The Israeli military launched “preemptive” strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, in response to a series of escalating attacks, as the Iran-backed militant group retaliated for the recent killing of one of its top commanders. The strikes, some of the most severe between Israel and Hezbollah in months of tension, saw the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deploy about 100 fighter jets to destroy Hezbollah rocket launchers in Lebanon. Hezbollah responded by launching hundreds of rockets and drones toward Israel. This comes amidst diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, as mediation talks resumed in Cairo aimed at negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The ongoing conflict has led to civilian casualties on both sides, including the deaths of two people in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation as regional tensions continue to rise.