The death toll from ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon has risen to 31, while at least 149 people have been reported injured, according to foreign news agencies.
Lebanese state media reported that the country’s Minister of Justice has ordered the arrest of individuals responsible for firing rockets at Israel.
The escalation follows a retaliatory announcement by Hezbollah after the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint U.S. and Israeli strike. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for missile attacks on the Israeli city of Haifa, stating the strikes were in retaliation for the assault on Iran’s leader and demanding that Israel withdraw from what it described as occupied Lebanese territories.
Hezbollah further stated that ongoing Israeli attacks and the killing of its leaders, fighters, and civilians have given it the right to defend itself and respond at the appropriate time and place.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces reported that it successfully intercepted Hezbollah projectiles and carried out airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
