The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles.

The residents in areas of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah primarily operates were warned of the strikes and urged to "leave Immediately".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Following these attacks and in accordance with the assessment of the situation held by the Home Front Command, life-saving instructions will be distributed in some areas of the country," it added.&nbsp;

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tel Aviv had launched the attacks in self-defence while anticipating that Hezbollah would soon fire "rockets, and possibly missiles and UAVs, towards Israeli territory". ‌

Meanwhile, residents of Golan Heights, the area where Hezbollah last fired rockets at a park and killed children, were also ordered by the IDF to stay near bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary movements.&nbsp;

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FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lebanon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lebanon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a> 
 
READ MORE: <a href="https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R">https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R</a> <a href="https://t.co/8j4vXAUzD8">pic.twitter.com/8j4vXAUzD8</a>
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According to Lebanese media, around 40 Israeli strikes had been reported in the region as of the last update. Meanwhile, Hezbollah also announced that it had launched attacks in northern Israel.&nbsp;

"As part of the initial response to the brutal Zionist aggression on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which led to the death of the great Jihad leader, Mr Fuad Shukr, our forces began a large-scale air attack towards the Zionist entity and towards a specific Israeli military target to be announced in the future."

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מטוסי קרב תוקפים כעת מטרות של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה שהיוו איום מיידי על העורף הישראלי. 
 
בעקבות תקיפות אלו ובהתאם להערכת המצב שהתקיימה בפיקוד העורף, יופצו הנחיות מצילות חיים בחלק מאזורי הארץ. תעקבו אחר ההנחיות המעודכנות בפלטפורמות של דובר צה"ל ופיקוד העורף <a href="https://t.co/LtbYA1odYM">pic.twitter.com/LtbYA1odYM</a>
— דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFSpokesperson/status/1827525115292123508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-tensions-israeli-airstrikes-in-southern-lebanon-kill-8-752965">Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8</a>

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<h2>Israel vs Hezbollah</h2>

Tel Aviv has&nbsp;been trading fire with Hezbollah across the southern Lebanon border in parallel with the Gaza war as rising hostilities increase the threat of a full-scale regional war.&nbsp;

More than 600 people in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the clashes last October, including more than 400 Hezbollah combatants and over 130 civilians, according to a Reuters toll.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israels-security-cabinet-faces-assassination-threat-from-iran-hezbollah-750716">Also read |&nbsp;Israel's security cabinet faces assassination threat from Iran, Hezbollah</a>

Israel's pre-emptive strike on Sunday could further push Iran to launch its military campaign, especially after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil.&nbsp;

Tehran has vowed to avenge the loss of Haniyeh but refrained from launching an all-out attack against Israel with the likes of the US and other Western nations recommending caution to avoid a spillover effect in the region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles.

The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles. The residents in areas of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah primarily operates were warned of the strikes and urged to "leave Immediately". "Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement. "Following these attacks and in accordance with the assessment of the situation held by the Home Front Command, life-saving instructions will be distributed in some areas of the country," it added. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tel Aviv had launched the attacks in self-defence while anticipating that Hezbollah would soon fire "rockets, and possibly missiles and UAVs, towards Israeli territory". ‌ Meanwhile, residents of Golan Heights, the area where Hezbollah last fired rockets at a park and killed children, were also ordered by the IDF to stay near bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary movements. FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets#Lebanon #Israel READ MORE: https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R pic.twitter.com/8j4vXAUzD8 — WION (@WIONews) August 25, 2024 × According to Lebanese media, around 40 Israeli strikes had been reported in the region as of the last update. Meanwhile, Hezbollah also announced that it had launched attacks in northern Israel. "As part of the initial response to the brutal Zionist aggression on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which led to the death of the great Jihad leader, Mr Fuad Shukr, our forces began a large-scale air attack towards the Zionist entity and towards a specific Israeli military target to be announced in the future." מטוסי קרב תוקפים כעת מטרות של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה שהיוו איום מיידי על העורף הישראלי. בעקבות תקיפות אלו ובהתאם להערכת המצב שהתקיימה בפיקוד העורף, יופצו הנחיות מצילות חיים בחלק מאזורי הארץ. תעקבו אחר ההנחיות המעודכנות בפלטפורמות של דובר צה"ל ופיקוד העורף pic.twitter.com/LtbYA1odYM — דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) August 25, 2024 × Watch | Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8 × Israel vs Hezbollah Tel Aviv has been trading fire with Hezbollah across the southern Lebanon border in parallel with the Gaza war as rising hostilities increase the threat of a full-scale regional war. More than 600 people in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the clashes last October, including more than 400 Hezbollah combatants and over 130 civilians, according to a Reuters toll. Also read | Israel's security cabinet faces assassination threat from Iran, Hezbollah Israel's pre-emptive strike on Sunday could further push Iran to launch its military campaign, especially after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil. Tehran has vowed to avenge the loss of Haniyeh but refrained from launching an all-out attack against Israel with the likes of the US and other Western nations recommending caution to avoid a spillover effect in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack

Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah Wednesday condemned new US sanctions against two former ministers from allied political parties over alleged corruption and aid to the group.

