'We'll destroy Lebanon if Hezbollah joins war'

ISRAEL has launched a bombardment of Lebanon and warned it would destroy the country if Hezbollah supported Hamas

- Giles Sheldrick

The first significant bombing sorties were carried out after the Daily Express told how the conflict could rapidly spread throughout the Middle East and beyond.

The rocket exchanges represent the most serious clashes outside Gaza since war was declared on Hamas after its murder spree on October 7.

Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi vowed the "destruction of Lebanon" if Hezbollah starts a second front.

Hezbollah, the Shi'ite Muslim militant "Party of God", wields political power in Lebanon and is backed by Iran.

Yesterday Israel evacuated 28 towns near the Lebanese border.

Sirens wailed over Tel Aviv, central Israel and Jerusalem as a barrage of rockets was fired from Gaza.

Israel's military declared on social media that Hamas "is a genocidal terrorist organisation" it vowed to "eliminate".

It posted harrowing pictures of communities obliterated by the terrorists. One said: "This was a family's home, full of life, love and laughter. Now, it stands in deafening silence."

Bloodbath

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Hamas thought we would be demolished. It is we who will demolish Hamas."