Extremist group launched rockets; Tel Aviv responded with bombings in Beirut and southern Lebanon
The extremist group Hezbollah claimed this Monday (Mar 2, 2026) the launch of rockets against northern Israel, in the first attack of its kind since the ceasefire signed between the Israelis and Lebanon in November 2024. The action was described by the organization as a response to Ali Khamenei, carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, on Saturday (Feb 28).
According to Hezbollah, the target was an Israeli military missile defense installation south of Haifa. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) claimed to have intercepted 1 projectile launched from Lebanese territory and reported that others fell in open areas. According to , there were no reports of injuries or material damage.
In a statement, the group stated that the attack represents a “Notice” for Israel to withdraw from 5 military posts maintained on Lebanese territory since the 2024 war. Hezbollah said that the stay violates the agreement brokered by the United States. Israel, in turn, claims security reasons for maintaining its positions.
The Israeli response was immediate. The air force carried out a series of bombings against Hezbollah targets in Beirut, especially in the southern suburbs of the capital — an area known as Dahiyeh — and in regions of southern and eastern Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley. Explosions were recorded at around 2:40 am local time. Residents left affected neighborhoods on foot and by car, which caused traffic jams.
The IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, declared that Hezbollah “opened a campaign against Israel” and will be held responsible for any escalation. According to him, the troops were already prepared for the scenario. Israel’s northern command reported that it has reinforced the deployment of troops to the border.
The IDF also announced a wave of attacks against Iranian regime structures in Tehran, expanding the confrontation that began on Saturday (Feb 28). The escalation comes after the US and Israel hit strategic targets in Iran.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized the firing of rockets from the south of the country and classified the action as irresponsible. The Lebanese government is trying to contain direct involvement in the conflict. Since the 2024 ceasefire, Israel has carried out frequent attacks against what it describes as Hezbollah’s attempts to rearm.
Founded in 1982 with the support of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Hezbollah is considered by Israel and the US as a terrorist organization and is one of Tehran’s main allies in the region.
