the Golan Heights. Remnants of a rocket were found near Rechasim, and severe property damage was reported in various localities.

IDF Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi announced that the name of the operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon is "Northern Arrows."

Hamas' armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, said that its field commander in southern Lebanon, Mahmoud al Nader, was killed in an Israeli strike on Lebanon on Monday.

The Israel Air Force conducted extensive strikes in Lebanon, targeting approximately 1,600 Hezbollah facilities, including launchers and command centers, as part of an operation directed by the Northern Command.

The strikes destroyed hundreds of terror facilities in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Additionally, a vehicle was reportedly struck in the Bekaa Valley, resulting in a fire.

In response to the IDF's significant attack on Hezbollah, various countries have urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions in Lebanon. The IDF targeted over 1,600 terror sites, while Hezbollah launched numerous rockets at northern and central Israel.

Egypt called for UN intervention, Saudi Arabia urged restraint, and the EU's Josep Borrell warned of a potential full-scale war. The US also expressed disapproval of escalating tensions, emphasizing that a ground invasion would not stabilize the region.

US government employees and their family members have been temporarily restricted from any personal travel in certain areas in Israel's north.

Following Hezbollah's rocket attack, debris and munitions fragments were found around Nazareth and the Jezeel Valley.

Police and bomb disposal experts are securing the sites, with no reported injuries but some property damage. The IDF confirmed about 20 rockets were launched, with some intercepted, while others landed in open areas. In retaliation, Israeli Air Force aircraft targeted the sources of the rocket fire. This situation is still developing.