Quick Read
- Hezbollah launched missiles and drones at Israel on Monday, retaliating for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
- Israeli air strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon killed at least 31 people and injured 149.
- Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary faction, was reportedly killed in the IDF strikes.
- Israel’s military chief stated fighting against Hezbollah could continue for “many” more days.
- Civilians in over 50 Lebanese villages were urged to evacuate by the Israeli military.
BEIRUT (Azat TV) – A significant escalation in the Middle East conflict unfolded on Monday, March 2, 2026, as Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militia group, launched a wave of missiles and drones towards Israel. This aggressive action was in direct retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Israel swiftly responded with extensive air strikes across Beirut and southern Lebanon, resulting in at least 31 fatalities and 149 injuries, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The intensified fighting also reportedly claimed the life of a prominent Hezbollah figure, Mohammad Raad, the head of the group’s parliamentary faction.
Hezbollah’s retaliatory strikes against Israel marked a dramatic turning point in the ongoing regional tensions, specifically linking the Lebanese group’s actions to the broader conflict involving Iran. The Israeli military confirmed its immediate counter-offensive, targeting what it described as ‘senior’ Hezbollah members and critical infrastructure in the Beirut area and southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also issued urgent evacuation orders for civilians in nearly 50 Lebanese villages and parts of the Bekaa Valley, including the town of Bint Jbeil, advising residents to stay at least one kilometer from buildings.
Deadly Israeli Strikes and Hezbollah Leadership Casualties
The Israeli air strikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas of Beirut and southern Lebanon were particularly deadly. Lebanon’s health ministry reported a grim toll of 31 people killed and 149 wounded. Among the casualties, Saudi news outlet Al-Hadath, cited by The Jerusalem Post, reported the death of Mohammad Raad. Raad, a significant political figure within Hezbollah, led the group’s parliamentary faction. While the IDF confirmed striking ‘senior’ Hezbollah terrorists, it did not immediately confirm specific names. This targeting of high-ranking officials underscores the intensity and strategic nature of Israel’s response.
The Israeli military chief, Eyal Zamir, indicated that the fighting against Hezbollah, which commenced early Monday, could persist for ‘many’ more days. In a video statement, Zamir declared, ‘We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah… We must be prepared for several days of fighting – many.’ This assessment signals a potentially prolonged and severe engagement, raising concerns about further destabilization in the already volatile region.
Wider Regional Fallout Amid Escalating Conflict
The immediate conflict between Israel and Hezbollah unfolded amidst a broader regional conflagration. Iran launched a third day of strikes against Israel and Gulf cities, with loud explosions reported across Dubai, Doha, Manama, and Jerusalem. Kuwait’s defense ministry reported that several US warplanes crashed in the country, though all pilots survived, during an intense period of Iranian fire. Cyprus also found itself drawn into the spiraling conflict after a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, a British base on the island, prompting school closures and evacuations. The British Ministry of Defence subsequently relocated families from the airbase as a precautionary measure.
The widespread conflict has also severely impacted global air travel. Hundreds of flights were canceled on Monday, extending the turmoil that has stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers. Major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, the world’s busiest international hub, remained closed for a third consecutive day, reflecting the most acute aviation disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hezbollah’s Role and Lebanon’s Deepening Crisis
Hezbollah operates as a powerful, independent entity within Lebanon, often acting outside the purview of the Lebanese government. This independence has historically been a source of tension, particularly as Beirut authorities have repeatedly pleaded with the international community to pressure Israel to cease its violations of Lebanese sovereignty. Lebanon had previously filed a complaint with the United Nations, documenting over 2,000 Israeli violations in the final months of 2025.
The current escalation further exacerbates Lebanon’s long-standing economic and political woes. Despite a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel in November 2024, daily Israeli attacks had continued, with Hezbollah largely refraining from direct responses until now. The Lebanese government’s decree last year to disarm Hezbollah was rejected by the group, which maintains its weaponry is essential for defending the country against perceived Israeli expansionism. This latest surge in violence deepens the crisis for a nation already struggling with profound internal challenges.
The immediate and deadly escalation between Israel and Hezbollah following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei demonstrates the profound interconnectedness of regional actors and the rapid potential for localized conflicts to expand. The reported death of a senior Hezbollah parliamentary leader, coupled with Israel’s stated intent for a prolonged campaign, suggests a new, more intense phase in the broader Middle East conflict, with significant humanitarian and geopolitical consequences for Lebanon and beyond.