Air raid sirens blared across northern Israel on Monday as multiple rocket barrages were launched from Lebanon, with Safed and the Sea of Galilee area in the Lower Galilee bearing the brunt of the rocket volleys, a day after massive salvos were fired on northern Israel. After massive barrages on the Upper Galilee and Sea of Galilee area, a massive volley was fired on the Jezreel Valley and Haifa regions, resulting in what appears to be several impact points in the Kiryat Tivon area just off Mount Carmel. No injuries were reported in those volleys, which continued into the late evening. The government later approved through a cabinet vote a measure that creates a special emergency-like situation in the home front, while the IDF announced that it had carried out a 'targeted strike' in the Lebanese capital Beirut, apparently against the terrorist group's no. 3 Ali Karaki. This was the most intense day of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah since the 2006 Second Lebanon War. According to a Lebanese military official, Karaki was eliminated in the strike, but other reports conflicted that.
Panic in southern Lebanon: Civilians rush to Beirut following IDF warning https://t.co/5k5PjnSnrq
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) September 23, 2024
Earlier, at noon, one direct hit was reported in the Givat Avni community and several people suffered minor wounds in the Golan Junction. Following the attacks in the north, an unprecedented rocket barrage was launched from Lebanon, targeting the Samaria region.
Video: The impact site in northern Israel following a Hezbollah barrage on Sept. 23 / Usage under Israeli intellectual property law section 27a
The barrages come following an intense week in which Israel managed to assassinate a key Hezbollah official and senior officials in a secret meeting of Hezbollah officials in the Dahiyah neighborhood of Beirut, and days after it allegedly managed to carry out a sophisticated attack using Hezbollah's own pagers, who detonated and killed dozens, and injured thousands.
The rocket attacks on Monday triggered alerts in the Upper and Lower Galilee, Safed, and areas surrounding the Sea of Galilee, prompting residents to seek shelter.
The Chief of the General Staff approves strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon from the IDF Headquarters Underground Operations Center. So far, more than 300 Hezbollah targets have been struck today. pic.twitter.com/hbNKWJ8QAs
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 23, 2024
This surge in hostilities comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dramatically intensified its strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, hitting hundreds of sites in a bid to neutralize threats to Israel's northern communities. Some 300 targets have been in Lebanon, the IDF said in a statement. Lebanon claimed that more than 180 people have been killed so far on Monday, with more than 700 injured.
Reported traffic jams in Lebanon due to the evacuation of residents https://t.co/QKzpfYU10r
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) September 23, 2024
IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari urged residents of Lebanon not to let the terrorist organization host missiles and weaponry in their homes, adding that they were putting themselves in danger and that the IDF was soon strike Hezbollah targets in the Bekka Valley, deep inside Lebanon. "Get out of your homes, for your own safety," Hagari said.
Video: The rocket barrage on the Safed area / Credit: Hani Asulin
This escalation in rocket fire comes amid a significant intensification of IDF operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Over the past two weeks, the IDF has struck approximately 1,000 targets, with a marked surge in activity over the weekend that saw about 700 additional sites bombed. On Monday morning alone, the IDF attacked 150 targets, including launch sites and launchers prepared to fire towards northern Israel.
Israel closes northern airspace for commercial traffic through the end of September https://t.co/IfHqpdEj70 https://t.co/MEszfMkfAS
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) September 23, 2024
The intensifying attacks have taken a toll on civilian areas. In Givat Avni, a home suffered a direct hit, though the residents sheltering in the safe room escaped unharmed. Near the Golani Junction, two individuals sustained minor injuries from shrapnel, and several others were treated for shock. A 59-year-old man was evacuated to the Poriya Medical Center with shrapnel wounds to his lower limbs.
This escalation in rocket fire comes amid a significant intensification of IDF operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Since early Monday morning, the IDF has been conducting extensive strikes across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley.
IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari exposing Hezbollah's way of firing missiles from civilian homes, and how the IDF plans on dismantling it: pic.twitter.com/smkfjv6VDh
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 23, 2024
Arab media sources indicated a new wave of evacuations from towns in southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese Health Ministry ordered hospitals to cease all non-essential operations in preparation for potential casualties.
Video: The aftermath of the attack on northern Israel
A senior Israeli security official confirmed growing concerns about rocket fire potentially reaching as far south as Haifa. "Home Front Command instructions are paramount right now," the official emphasized. "They can save lives, so it's crucial that people do not go out to take photos and remain in protected spaces after missile impacts."
In response to the escalating threat, Rambam Hospital in Haifa relocated patients to its underground fortified facility on Sunday. This marks the first time the subterranean hospital has been activated during a security escalation, highlighting the gravity of the current situation.
The IDF's intensified campaign aims to disrupt Hezbollah's capabilities and prevent potential large-scale attacks on Israeli civilians. IDF Spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee issued urgent warnings to residents of southern Lebanese villages, urging them to evacuate areas where Hezbollah is known to operate. "We are aware that Hezbollah encourages you to stay in your villages and homes, but we make it clear to you that the situation is dangerous," Adraee stated via social media.
