Watch: From strategic planning to aerial refuelling; this is how Israel struck Hezbollah

In a dramatic escalation, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched a significant operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Sunday, aiming to disrupt what Israeli officials described as a substantial impending attack. Commencing at 5 am local time, the strikes targeted Hezbollah’s infrastructure, focusing on rocket launchers and other military assets. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage of the mission, asserting, "Our operation in Lebanon targeted the terrorist infrastructure Hezbollah planned to use against us, protecting Israeli families and homes."

The air strikes, involving around 100 fighter jets hitting over 270 targets, marked the most intense exchange of fire in the ongoing conflict, which began with a Hamas assault from Gaza. Hezbollah countered with its own drone and rocket strikes, intensifying the situation and raising concerns about further regional conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the military action against Hezbollah is ongoing, stating, "We are striking Hezbollah with surprising, crushing blows," and emphasising that "this is not the final word." Netanyahu highlighted the operation's success in destroying thousands of short-range rockets aimed at the Galilee region, and confirmed the interception of Hezbollah drones targeting a strategic site, reportedly Mossad's headquarters.

Over 100 Israeli warplanes conducted the preemptive strikes on Hezbollah missile launchers across southern Lebanon, based on "precise intelligence" indicating imminent large-scale attacks on northern Israel and key intelligence centres. Following the strikes, Israel declared a 48-hour state of emergency and temporarily closed its main airport, leading to flight cancellations. Despite Hezbollah's retaliation with over 300 projectiles into Israel, damage was minimal, with one Israeli soldier killed by debris and three fatalities reported in Lebanon.