India, March 2 -- Tensions in the wider Middle East conflict sharply escalated early Monday, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of military strikes against Hezbollah positions across Lebanon in response to projectiles fired toward northern Israeli territory.

According to official IDF statements reposted on X (formerly Twitter), the strikes were a direct response to projectile fire directed at northern Israel and intended to counter what the military described as Hezbollah's decision to enter the broader regional confrontation.

The IDF accused Hezbollah of acting on behalf of the Iranian regime, opening fire on Israeli civilians and contributing to instability in Lebanon itself.

"In response to projectile fire toward n...