Israeli warplanes conducted strikes in Lebanon's eastern Beqaa Valley, marking the first time targets in the region have been hit since the Gaza war began. The Israel Defense Forces retaliated after a surface-to-air missile was launched at Israel from Lebanon, targeting sites used by Hezbollah near the village of Buday, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia militia and political party in Lebanon supporting Hamas, is known to have a strong presence in the Beqaa Valley. The strikes in the vicinity of Baalbek, home to UNESCO World Heritage site ancient Roman ruins, indicate a broadening of Israel's campaign beyond the southern border between Israel and Lebanon.

Tensions have been rising as the conflict in Gaza escalates, with Western countries, including France, warning against further hostilities in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Israel would continue targeting Hezbollah independently from potential cease-fire negotiations with Hamas in Gaza.

The recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon highlight the complex dynamics and potential for regional escalation as conflicts unfold in the Middle East.