Israeli artillery and airstrikes hit multiple locations across southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah responded with rockets and drone attacks targeting northern Israel, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict.

The town of Khiyam bore the brunt of the shelling, with Israeli warplanes flying at extremely low altitude over the eastern sector. Airstrikes also targeted the Al-Fayalat area in Khiyam and struck the nearby town of Yater, while artillery fire hit Siddiqine, Jabal al-Botm, Zibqin, and Kafra. In the coastal town of Burj Rahhal, a residential house was destroyed.

Further airstrikes were reported along the Dardara–Khiyam road east of Tal Marjeyoun and in the Al-Jalahiyeh area of Khiyam, with a second raid targeting the town of Debbin.

At dawn, Israeli artillery also struck a string of towns, including the outskirts of Shaqra, Wadi al-Slouqi, Mansouri, Majdal Zoun, Wadi al-Hamra, Hamoul, and the area surrounding Qalaat Dbayeh, expanding the scope of the bombardment.

The Health Ministry’s Emergency Operations Center reported that an airstrike on the town of Ramadiyeh in the Tyre district killed four civilians and injured three others.

Israeli ground forces advancing into border towns including Naqoura, Al-Bayadiyah, Debbin, and other villages carried out widespread demolitions overnight and at dawn. Homes, farms, and infrastructure were destroyed, with some properties set on fire and roads leveled. In Naqoura, the central square was reduced to rubble, and nearby commercial shops were burned, including buildings close to the UNIFIL headquarters. In Debbin, several homes and farms on the town’s outskirts were destroyed and set ablaze.

Troops occupying frontline villages have systematically demolished and burned houses, particularly in western and central sectors, as part of their expanding ground operations.

On the Israeli side, local media reported rocket fire from Lebanon. Two people were wounded in Kiryat Shmona after rockets struck the town. Israel’s army radio said roughly 35 rockets were fired overnight, most of which were intercepted. Channel 12 reported one rocket landing in a nearby town in the Upper Galilee, citing sources who said more than 30 rockets were launched toward Kiryat Shmona and surrounding areas.

Hezbollah said its fighters carried out drone and rocket attacks targeting northern Israel on Thursday. In separate statements, the Iran-backed group claimed to have targeted Israeli troops along the border and launched a drone strike on a village. Israel’s Home Front Command reported that air raid sirens were activated in affected areas, although no casualties or damage were immediately reported.

Additionally, the Walla news website, citing military sources, reported that the Israeli army has begun demolishing homes in Lebanese villages along the frontline border.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Israeli army said more than 40 Hezbollah operatives were killed and dozens of the group’s sites in Lebanon were struck over the past 24 hours.

The Israeli Air Force reportedly targeted Hezbollah command centers, weapons depots, rocket launchers, and anti-tank missile positions. The military added that the Israeli Navy also hit a Hezbollah weapons depot in southern Lebanon.

On the ground, Israeli army said that troops continued operations in the south. Soldiers from the 91st “Galilee” Regional Division reportedly identified a cell of Hezbollah operatives, prompting a precision strike. Meanwhile, the 36th Division targeted three armed militants riding motorcycles, killing around 10 additional fighters, the military said.

The Israeli army also reported that the 146th and 162nd divisions located numerous weapons caches and destroyed dozens of Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon over the past day.