The IDF on Monday afternoon confirmed the assassination of Hezbollah intelligence chief Hussein Maklad.
The IDF had announced that it precisely struck senior Hezbollah terrorists in Beirut and southern Lebanon in response to the terrorist organization launching projectiles towards Israel in the early morning hours on Monday.
According to IDF statements, Meklad was responsible for creating an intelligence picture using various intelligence collection tools to provide the Hezbollah terrorist organization with assessments about the IDF troops and the State of Israel. He also collaborated closely with senior Hezbollah commanders who were involved in planning and executing terror attacks against Israel and its citizens.
Prior to launching the retaliation strikes, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a projectile that crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanon. Several projectiles fell in open areas, and no injuries or damage were reported, the IDF stated.
This attack marked Hezbollah's first action against Israel's northern regions since 2024, officially joining the conflict alongside Iran.
Hezbollah launched the attack “on behalf of the Iranian regime,” the IDF asserted, adding that the military will actively operate against Hezbollah’s decision to join in the regime's campaign against Israel.
“The Hezbollah terrorist organization brings ruin to the State of Lebanon, and the IDF will forcefully respond to such actions,” the IDF stated.
The military additionally noted that troops were made ready for such Hezbollah strikes and a potential “all-fronts scenario” as part of their preparedness for Operation Roaring Lion.
Following the Hezbollah attack, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a situational assessment with the IDF General Staff and approved operational plans and instructions to continue offensive and defensive operations.
"Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight, and is fully responsible for any escalation," Zamir asserted, adding that "any enemy that threatens our security will pay a heavy price - we will not allow any harm to come to the people of Israel and our northern border”.
Lebanese Prime Minister decries Hezbollah attack
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam decried Hezbollah's attack as "an irresponsible and suspicious act that endangers Lebanon's security and safety" in a post on X/Twitter on Monday.
"We will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures," Salam asserted, warning that the Lebanese government "will take all necessary measures to stop the perpetrators and protect the Lebanese."