Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes in southern Lebanon early Sunday in what it said was a pre-emptive strike against the Hezbollah militant group, threatening to trigger a broader regionwide war that could torpedo efforts to forge a cease-fire in Gaza.

Lebanese group Hezbollah announced on Sunday that it had launched drone and missile attacks deep into Israel in response to the assassination of its leader, Fuad Shukur. The announcement came after the Israeli Army launched a preemptive strike,

The IDF says the “elimination” of Mohammed Qassem Al-Shaer will impair the Iran-backed militant group’s ability to launch attacks against Israel from southern Lebanon.

Military confirms drone strike on Muhammad Qassem al-Shaer deep inside Lebanon; Iran-backed Lebanese terror group also announces his death, but gives no details of his activities The post IDF says it killed Hezbollah commander behind many attacks on Israel appeared first on The Times of Israel.