Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group, launched more than 50 rockets towards Israel on Friday, escalating tensions in the region as Iran prepares its retaliation for the suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria. The attack by Hezbollah aimed at Israeli military artillery positions, according to reports from Hezbollah's Manar news agency.

Reports from Al Jazeera indicated that air interception rockets were detonated above border villages in southeast Lebanon in an attempt to intercept the incoming rockets. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed that several rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israel, with most being successfully intercepted. The remaining rockets fell in open spaces and caused no casualties, he added. Lebanese outlets reported that the total number of rockets fired exceeded 50.

Further reports from Al-Arabiya news channel suggested that Hezbollah targeted an Israeli military site in the Golan Heights. Lebanese media also reported that an Israeli aircraft was seen flying over Beirut.

The escalating situation comes in anticipation of Iran's response to the suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria. The strike, carried out on April 1, resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US President Joe Biden, speaking at a press conference, stated that he expects an attack on Israel by Iran "sooner rather than later." He emphasized the US commitment to supporting and defending Israel, stating that Iran will not succeed in its aggression.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and top Israeli security officials held a three-hour meeting to assess the security situation in light of Iran's threats. The Israeli security source emphasized that there is no need to panic and that there is sufficient time to prepare and intercept potential missile or drone attacks. They also highlighted the close cooperation between Israel and the United States in addressing the mounting tensions.

Meanwhile, US defense officials confirmed that additional military assets are being deployed to the region to bolster deterrence efforts and enhance force protection for US forces.

In response to the escalating situation, several countries including France, Canada, and Australia issued travel warnings to their citizens, advising against travel to Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and the Palestinian territories. German air carrier Lufthansa has also suspended flights to and from Tehran until at least Saturday.

As the situation remains fluid, developments will continue to be closely monitored and updated.