Israel and Syria/Worthy News

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Israel launched targeted strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon on Monday after the Iranian-backed terror group fired projectiles into northern Israel, marking its first direct action against Israel’s northern regions since 2024 and formally widening the regional conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it intercepted one projectile that crossed into Israeli territory, while several others fell in open areas. No injuries or damage were reported. In response, the IDF announced it conducted precision strikes against senior Hezbollah operatives in Beirut and southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah claimed its attack was retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and acknowledged it was acting “on behalf of the Iranian regime.” Israeli officials rejected that justification, stating Hezbollah had chosen to join Tehran’s campaign against the Jewish state.

“Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight, and is fully responsible for any escalation,” IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said following a situational assessment with the General Staff. “Any enemy that threatens our security will pay a heavy price — we will not allow any harm to come to the people of Israel and our northern border.”

The military noted it had prepared for a potential “all-fronts scenario” as part of Operation Roaring Lion, Israel’s ongoing campaign against Iranian military infrastructure.

U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies

The confrontation comes as the United States and Israel continue joint operations against Iranian targets. Since the start of the campaign Saturday morning, officials say more than 2,000 targets inside Iran have been struck.

President Donald Trump confirmed that three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded, according to U.S. Central Command. He warned that additional American casualties were possible as operations continue.

At the same time, Trump said Iran has expressed interest in resuming negotiations with Washington following Khamenei’s death — even as Tehran expanded its military response, targeting airports, ports, and civilian sites in neighboring Gulf states.

Lebanese Government Pushes Back

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam publicly criticized Hezbollah’s action, calling it “an irresponsible and suspicious act that endangers Lebanon’s security and safety.”

“We will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures,” Salam said, warning that the government would take necessary measures to stop those responsible and protect Lebanon.

Israeli officials emphasized that Hezbollah’s actions risk further devastation for Lebanon. “The Hezbollah terrorist organization brings ruin to the State of Lebanon, and the IDF will forcefully respond to such actions,” the military stated.

With Hezbollah now openly aligned in the conflict and Iran broadening its response beyond its own borders, regional tensions remain high, and the prospect of a wider multi-front war continues to loom.

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