Jerusalem: The Lebanese group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a series of rocket attacks targeting several military sites and settlements in northern and central Israel on Wednesday. The attacks have intensified the ongoing tensions in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Hezbollah announced that its fighters launched rockets at the Tzrifin base, located near Ben Gurion Airport south of Tel Aviv, highlighting that the base accommodates military training colleges. Furthermore, the group stated that it targeted the Rawayah base in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, noting its significance as the home of the Israeli army’s 188th Armored Brigade. Additionally, Hezbollah claimed similar attacks on the Yoav barracks and the Keila military camp.

The group also reported a rocket attack on the Zofolon military industries near Haifa in northern Israel. Beyond rocket attacks, Hezbollah claimed that it conducted a drone strike on the headquarters of the Nahal Brigade in the Galilee Division 91, asserting that
the operation hit its target accurately.

Hezbollah stated it fired a guided missile at a house in the Metula settlement where Israeli soldiers were stationed and targeted a Merkava tank in the same settlement, resulting in a fire and casualties among its crew. In addition, the group claimed to have launched multiple rocket salvos at the city of Safed in northern Israel and nine settlements: Biriyya, Katzrin, Meron, Bar Yohai, Rosh Pinna, Goren, Kiryat Shmona, Sasa, and Kfar Szold.

The escalation follows an Israeli air campaign in Lebanon, ongoing since late September, which Israel argues is aimed at Hezbollah targets. This marks an increase in the year-long cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, sparked by Israel’s offensive on the Gaza Strip. Lebanese health authorities report that more than 3,000 people have been killed and over 13,500 injured in Israeli attacks since October 2023. The conflict further escalated with Israel’s ground assault into southern Lebanon on October 1 this year.