In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Hezbollah has launched its first major rocket attack following the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli strike. The Lebanese militant group has vowed to “continue the holy war against the enemy and in support of Palestine,” signalling a potential for further violence in the region.

The attack comes after a series of events that have heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Earlier today, a house in Safed, northern Israel, came under fire, marking the beginning of what appears to be a coordinated response from the group.

Meanwhile, air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and central Israel, coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival at Tel Aviv’s international airport. The Israeli military also reported intercepting a missile fired from Yemen, highlighting the broader regional ramifications of the conflict.

In swift retaliation to Hezbollah’s actions, the Israeli military launched an airstrike in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut, the same district where Nasrallah was killed in a previous strike on Thursday. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, defended the assassination, calling it “one of the most justified counter-terrorism actions Israel has ever taken.” Katz referred to Nasrallah as an “arch-terrorist” who had “dedicated his life to the destruction of Israel” and led more than 30 years of “terror activity against Israel.

Netanyahu praised the Israeli military for their “brilliant planning and execution” in targeting Nasrallah and affirmed his commitment to continuing efforts to safeguard security, suggesting that further military actions may follow.

The recent developments have raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict, as both sides prepare for possible escalations. International observers are closely monitoring events, urging restraint to avoid a broader regional war.

The ongoing crisis underscores the fragile nature of peace in the Middle East, and the potential for rapid escalation has far-reaching consequences. As both Israel and Hezbollah stand firm in their confrontation, the coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this renewed conflict.