IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that Israel will commence an offensive military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

This comes after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward Haifa and central Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed Mohammed Raad, the head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc.

Saudi outlet Al-Hadath reported that a targeted Israeli airstrike killed Raad in Beirut's Dahieh neighbourhood. The attacks occurred despite efforts by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun to prevent Hezbollah from involving Lebanon in the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. 

“Continuing to use Lebanon as a platform for proxy wars that have nothing to do with us will expose our country to new dangers,” Aoun said in response to Hezbollah’s strikes, according to Aljadeed.

The escalation marks Hezbollah's first attacks since the November 2024 ceasefire, with strikes originating from areas south of the Litani River that were supposed to remain free of Hezbollah forces under ceasefire terms, Kan News reported.

The violation threatens to unravel the fragile agreement and demonstrates the limits of Lebanese government authority over the militia.

“We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah. We are not only operating defensively — we are now going on the offensive as well," Zamir announced in a meeting with top IDF leadership.

"We must prepare for many prolonged days of combat ahead. This requires strong defensive and sustained offensive readiness, operating in continuous waves while constantly utilising opportunities.

IntelliNews obtained a video of Zamir's address, which can be viewed below: