Israel has launched fresh airstrikes on Lebanon following rocket and drone attacks by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, significantly widening the regional conflict linked to escalating tensions with Iran.

The Israeli military confirmed it targeted sites connected to Hezbollah after the group acknowledged launching missiles and drones toward Israel in what it described as retaliation for the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

According to Israeli officials, airstrikes hit Hezbollah controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, with more than a dozen explosions reported across the Lebanese capital. Israel said it also struck senior Hezbollah militants near Beirut and additional infrastructure in southern and eastern Lebanon.

The Israeli military warned that fighting with Hezbollah could continue for “many” more days, placing full responsibility for escalation on the militant group. Authorities also issued evacuation warnings to residents in dozens of villages in southern and eastern Lebanon, signaling the potential for expanded operations.

The latest strikes come as President Donald Trump indicated that the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian assets could continue for weeks, further raising fears of a prolonged regional confrontation.

Hezbollah, one of Tehran’s principal regional allies, has long maintained significant military capabilities along Israel’s northern border. Analysts warn that sustained clashes between Israel and Hezbollah could trigger a broader multi-front conflict involving additional actors across the Middle East.

International leaders have urged restraint amid mounting civilian concerns in Lebanon and northern Israel, as diplomatic efforts struggle to keep pace with the rapidly evolving security crisis.