The Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah has begun targeting major
Israeli cities.
Hizbullah has fired extended-range Katyusha rockets toward the Israeli
city of Haifa, Middle East Newsline reported. Haifa is Israel's third largest city and contains a chemical
plant and naval port.
"The Islamic Resistance announces it will bombard Haifa and its
surroundings if Beirut or its southern suburb come under any direct
aggression," Hizbullah said hours before its initial strike on Thursday.
Two Iranian-origin Fajr rockets landed in western Haifa in the first
enemy strike on the city since Iraq launched extended-range Scud missiles in
1991. An Israeli was reported to have been lightly injured in an attack for
which Hizbullah denied reponsibility.
About two hours later, Israel warplanes attacked Hizbullah strongholds
in southern Beirut. The jets also struck the Beirut-Damascus highway and the
road was closed.
The combat planes dropped leaflets that urged Beirut residents to remain
in their homes. Hizbullah operatives were said to have begun fleeing the
area.
In all, the Israel Air Force conducted more than 100 bombing sorties in
Lebanon. The operations damaged Beirut International Airport and sought to
sever Lebanon's air, sea and ground links to the rest of the world. Lebanon
said more than 60 people have been killed.
Hizbullah has fired extended-range Katyusha rockets toward several
military bases, including Northern Command. Two Israelis were killed and 100
injured in Hizbullah rocket salvos throughout northern Israel.
In all, Hizbullah fired more than 150 rockets toward Israel on Thursday
and Friday. Hizbullah was said to have accumulated more than 15,000 missiles
and rockets in southern Lebanon.
"Over the next few days, we will limit this threat altogether," Maj.
Gen. Udi Adam, chief of the military's Northern Command, said.