Israel targets Hezbollah sites near Baalbek with air strikes, first time since 2006 war with Lebanon

In a significant escalation, Israeli forces have launched airstrikes near Baalbek, east Lebanon, killing at least three and marking its deepest incursion into Lebanese territory since Israel started its relentless and genocidal war on Gaza.

It also marks the first time Israeli forces struck in eastern Lebanon since the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war.

Targeting a Hezbollah-linked truck convoy and a food warehouse, these strikes follow Hezbollah's claim of downing an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over southern Lebanon.

This incident raises alarms over potential full-scale war escalation. Despite potential ceasefire talks in Gaza, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant insists on continued operations against Hezbollah, suggesting a broader conflict scope.