For the first time Hezbollah fires on Samaria region, some 100 km from border https://t.co/IfHqpdEj70 https://t.co/MwHh34VzLp
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) September 23, 2024
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the strategic importance of the ongoing operations, stating, "We are deepening our strikes in Lebanon. This sequence of actions will continue until we achieve our goals – to return the residents of the north safely to their homes." Gallant stressed the critical role of civilian compliance with Home Front Command instructions in minimizing casualties.
Video: Lebanese head north during IDF activity / Credit: Social media
As tensions escalate, the Lebanese Ministry of Health has ordered hospitals to cease all non–essential operations, preparing for a potential influx of casualties from IDF strikes. Meanwhile, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reportedly directed its civilian staff and their families to evacuate to safe zones north of the Litani River, indicating growing international concern over the situation.
Live updates:
19:41 - For the third time today: IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari will make a statement at 20:25.
19:32 - Defense Minister Gallant in the IDF Operations Center: "In the last day, we are crushing what Hezbollah has built over twenty years. Nasrallah remains isolated at the top, entire units in the Radwan force have been taken out of action, and tens of thousands of rockets have been destroyed."
19:24 - Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: "The strategic importance of what we are doing today in Lebanon is much greater than the great achievement that will be, God willing, against Hezbollah. This activity changes the equation in the Middle East and destroys the main 'asset' that terrorist organizations had in the war against Israel in recent decades."
19:22 - Rocket barrage on Krayot: A 23-year-old man was moderately injured in Kiryat Bialik, another person lightly injured in Jadeidi-Makr.
19:15 - The government will approve a declaration of a "special situation in the home front" throughout the country.
19:13 - Pentagon: The US is sending additional reinforcements to the Middle East due to the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder did not specify the number of forces or their mission but noted that about 40,000 American soldiers are currently stationed in the area.
19:12 - Lebanese military source to Sky News Arabic: Ali Karaki was eliminated in an attack in Beirut.
19:03 - Sources told the Saudi channel Al-Hadath that Israel's target was the commander of Hezbollah's southern sector, Ali Karaki. The sources also said that Karaki was the replacement for Ibrahim Akil, who was eliminated on Friday.
18:59 - Sirens in many towns in the Krayot area.
18:57 - Sirens in Carmiel and Umm al-Fahm.
18:51 - Arab media reports six missiles fired at a neighborhood in southern Beirut's Dahieh district.
18:50 - The assassination attempt target in Beirut - Ali Karaki, commander of Hezbollah's southern front.
18:44 - Initial report: IDF carried out a targeted strike in Beirut.
18:43 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a direct address to the citizens of Lebanon (message in English urging them to take IDF warnings seriously and evacuate).
18:39 - About 15 launches identified in a barrage from Lebanon: about 5 launches fell in the Valleys area, 5 more in the Gulf and Carmel areas, and 5 more in the Valleys area.
18:28 - Lebanon reports distribution of leaflets in the Beqaa Valley area with instructions to stay away from houses with Hezbollah weapons for at least 1,000 meters.
18:19 - Home Front Command: No change in instructions for residents in Haifa and the North (details on gathering restrictions, beach closures, and educational activities).
18:16 - After they were supposed to return to activity in Israel tomorrow: Lufthansa Group cancels all flights to Israel until October 14.
18:05 - Sirens in the Yokneam area and Jezreel Valley.
18:04 - Lebanese Interior Minister: "We hope we won't become Gaza 2."
18:02 - Lebanese source reported to Reuters: "The number of dead is the highest since the civil war."
17:49 - Documentation of a fall in the Samaria area.
17:48 - Palestinian reports: One rocket fell on a house in Deir Istiya near the town of Salfit in Samaria.
17:47 - IDF spokesman reports multiple launches towards various areas in northern Israel, with some interceptions and impacts in open areas.
17:45 - Hezbollah announced that it fired dozens of Katyusha rockets towards the Ein Zeitim base.
17:42 - Lebanon: Hysteria and traffic jams as residents try to flee IDF attacks.
17:40 - Vehicle hit in Jadeidi-Makr.
17:36 - Lebanese Ministry of Health reports at least 274 dead and more than 1,000 injured in IDF attacks.
17:35 - Fall near Salfit in Samaria.
17:31 - UNIFIL: "Further escalation in Lebanon threatens devastating regional consequences."
17:29 - Impacts in Wadi Qana.
17:21 - Chairman of the State Camp MK Benny Gantz: The Israeli government and the security system have full backing in their mission to return the residents of the North safely to their homes (full statement provided).
17:19 - The sirens in Samaria - due to fire from Lebanon.
17:17 - Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a brief operational review on the expansion of IDF attacks against Hezbollah targets in the Air Force Command Center, together with the Prime Minister, the Chief of Staff, and the Air Force Commander.
