Clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants persisted on Friday, exacerbating tensions following a deadly strike on Tuesday that claimed the life of Hamas's number two, Saleh al-Arouri, in a Hezbollah stronghold in south Beirut.

Israeli warplanes targeted the outskirts of Majdalzoun and Mhaibib, two southern towns, and an area near a Lebanese army position in Aita al-Shaab with airstrikes. Meanwhile, shells landed in the border towns of Houla, Tayr Harfa, al-Jebbayn, Rashaya al-Foukhar, Fardis, al-Bustan, and Yarin.

The situation has raised concerns that Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza could spread further across the region. Recent strikes in Iraq and deadly bombings in Iran on Wednesday and Thursday, along with al-Arouri's assassination, have contributed to escalating tensions.

A day after al-Arouri's death in a Beirut airstrike attributed to Israel, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for two bomb explosions in Iran. The blasts occurred during the country's commemoration of Revolutionary Guards general Qasem Soleimani's death four years ago in a US strike, resulting in the loss of at least 84 lives.

Additionally, a US strike in Baghdad killed a pro-Iran military commander from Al-Hashed al-Shaabi, further adding to the volatile situation in the region.

The violence along the Israel-Lebanon border has intensified since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The situation has led to the deaths of 175 individuals in Lebanon, including 129 Hezbollah fighters and over 20 civilians, including three journalists, as reported by AFP. In northern Israel, nine soldiers and five civilians have been killed, according to Israeli authorities.

On Wednesday, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah vowed to avenge the killing of al-Arouri, stating that it would not go unanswered. Nasrallah is expected to address the situation further in a speech scheduled for Friday at 14:30 p.m.