Rocket fire from southern Lebanon struck the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona on Thursday, resulting in significant damage as clashes along the northern border intensified. The attack came as the Iranian-sponsored militia, which was originally deployed to Syria, began bolstering the Hezbollah terror group.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the barrage, stating that it fired 12 rockets, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with multiple rounds of strikes on Hezbollah positions. The rocket sirens sounded in various northern communities throughout the evening, causing widespread panic and forcing many residents to evacuate.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported that two people were injured in the rocket fire on Kiryat Shmona. One individual, aged 25, sustained moderate injuries from shrapnel, while a 40-year-old was lightly injured due to the blast. Both were transported to Ziv Hospital in Safed for treatment.

The IDF retaliated by conducting airstrikes on military headquarters, rocket launching positions, weapons storage sites, and other infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, according to footage released by the army. In addition, the ground forces fired artillery shells towards the source of the rocket fire in the Mount Dov and Mount Hermon region.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacking 19 Israeli military sites along the Lebanon border in a simultaneous assault. The group stated that the attack was carried out using missiles, mortars, and other light arms. Hezbollah also claimed that two suicide drones were sent to Mount Dov, although Israel did not identify the alleged attackers.

The ongoing conflict has led to casualties on both sides. According to Hezbollah, 50 of its fighters have been killed since the outbreak of war on October 7. On the Israeli side, six soldiers have lost their lives, along with one civilian who was killed in a Hezbollah attack. Additionally, eight Palestinian gunmen and four Lebanese civilians, along with a journalist, have reportedly been killed in the exchanges.

The escalating clashes come ahead of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's anticipated speech on Israel's war with Hamas. Nasrallah's address will be closely watched for any indications of whether the terror group plans to open up a second front against Israel. The United States has already warned against such aggression and has deployed naval forces to the region as a deterrent to Iranian proxies.

The attacks from Lebanon thus far have remained limited in scope, with Israel issuing warnings of severe consequences should Hezbollah intensify its assault. In response to the recent developments, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee highlighted that Hezbollah is now receiving support from the Iranian-backed Imam Hussein Brigade, adding that any attempt to undermine Israeli sovereignty in the north will be met with a strong response.

As tensions continue to rise along the Lebanese-Israeli border, both sides are engaged in ongoing military operations and are closely monitoring each other's movements. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalations in the conflict.