Israeli military chiefs ordered the unprecedented bombardment in the early hours as 100 war planes were scrambled after plans of "a significant attack" on its territory were uncovered.
The airborne missions targeted thousands of rocket launchers across 40 sites in what Israel described as "an act of self-defence".
Despite the pre-emptive strikes, Iran-backed Hezbollah said it had launched hundreds of rockets and drones as part of "phase one" of a major attack on Israel.
The militant group said its attack on enemy positions was an "initial response" to the assassination of one of its founders and top commanders.
Fuad Shukr, described as "the righthand man" of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Beirut last month.
The offensives were the latest escalation of hostilities in the region after Hamas's deadly attack in southern Israel on October 7 last year.
Denne historien er fra August 26, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 26, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE ART OF WAR
Boss lauds 'ugly' derby win after sleepless nights blight build-up
CLOCK-WISE
Newcastle wake up in time to stun dominant Wolves
Vu's late burst ends brave European rally
LILIA GETS AMERICANS OVER LINE
'Miracle' Triple Layer Insoles stopped my husband's knee and foot paint!
They also turned him from a grumpy old grouch to being active, pain-free and happy again! And got my life back too!
Why teens are hooked on Friends 20 years on
The one where a new generation of fans is devoted to the hit TV show three decades after it first aired... Debbi Marco takes her children to an immersive experience bringing the iconic TV sitcom back to life
FINAL JOURNEY OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR
In the final extract from his impossibly moving new book, RAF veteran John Nichol reveals how the remains of ONE anonymous fallen serviceman were chosen to represent ALL of Britain's First World War missing
Space billionaire returns to Earth with a splash
THE first non-astronaut to walk in space landed back on Earth yesterday after an epic five-day trip.
'I feel I'm having one of the greatest decades of my life'
DAVINA McCall is relishing fulfilling lifelong her 50s career ambitions, scooping an MBE and finding happiness with partner Michael Douglas.
Putin hands Iran nuclear secrets in return for ballistic missiles
FEARS were growing in the West last night that Russia gave Iran nuclear secrets in return for ballistic missiles to use in its bombardment of Ukraine.
William wishes Harry a happy 40th birthday
KATE and William sent greetings to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday yesterday as they followed the lead of the King.
