• Hezbollah fires 200 rockets and drones into Israel
• The retaliation comes after the killing of senior commander Mohammed Nimah Nasser
• Israeli military reported says one of its officers was killed
• Israel targeted Hezbollah military structures and other sites in southern Lebanon
• Since Oct 7 there has been over 400 deaths in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and 25 deaths in Israel, primarily soldiers
• Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions continue

Hezbollah fires 200 rockets and drones into Israel

Hezbollah has launched more than 200 rockets and drones into northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of senior commander Mohammed Nimah Nasser. The Israeli military reported that one of its officers was killed, and the barrage sparked several fires.

In response, Israel targeted Hezbollah military structures and other sites in southern Lebanon. Lebanese media reported one fatality from an Israeli drone strike in Houla.

This recent attack, following a barrage of 100 rockets on Wednesday, marks one of the most intense episodes in nine months of cross-border violence, raising fears of a full-scale war. Nasser, a significant figure in Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike near Tyre. He commanded Hezbollah’s Aziz Unit, responsible for rocket launches from southwestern Lebanon, and had directed numerous attacks.

The conflict, which has seen almost daily exchanges of fire since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, has resulted in over 400 deaths in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and 25 deaths in Israel, primarily soldiers. Hezbollah has stated its actions are in support of Hamas, with both groups being backed by Iran and designated as terrorist organisations by Israel, the UK, and others.

At Nasser’s funeral, senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine warned that their retaliatory actions would continue to target unexpected sites in Israel. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon has expressed concern over the escalating exchanges, urging both sides to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions continue, with warnings from the UN and US about the catastrophic potential of a broader war involving Iran and allied groups. Israeli officials have indicated readiness for war if diplomacy fails, while Hezbollah, although not seeking a full-scale war, has warned it would fight “without rules” if conflict ensues.