Israel Retaliates Against Hezbollah Rocket Attacks in Beirut

Israel has carried out heavy airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital Beirut, retaliating against Hezbollah rocket attacks that were launched in response to earlier Israeli strikes.

The latest exchange of fire marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The rockets fired from Lebanon targeted northern Israel, causing no casualties but stoking fears of a broader confrontation.

In a statement, the Israeli military said its warplanes had struck a number of targets belonging to Hezbollah, including weapons storage sites and launching positions. Lebanese security officials reported that at least one person was killed and several others wounded in the Israeli strikes.

The latest flare-up comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a series of attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites, which Tehran has blamed on Israel. Hezbollah, a powerful political and military force in Lebanon, has vowed to retaliate for any strikes on Iran or its allies.

The exchange of fire has raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region, with both sides warning of further retaliation. Israel has long viewed Hezbollah as its most formidable adversary and has carried out numerous strikes against the group's weapons and infrastructure in Lebanon.

The situation remains tense, with both Israel and Hezbollah vowing to continue their respective military operations if the other side does not back down. The international community has called for calm and restraint, urging both sides to avoid further escalation that could destabilize the region.