Israel launched a barrage of airstrikes on Beirut early Monday, targeting Hezbollah positions in the Lebanese capital's southern suburbs following a missile and drone attack by the Iran-backed group on northern Israel.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the barrage, stating it targeted a military base near Haifa as retaliation for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran the previous day, along with nearly 40 senior Iranian leaders. The Israeli military reported intercepting one projectile that crossed the border, with others landing in open areas, and no injuries or damage from the attack.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces conducted strikes across Lebanon, including southern Beirut, several villages in the south, and the Bekaa Valley in the east. The military described the operations as vigorously targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and senior members, vowing not to allow the group to threaten Israeli civilians in the north. No casualties were immediately reported from the Israeli strikes.

Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem affirmed the group would confront U.S. and Israeli aggression, pledging to stand with Iran until victory and describing Khamenei's assassination as the height of crime. The group organized mourning gatherings in Beirut's southern suburbs. Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Hezbollah's actions as irresponsible, jeopardizing national security and providing Israel with pretexts for further aggression.

The exchanges mark an escalation in the ongoing regional conflict that intensified Sunday when U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iranian military and leadership targets, including Tehran, killing Khamenei in a coordinated operation. Hezbollah, significantly weakened since Israel's 2024 campaign that eliminated leader Hassan Nasrallah and much of its command structure, had largely abided by a November 2024 ceasefire with Israel, despite occasional violations.

Iran retaliated against the strikes with missiles targeting Israel and Gulf states, causing casualties, including 11 deaths in Israel and three in the UAE. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to avenge American losses and warned of escalated force. The violence risks further destabilizing Lebanon, already grappling with economic woes and political deadlock.