Israel and Hezbollah escalate threats, vow fiercer cross-border strikes, leaders say 'we will fight them in ways they won't expect'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem announced on Sunday plans to intensify cross-border attacks, the New York Times reported. This move has raised concerns about a larger conflict.

Qassem said these attacks signal a new phase of warfare. "What happened last night is just the beginning," he stated at a funeral in Beirut for two Hezbollah commanders killed in an Israeli airstrike. "We will kill them and fight them from where they expect and from where they do not expect," he added.

Early Sunday, Hezbollah launched around 150 rockets, cruise missiles, and drones aimed at Israel. The Israeli military reported that most projectiles were intercepted, but one hit Kiryat Bialik, injuring at least four people.

In response, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, resulting in three deaths and four injuries, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The ministry also reported that the death toll from a Friday airstrike in Beirut had increased to 45.

Netanyahu emphasized Israel's determination to counter Hezbollah threats to facilitate the return of tens of thousands of displaced Israelis. More than 1,50,000 people from both sides have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.

The UN is monitoring the situation closely and has raised serious concerns. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN’s special coordinator for Lebanon, cautioned, “It cannot be overstated enough: There is NO military solution that will make either side safer.”

Israel has not claimed responsibility for a recent attack involving exploding booby-trapped devices across Lebanon that resulted in numerous casualties.