On Sunday morning, Israel Defense Forces launched a series of attacks against Hezbollah targets to preempt missile and rocket attacks aimed at Israel. 

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Sunday morning that it has "proactively and broadly" begun striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon to eliminate threats against Israel.

This comes after the IDF detected Hezbollah preparations to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory.

"We are removing threats against the Israeli home front," IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said at a press briefing. "Dozens of [Israeli Air Force] jets are currently striking targets in various locations in southern Lebanon. We are continuing to remove threats, and to intensively strike against the Hezbollah terrorist organization."

"Hezbollah is launching rockets and UAVs toward Israeli territory," he continued. "Our aerial defense systems, the Israeli Navy’s ships and IAF planes are taking part in the mission of defending Israel’s skies, identifying and intercepting threats, and striking any place in Lebanon that is required in order to remove threats and hit Hezbollah."

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Following the announcement Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin shared a statement on Twitter/X regarding U.S. support of Israel's defense. 

I called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday to discuss Israel’s defense against Lebanese Hizballah attacks. I reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s defense against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies.

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) August 25, 2024

I called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday to discuss Israel’s defense against Lebanese Hizballah attacks.  I reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s defense against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies.

Gallant also issued a statement on Twittter/X confirming their discussion:

Conducted a joint situation assessment and spoke with @SecDef Austin about the precise strikes that the IDF has conducted in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel. We will use all the means at our disposal to defend Israel.

Discussed the…

— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 25, 2024

Conducted a joint situation assessment and spoke with @SecDef Austin about the precise strikes that the IDF has conducted in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel. We will use all the means at our disposal to defend Israel. 

Discussed the importance of avoiding regional escalation and working together to ensure Israel’s defense as well as regional stability. Thank you to Secretary Austin and U.S. leadership for standing with Israel.

The announcement comes as President Joe Biden wraps up his post-DNC vacation in Santa Ynez, California, to head back to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Vice President Kamala Harris is back in Washington, D.C., post-convention. Neither has issued a statement regarding the latest developments.