Israel Strikes Lebanon After Hezbollah Rocket Fire as Iran Conflict Widens

Published: 3 March 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online
The ongoing war between Israel, the United States and Iran has expanded into Lebanon after the Iranian‑aligned militant group Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward northern Israel, including in the Haifa area — the first significant such fire since the broader conflict began. In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out air strikes across southern Lebanon and in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure and militants.

Lebanese health authorities reported that at least 31 people were killed and around 149 wounded in the Israeli strikes, which hit various locations including Beirut and regions where Hezbollah is active. Many civilians fled their homes in southern and central Lebanon as explosions were heard throughout the capital, and evacuations were reported in several towns.

The escalation marks a significant widening of the Iran‑linked conflict that began with coordinated U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites. Hezbollah — a powerful Shiite militant group backed by Tehran — said its rocket fire was in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during earlier strikes. The group has framed its participation as a defensive response, though the Lebanese government has urged it not to involve Lebanon directly in the wider war.

In response to the renewed military activity, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for residents of dozens of Lebanese villages and cities near the border and said it would continue operations against Hezbollah targets. Israeli leaders have emphasised that they hold Hezbollah responsible for any escalation from Lebanese territory, while calling the militant group’s decision to join the broader conflict a serious threat.

Regionally, the conflict shows no sign of de‑escalating. In addition to the Israel‑Lebanon front, Iran has launched missiles and drones at Israel and U.S. bases across the Gulf, and the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iranian forces continues. International concern has grown as civilian casualties mount and diplomatic efforts to restrain the hostilities have yet to produce a cease‑fire.

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