Israeli military strikes intensified overnight in southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties. At least 41 people were killed and 40 wounded in raids on the town of Nabi Chit and surrounding areas in the eastern Baalbek district, according to Lebanon's health ministry.
Three Lebanese soldiers were killed during an Israeli commando operation in Nabi Chit. Israeli forces reportedly landed in the town late Friday, leading to a gunfight with Hezbollah militants that lasted into Saturday morning.
Later, another six people, including four children, died in a separate Israeli strike on the town of Shmistar.
Israel confirmed striking Hezbollah targets, claiming to have eliminated commanders and hit military sites. The escalation follows Hezbollah's missile fire into Israel earlier in the week.
The Israeli military stated its special forces conducted an operation in Lebanon to gather intelligence on Ron Arad, an Israeli navigator missing for nearly 40 years, but reported no findings.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon of a "very heavy price" if it does not disarm Hezbollah. The United Nations urged both nations to negotiate an end to hostilities.