Iran and Hezbollah strikes on Israel trigger regional tensions as IDF advances into southern Lebanon
5 March 2026 – 10:22 AM
The Israel–Hezbollah conflict intensified on Wednesday after Hezbollah rockets and Iranian ballistic missiles were launched toward Israel in nearly simultaneous attacks, raising fears of a wider regional war.
According to Israeli authorities, around 10 rockets from Lebanon and several ballistic missiles from Iran were fired toward central and northern Israel. Israeli air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming threats.
Injuries reported in central Israel
Two civilians were injured during the attacks in central Israel. The Magen David Adom emergency service reported that one man in his 30s suffered shrapnel wounds, while another person was hurt in a blast impact. Both victims were taken to hospital and were reported to be in good condition.
Police said fragments from intercepted missiles and rockets landed in several locations around central Israel and the Jerusalem area, but no direct hits on residential buildings were reported.
Israeli military officials confirmed that most of the rockets fired from Lebanon were successfully intercepted by the country’s air defense systems.
Questions over Iran–Hezbollah coordination
The near-simultaneous timing of the attacks raised speculation about coordination between Iran and Hezbollah.
However, IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said there was no confirmed intelligence proving the strikes were coordinated.
“There was fire at roughly the same time from Iran and Lebanon,” Defrin said at a press conference. “But we do not currently have intelligence confirming coordination.”
He added that Hezbollah operates closely with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, describing the group as effectively a wing of Iran’s military influence in the region.
Israeli troops advance into southern Lebanon
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued their ground push into southern Lebanon as part of efforts to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure near Israel’s northern border.
The UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL reported that Israeli troops had advanced into several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including Kfar Kila, Houla, Kfar Shouba, Yaroun, and Khiam. Among these locations, Khiam is considered one of the deepest points reached by Israeli forces so far, situated about six kilometers from the Israeli border. The development highlights the expanding ground operation as Israeli troops move further into the region.
The Israeli military said its forces include infantry, armored units, and combat engineering troops, operating under multiple regional divisions deployed across southern Lebanon.
First claims of direct clashes
Hezbollah claimed its fighters engaged in “direct combat” with Israeli troops in the town of Khiam.
In a statement, the group said its fighters detonated an explosive device against an advancing Israeli unit and targeted an Israeli Merkava tank near Houla.
The IDF confirmed that two Israeli soldiers were wounded during fighting in Lebanon and transported to hospital in moderate condition.
Evacuation warning for civilians
As fighting intensified, the Israeli military issued urgent evacuation warnings to civilians in southern Lebanon, advising residents to move north of the Litani River.
Army spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee said the move was intended to protect civilians from ongoing combat operations against Hezbollah forces.
“The activities of Hezbollah compel the IDF to act with force,” he said. “For your safety, residents must evacuate north of the Litani River.”
Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut targets
Earlier in the day, the Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes in Beirut, targeting what the military described as underground Hezbollah weapons depots, command centers, and intelligence facilities.
Evacuation warnings were issued before the strikes.
Lebanese officials said at least 72 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the latest round of fighting began. More than 83,000 residents have been displaced, though authorities did not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties.
Iran warns over embassy threats
Tensions rose further after Iran warned Israel against targeting its embassy in Beirut.
Tehran said that any attack on its diplomatic mission would lead to retaliatory strikes against Israeli embassies worldwide.
The warning followed an Israeli statement earlier this week threatening Iranian officials operating in Lebanon, giving them 24 hours to leave the country or face potential targeting.
Lebanon moves against Hezbollah activity
The escalating conflict has also caused political tension inside Lebanon.
After Hezbollah entered the conflict, the Lebanese government banned the group’s military activities, and the Lebanese army began crackdowns on illegal weapons.
Officials said 27 people were arrested in the past two days for possessing weapons and ammunition illegally as part of emergency security measures.
Source: the Times Of Israel