By BBC News World
Israel has launched airstrikes in Lebanon and imposed restrictions on gatherings in the city of Haifa and other northern areas as it continues to attack targets linked to the Hezbollah militia in the neighboring country.
Dozens of fighter jets began “extensive” attacks on southern Lebanon “after detecting Hezbollah preparing to fire into Israeli territory,” said Israeli army spokesman Vice Admiral Daniel Hagari.
The latest Israeli offensive comes a day after an airstrike in Beirut that Israel said killed a dozen senior leaders of the Shiite militia Hezbollah. The Lebanese government said 37 people, including three children, were killed.
In response to the escalation, the US government has urged its citizens in the region to leave “through commercial options while they are still available.”
On Friday, Israeli and Hezbollah forces continued to exchange fire on both sides of the border.
Before the Israeli strikes began in the evening, the army said it had destroyed “around 180 sites and thousands of barrels” used in rocket launches.
Hezbollah also said that more than 90 rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Israeli territory. Hezbollah, for its part, claimed to have attacked 11 Israeli military positions throughout the day.
On Saturday night, Hezbollah reported firing dozens of rockets toward the Ramat David airbase in northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes.
“Leaving Lebanon
Saturday’s fighting is a continuation of the escalation that has taken place in recent days.
Earlier this week, 39 people died and thousands were injured after searchers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollahthe Iranian-backed militia and political group, will explode for two days in Lebanon.
On Thursday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah blamed Israel for the attacks, saying it had crossed “all red lines.” He promised “just punishment” for his enemy.
Israel has not taken responsibility.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk said the blasts violated international humanitarian law.