Israel strikes near Sidon in serious Lebanon escalation

Israel on Monday launched at least two airstrikes on the town of Ghaziyeh, on the outskirts of Lebanon's southern city of Sidon, for the first time since the beginning of cross-border hostilities with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

One of the strikes hit a warehouse used to manufacture tires and generators. The other fell in the vicinity of a stone marble factory. Both caused heavy damage and fires, according to the Lebanese state-run National News Agency.

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing in the sky amid the sound of explosions.

The Israeli military confirmed the attack, saying its warplanes had targeted weapons depots belonging to Hezbollah near Sidon. Speaking at a press briefing, Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the strikes came in response to a drone that fell in an open field near Israel’s northern town of Arbel earlier on Monday.