Hezbollah announced on Wednesday that it launched a ballistic missile targeting the Mossad headquarters located near Tel Aviv. The militant group claims that the Israeli spy agency was responsible for recent attacks against its members. This marks the first instance in which Hezbollah has claimed to have executed a ballistic missile strike since the ongoing conflict escalated following Hamas' attack on October 7.
The Israeli military confirmed that this was the first time a missile fired by Hezbollah had reached the Tel Aviv area, though it was intercepted by air defense systems. In a statement, Hezbollah stated that the missile, a Qader 1, was launched at 6:30 AM (0330 GMT) on September 25. The group described the Mossad headquarters as responsible for orchestrating attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties in Lebanon, including the death of a top commander.
The outfit further asserted that the strike was intended to show support for the people of Gaza and to defend Lebanon and its citizens. Military analysts noted that the missile used was an Iranian-produced variant of the Scud, with a range of approximately 300 kilometers (190 miles).
Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire since the start of the recent conflict, which has drawn in various Iran-backed militants across the Middle East. In recent days, Israeli military operations have shifted focus from Gaza to Lebanon, intensifying the violence.
On the same day, an Israeli strike reportedly hit the Saadiyat area near Beirut, damaging a garage and a nearby warehouse. The Lebanese health ministry reported that Israeli strikes had resulted in at least 558 fatalities on September 23 alone, marking the deadliest day in Lebanon since its civil war from 1975 to 1990.
In a related statement, Pope Francis condemned the escalating violence in Lebanon, calling it "unacceptable" and expressing his sorrow over the situation. He urged the international community to take action to prevent further escalation, voicing solidarity with the Lebanese people, who have endured significant suffering.
Residents reported that strikes also impacted a mountain village north of Beirut on Wednesday, marking an expansion of Israeli military actions against Hezbollah strongholds. State media indicated that these rockets struck as part of Israel's "extensive" campaign against the militant group.
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