"The Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, told troops to be ready for 'many days of intense fighting,' announcing the launch of an 'offensive campaign' against Hezbollah in Lebanon. "We're not just in defence; we now want to go on the attack," he stated. "Strong defensive measures are needed, along with continuous offensive preparation, now happening in waves all the time. And, of course, constantly seizing opportunities." The IDF issued urgent evacuation warnings for approximately 55 villages and towns in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley early on Monday. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched airstrikes across the country, focusing on the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and southern regions near Tyre. Israel announced that its forces began striking targets in Lebanon after Hezbollah launched a barrage of drones and rockets targeting the Mishmar HaCarmel missile defense site south of Haifa. The IDF said that it intercepted at least one projectile, while others landed in open areas. No casualties have been reported. According to Hezbollah, the assault was in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and was carried out "in defence of Lebanon and its people." Iranian state television had earlier confirmed that Khamenei was killed in strikes carried out on Saturday. The Supreme Leader, who had ruled since 1989, held ultimate authority over Iran's political, military and religious institutions. Iranian officials warned that Khamenei's killing would mark a turning point, with the Revolutionary Guard vowing retaliation and declaring that "this great crime will not go unpunished.""