Israel's military reports that it has struck "around 25 terrorist targets" belonging to the Shia militia Hezbollah across the country – including Nabatieh, Baalbek, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Beirut.
The result is visible in the thick clouds and fireballs seen in images from Lebanon on Monday afternoon.
Scouts called in
Three waves of attacks were directed at the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah has a strong foothold. The area has been bombed almost daily over the past few weeks and is practically deserted since residents were warned by Israel of impending attacks.
However, Lebanese witnesses describe great destruction and danger to innocent lives as Israel bombs densely populated areas in Lebanese cities.
In and around the ancient coastal city of Tyre, a number of organizations, including scouts, the city's civil defense, and the Red Cross, were called in to help transport the injured to hospitals after Israeli drone attacks that killed at least twelve.
Shortly before the attack, Israel's military published a warning on social media.
Ceasefire near?
The attacks come a day after Hezbollah fired around 250 rockets and projectiles at Israel – the largest number in two months.
At the same time, several regional and international media outlets report that an agreement on a ceasefire is very close, citing sources.
According to Israeli media, Israel is expected to make a decision on a proposal on Tuesday, which was negotiated with the help of the USA, among others, and is largely based on the ceasefire reached in 2006.
