JERUSALEM — The Israeli army announced early Sunday that it launched strikes on southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s preparations for a large-scale assault on Israel.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that missiles and rockets were launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory shortly before the announcement, triggering sirens across the affected areas in Israel.

Hagari emphasized that Hezbollah was planning an imminent and broader attack, prompting the Israeli military to start targeting Hezbollah positions in retaliation.

He urged residents living south of the Litani River in Lebanon to evacuate immediately, warning that Israel is determined to neutralize any threats against it.

Additionally, Israeli Army Radio reported that Israeli fighter jets have so far struck 40 targets in southern Lebanon.

The Israel Airports Authority also announced that, due to the security situation, departing flights at Ben Gurion Airport are delayed and will not take off in the next few hours. The authority advised travelers to check with their airlines for updates on schedule changes.

On the previous night, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting two Israeli military zones and soldiers near the southern border with two kamikaze drones. In two separate statements, Hezbollah also reported that 10 locations in northern Israel were hit. — Agencies