Israel has warned Lebanon of 'disastrous' consequences if it does not disarm the armed group Hezbollah, as Israeli forces intensified air strikes across the country and carried out a rare airborne raid in the eastern Bekaa Valley. The escalation began after Hezbollah fired into Israel earlier in the week, drawing a broad Israeli military response that has killed nearly 300 people in Lebanon and displaced hundreds of thousands.

Heavy bombardment struck Beirut's southern suburbs and the town of Nabi Chit, leaving widespread destruction. Lebanon's Health Ministry said dozens were killed in the east in the past day alone, including members of the Lebanese army. Israeli leaders said the Lebanese government must enforce a previous agreement to remove Hezbollah's weapons or face severe repercussions.

Israel said its operations aim to eliminate threats from Lebanon and confirmed troops briefly entered the Bekaa Valley in a mission related to a long-missing Israeli air force navigator. Hezbollah said it fired on the troops, who later withdrew. Meanwhile, air raid sirens in Israel sent residents into shelters amid incoming rockets and drones.

The fighting has displaced around 300,000 people in Lebanon, with evacuation orders covering large areas of the country. More than 150 Iranian nationals, including diplomats and their families, left Beirut amid the escalating violence. The United Nations warned the conflict could worsen and urged urgent talks to halt the hostilities.