Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has declared a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency following a surge in military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The announcement followed extensive Israeli airstrikes in retaliation to Hezbollah’s attacks.
Gallant noted that the state of emergency grants the Israeli military authority to issue directives to citizens, including restrictions on public gatherings and the closure of specific areas. The emergency measures took effect at 6:00 a.m. and will remain in place for 48 hours.
In a coordinated response, Israel deployed more than 100 fighter jets to strike key targets in Lebanon, aiming to prevent a larger-scale offensive.
Earlier on Sunday, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones into Israel, setting off air raid sirens and leaving missile trails visible in the early morning sky.
While three fatalities were reported in Lebanon, no deaths were confirmed in Israel. Israeli forces claimed that their pre-emptive strikes had neutralized thousands of missile launchers, with the primary targets located in northern Israel but also affecting some central regions.
Hezbollah, however, rejected Israel’s claims of thwarting their attacks, insisting that their drones were launched as planned and that their full response to the situation would unfold in due time.
