Iran-Israel Conflict LIVE: Lebanon Reacts to Hezbollah Attacks

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has escalated further after Iran-aligned Hezbollah launched missiles and drones towards Israel from southern Lebanon. This significant expansion comes amid broader hostilities following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier in the week. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Hezbollah Fires Missiles Into Israel

On March 2, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired a barrage of missiles at Israeli positions near Haifa, marking a renewed offensive from Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces acknowledge intercepting some projectiles, though others reportedly struck open areas. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Hezbollah framed the attack as retaliation for recent strikes on Iran and to support the broader “axis of resistance”, but the move has alarmed regional capitals given the danger of expanding the conflict further. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Lebanese Leadership Condemns Escalation

While Hezbollah initiated attacks, Lebanese political leaders — including President Joseph Aoun — have publicly deplored actions that threaten Lebanon’s security and sovereignty. Aoun and other officials have emphasised that decisions about war and peace are matters for the Lebanese state, not external actors or militias. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Lebanon’s Prime Minister has also urged restraint, reiterating that the country should not be drawn into the wider Iran-Israel confrontation. Officials warned that Hezbollah’s involvement could invite Israeli counter-strikes, jeopardising the safety of Lebanese civilians. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Israel Responds With Airstrikes in Lebanon

In retaliation to Hezbollah’s missile fire, Israeli forces launched intensive airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other parts of Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and militants. Civilian areas were evacuated amid rising fears of full-scale escalation. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Regional Conflict Widens

The expansion of hostilities into Lebanon reflects a sharp intensification of the broader Middle East crisis. The U.S. and Israel have carried out extensive strikes in Iran, and Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Diplomats and analysts warn that continued escalation — especially involving multiple state and non-state actors — could threaten regional stability and draw neighbouring countries deeper into conflict.