The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that it had identified “extensive preparations” for a large-scale aerial attack by Hezbollah, which had prompted it to launch the pre-emptive strikes.
It added that its planes had struck over 40 launch areas, some of which it said were aimed towards central Israel.
Foreign minister Israel Katz said Israel was “acting to protect its citizens and territory” and “does not seek all-out war” in the Middle East.
Israel said Lebanese civilians had been warned to immediately leave areas where Hezbollah was operating.
Lebanon’s public health ministry said the Israeli raids had killed one person in Khiam, with two others injured.
Shortly after the Israeli strikes, Hezbollah said it had launched 320 Katyusha rockets aimed at 11 Israeli military bases and barracks.
It said the attack was in response to last month’s killing of the group’s senior military commander, Fuad Shukr.
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