17:14 - Unusually - sirens in Samaria: Peduel, Barkan, Ariel, and other settlements.
17:14 - Lebanese Interior Minister: "The southern areas are witnessing displacement as a result of the air strikes. The situation is currently very dangerous."
17:10 - Documentation of interceptions over Haifa Bay.
13:45: IDF Spokesperson: Regarding the alerts activated at 13:17 in the Hurfeish area and at 13:23 in the Beit Hillel area, these were false alarms.
13:44: Sky News Arabia reports from its sources on the elimination of Sheikh Ali Abu Raya - one of Hezbollah's senior officials.
13:39: [Video] Testimony of a Givat Avni resident whose house was hit by a rocket.
13:37: Northern Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Uri Gordin, held a situation assessment this morning in the Northern Command bunker with the commanders of the Fire Center operations room. The Fire Center Commander, Lt. Col. (Res.) Y. said: "After intense days full of attacks. Starting with the preemptive strike at the beginning of last month, we concentrated many efforts and resources to hit Hezbollah. These included weapons depots and dozens of launchers in various areas aimed at Israel. In recent days, we've stepped up. We increased our attack rate. Within a few hours, we attacked hundreds of targets. We continue to strike Hezbollah and will continue to do so."
13:38: The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least 50 fatalities in IDF strikes, and over 300 injured.
13:38: Magen David Adom spokesperson: Following the sirens in the north. MDA medics and paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating to the Northern Medical Center (Poriya), a 59-year-old man in mild condition, with shrapnel wounds to lower limbs, a 25-year-old man in mild condition who was injured on the way to a protected area, and 3 anxiety victims. No additional casualties were identified.
13:30: IDF Spokesperson: Following the alerts activated at 12:24 in the Amiad and Safed areas, about 25 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon, air defense fighters successfully intercepted several launches, impacts were identified in open areas and near the Amiad area. Regarding the alerts activated at 12:19 in the Elkosh area, details are being checked. Following the alerts activated at 12:43 in the Lower Galilee area, about ten launches were identified crossing from Lebanon, several impacts were identified.
13:30: Safed Municipality: In the last barrage to the north, interceptor fragments fell in the Nof Kinneret neighborhood of the city
13:23: Lebanese report: Four killed in a house strike in the Sidon area, five others trapped under the rubble
13:19: Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson: 7 firefighting teams from the Galil-Golan station, assisted by the Nature and Parks Authority, are operating at several open area fire sites in the Amiad area that broke out following rocket fire from Lebanon. Firefighters are working to contain the spread of the fire that is developing in the winds in the area.
13:18: Direct hit on a house in Givat Avni
13:05: Barrages to the north: 25 launches crossed from Lebanon, several impacts identified in open areas and near the Amiad area. MDA updates: A man about 50 years old was lightly injured and fully conscious due to shrapnel hits to his limbs. He was evacuated to the Northern Medical Center (Poriya).
13:01: Al-Arabiya channel reported on another wave of evacuees from towns in southern Lebanon
12:44: Air raid sirens activated in the Lower Galilee near Golani Junction
12:37: Lebanese Health Ministry mandates hospitals to cease all non-essential operations, prioritizing capacity for potential casualties from IDF strikes (Shachar Kleiman)
12:35: Latest northern barrage: Multiple impacts confirmed in open areas (Idan Avni)
12:32: IDF Spokesperson: Chief of Staff authorizes strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon from Kirya war room. Over 300 Hezbollah targets hit thus far
12:25: Sirens blare in Upper Galilee, Safed, and Sea of Galilee region
12:21: Alert sirens sound in Elkosh, Western Galilee
12:18: Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reports UNIFIL leadership orders all civilian staff and families to evacuate to safe zones north of Litani River (Shachar Kleiman)
11:59: IDF Spokesperson clarifies: 11:30 AM alerts in Gush Halav area confirmed as false alarm, triggered by extensive IDF operations in southern Lebanon (Idan Avni)
11:57: Al Mayadeen network reports 4 fatalities from recent hour's strikes in Lebanon
11:50: Lebanese sources: IDF executes 50 strikes across southern Lebanon within five-minute window
11:37: In wake of IDF announcements, Lebanese footage shows IDF warning residents via commandeered radio broadcasts: "Attention all southern Lebanon residents: Hezbollah's actions compel IDF to target military objectives. IDF aims to avoid civilian casualties. Immediate evacuation advised for those near Hezbollah facilities"
11:30: Sirens activate in Upper Galilee
11:14: Arab media report new wave of strikes in southern Lebanon, reaching Sidon's vicinity
11:09: IDF launches second strike wave in southern Lebanon
11:05: IDF Arabic Spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, issues critical warning via X platform: "We recognize Hezbollah's efforts to keep you in your homes and villages. However, we must stress the extreme danger of the situation. Civilian safety is our utmost priority. We strongly urge immediate area evacuation and distancing from potential military targets. Imminent attacks are planned; any delay in evacuation gravely endangers you and your families"
