Israeli warplanes launched their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon late Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. This increase in hostilities comes amid calls from the US and UK for restraint and a diplomatic resolution.

The strikes were a response to earlier attacks attributed to Israel that resulted in the destruction of Hezbollah radios and pagers, killing 37 people and injuring around 3,000. Over two hours, Israeli jets targeted multiple rocket-launcher sites in southern Lebanon, claiming to have struck about 100 targets.

Read more: Hezbollah Vows Retaliation Against Israel After Deadly Pager Explosions in Lebanon

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the recent bombings, stating they “crossed all red lines” and could be considered war crimes. He accused Israel of exceeding all moral and legal boundaries, indicating a serious escalation in rhetoric.

As the conflict intensified, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced that military operations against Hezbollah would continue, emphasizing the need to ensure safety for Israeli communities near the northern border. He warned that Hezbollah would “pay an increasing price” for its actions.

Despite ongoing tensions and exchanges of fire, neither side has escalated the situation into a full-scale war. However, the threat of significant military action looms, with Hezbollah expressing hope for a potential confrontation if Israeli troops enter southern Lebanon.