"We view this unjust decision as a badge of honour for our two dear friends," the Iran-backed movement said in a statement after Washington the previous day blacklisted and imposed sanctions on former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and ex-transport minister Youssef Fenianos.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-from-devastating-beirut-blast-to-new-lebanese-government-324543">Timeline: From devastating Beirut blast to new Lebanese government</a>

Alongside the heavily armed, Iran-backed&nbsp;Hezbollah, Amal is one of two dominant Shi'ite factions in Lebanon's fractious sectarian political system.&nbsp;Fenianos is&nbsp;a Christian politician who is a member of the Marada party that is also allied to&nbsp;Hezbollah.

The US&nbsp;move comes at a sensitive time, as a new government is being formed under a tight deadline in a bid to extricate Lebanon from a deep economic crisis that poses the biggest threat to the country's stability since the 1975-1990 civil war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-leaders-have-promised-cabinet-within-two-weeks-says-macron-324617">Lebanon leaders have promised cabinet within two weeks, says Macron</a>

"This decision will not change our convictions and our national and patriotic principles at all," Amal said in a statement issued after Washington added the senior Amal politician and former finance minister, Khalil, to a blacklist.

The group said imposing sanctions on Khalil was like "targeting Lebanon and its sovereignty."

Marada's leader, Suleiman Frangieh, said his party would not be influenced by Washington's decision, the Lebanese state news agency reported.&nbsp;

In a statement, Frangieh said Washington's move to impose sanctions on Finyanus was a "political decision" that would reinforce "our approach and our position."

Prime Minister-designate Mustapha Adib, named after the last government quit following a massive Beirut port blast in August, is seeking to form a cabinet by early next week, under pressure from France which is leading an international push for deep reforms to unlock pledges of aid.

Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah Wednesday condemned new US sanctions against two former ministers from allied political parties over alleged corruption and aid to the group.

Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah Wednesday condemned new US sanctions against two former ministers from allied political parties over alleged corruption and aid to the group. "We view this unjust decision as a badge of honour for our two dear friends," the Iran-backed movement said in a statement after Washington the previous day blacklisted and imposed sanctions on former finance minister Ali Hassan Khalil and ex-transport minister Youssef Fenianos. Also see: Timeline: From devastating Beirut blast to new Lebanese government Alongside the heavily armed, Iran-backed Hezbollah, Amal is one of two dominant Shi'ite factions in Lebanon's fractious sectarian political system. Fenianos is a Christian politician who is a member of the Marada party that is also allied to Hezbollah. The US move comes at a sensitive time, as a new government is being formed under a tight deadline in a bid to extricate Lebanon from a deep economic crisis that poses the biggest threat to the country's stability since the 1975-1990 civil war. Also read: Lebanon leaders have promised cabinet within two weeks, says Macron "This decision will not change our convictions and our national and patriotic principles at all," Amal said in a statement issued after Washington added the senior Amal politician and former finance minister, Khalil, to a blacklist. The group said imposing sanctions on Khalil was like "targeting Lebanon and its sovereignty." Marada's leader, Suleiman Frangieh, said his party would not be influenced by Washington's decision, the Lebanese state news agency reported. In a statement, Frangieh said Washington's move to impose sanctions on Finyanus was a "political decision" that would reinforce "our approach and our position." Prime Minister-designate Mustapha Adib, named after the last government quit following a massive Beirut port blast in August, is seeking to form a cabinet by early next week, under pressure from France which is leading an international push for deep reforms to unlock pledges of aid.

US sanctions against Lebanon allies 'unjust', says Hezbollah

The Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its political allies looked set to win more than half the seats in Lebanon's first parliamentary election in nine years, according to preliminary results cited by politicians and Lebanese media.

The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sunday's election.

Hezbollah's powerful position in Lebanon reflects Iran's regional ascendancy through Iraq and Syria all the way to Beirut. It is classified as a terrorist group by the United States and an enemy of neighbouring Israel.

The unofficial results also indicated that Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri would emerge as the Sunni Islamic leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat parliament, making him the frontrunner to form the next government even though he lost seats.

Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni according to the country's sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over Cabinet posts are expected to take time.

International donors want to see Beirut embark on serious economic reforms to reduce state debt levels before they will release billions pledged at a Paris conference in April.

The election was held under a complex new law that redrew constituency boundaries and changed the electoral system from winner-takes-all to a proportional one. The interior minister said official results would be declared on Monday morning.

The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, appears to have emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its MPs to 15 from eight, according to the unofficial indications.

Hezbollah and groups and individuals affiliated to it secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats that were obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media.

Hezbollah's allies include the Shi'ite Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement established by President Michel Aoun and other groups and individuals that view its weapons as an asset to Lebanon.

Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in the cities of Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, the unofficial results showed.

But Hezbollah lost ground in one of its strongholds, the Baalbek-Hermel constituency. Two of the 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one going to the Lebanese Forces and the other to Future.

Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shi'ite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the unofficial results.

Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. Another face from that era, Abdul Rahim Mrad, will also make a comeback having won a Sunni seat, the unofficial results show.

Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago.

Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law.

An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009.

But that "March 14" alliance has disintegrated and Saudi Arabia has switched its attention and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen.

Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was a "popular ground" that backs March 14 and would "give us strength and a push to fix the path much more than we were able to in the past years".

Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun.

The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down the political agenda in Lebanon in recent years. Hezbollah has grown militarily more powerful since 2012, deploying its fighters to Syria and Iraq where it has fought in support of Iranian allies.

Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved at the regional level through dialogue.

The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Iran's reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shi'ite leaders set to become prime minister.

Enhanced Hezbollah sway over Lebanon will likely alarm the United States, which arms and trains the Lebanese army.

But the group and its allies are not on course to win the two-thirds majority that would allow them to pass big decisions such as changing the constitution.

The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sunday's election

The Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah and its political allies looked set to win more than half the seats in Lebanon's first parliamentary election in nine years, according to preliminary results cited by politicians and Lebanese media. The result, if confirmed by the final count, would boost Hezbollah politically, with parties and individuals aligned with the heavily armed group securing a simple majority in parliament in Sunday's election. Hezbollah's powerful position in Lebanon reflects Iran's regional ascendancy through Iraq and Syria all the way to Beirut. It is classified as a terrorist group by the United States and an enemy of neighbouring Israel. The unofficial results also indicated that Western-backed Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri would emerge as the Sunni Islamic leader with the biggest bloc in the 128-seat parliament, making him the frontrunner to form the next government even though he lost seats. Lebanon's prime minister must be a Sunni according to the country's sectarian power-sharing system. The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties. Talks over Cabinet posts are expected to take time. International donors want to see Beirut embark on serious economic reforms to reduce state debt levels before they will release billions pledged at a Paris conference in April. The election was held under a complex new law that redrew constituency boundaries and changed the electoral system from winner-takes-all to a proportional one. The interior minister said official results would be declared on Monday morning. The staunchly anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces, a Christian party, appears to have emerged as a big winner, nearly doubling its MPs to 15 from eight, according to the unofficial indications. Hezbollah and groups and individuals affiliated to it secured at least 67 seats, according to a Reuters calculation based on preliminary results for nearly all the seats that were obtained from politicians and campaigns and reported in Lebanese media. Hezbollah's allies include the Shi'ite Amal Movement led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Christian Free Patriotic Movement established by President Michel Aoun and other groups and individuals that view its weapons as an asset to Lebanon. Hezbollah-backed Sunnis did well in the cities of Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon, strongholds of Hariri's Future Movement, the unofficial results showed. But Hezbollah lost ground in one of its strongholds, the Baalbek-Hermel constituency. Two of the 10 seats there were won by its opponents, one going to the Lebanese Forces and the other to Future. Hezbollah-backed winners include Jamil al-Sayyed, a retired Shi'ite general and former Lebanese intelligence chief who is a close friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to the unofficial results. Sayyed was one of the most powerful men in Lebanon in the 15 years of Syrian domination that followed the 1975-90 civil war. Another face from that era, Abdul Rahim Mrad, will also make a comeback having won a Sunni seat, the unofficial results show. Turnout was 49.2 percent, down from 54 percent the last time legislative elections were held nine years ago. Lebanon should have held a parliamentary election in 2013 but MPs instead voted to extend their own term because leaders could not agree on a new parliamentary election law. An anti-Hezbollah alliance led by Hariri and backed by Saudi Arabia won a majority in parliament in 2009. But that "March 14" alliance has disintegrated and Saudi Arabia has switched its attention and resources to confronting Iran in other parts of the region, notably Yemen. Samir Geagea, the Lebanese Forces leader, said the results showed there was a "popular ground" that backs March 14 and would "give us strength and a push to fix the path much more than we were able to in the past years". Geagea is Hezbollah's most prominent Lebanese Christian opponent. He led the Lebanese Forces militia in the last years of the civil war, during which he was an adversary of Aoun. The question of Hezbollah's weapons has slipped down the political agenda in Lebanon in recent years. Hezbollah has grown militarily more powerful since 2012, deploying its fighters to Syria and Iraq where it has fought in support of Iranian allies. Hariri, who led years of political conflict with the group, says it is an issue to be resolved at the regional level through dialogue. The Lebanon vote is to be followed on May 12 by an Iraqi election that is also set to underline Iran's reach, with one of three pro-Tehran Shi'ite leaders set to become prime minister. Enhanced Hezbollah sway over Lebanon will likely alarm the United States, which arms and trains the Lebanese army. But the group and its allies are not on course to win the two-thirds majority that would allow them to pass big decisions such as changing the constitution.

Hezbollah allies set for gains in Lebanon parliament

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Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack

US sanctions against Lebanon allies 'unjust', says Hezbollah

Hezbollah allies set for gains in Lebanon parliament