On March 2, Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, marking the first such attack since a ceasefire was established in November 2024. The militant group claimed the assault was retribution for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which occurred during a U.S.-Israeli operation in Iran on February 28.
Air raid sirens were activated in Haifa and surrounding areas, including Upper Galilee. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted one of the rockets, while the others landed in open fields, resulting in no reported injuries or damage.
Hezbollah stated that its target was an Israeli missile defense position south of Haifa. The group characterized the attack as a warning and demanded that Israel withdraw from five border posts in Lebanon that it has maintained despite the ceasefire agreement.
In response to the rocket fire, the IDF confirmed Hezbollah’s involvement and initiated strikes against the group’s positions throughout Lebanon. Reports from Lebanese media and Reuters indicated that at least one target was hit in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
“Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that is destroying the state of Lebanon; the responsibility for this escalation lies with them,” the IDF stated.
This incident marks Hezbollah’s first attack on Israel since the ceasefire in November 2024. During the Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025, the group refrained from intervening. Hezbollah leader Naeem Qassem had previously indicated in January that the organization would not remain neutral should the U.S. launch strikes against Iran.
The Lebanese government, which has been seeking to disarm Hezbollah, expressed its intent to prevent any involvement in the conflict following the initiation of military operations in Iran.
Israeli and U.S. Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted airstrikes on Tehran. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the commencement of a “major military operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine, stating that the operation’s goals included dismantling Iran’s missile industry and preventing global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones toward Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of the U.S. military actions against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving Iranians the opportunity to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and to ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks emanating from Iran.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). On March 1, the IRGC declared the initiation of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime against pursuing these plans, threatening a “very strong response.”
Hezbollah's recent rocket attack on northern Israel has escalated tensions following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader. In retaliation, the IDF has targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, signaling a potential increase in regional conflict.
Source: Times of Israel