Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire - signalling an escalation in hostilities.

Israel says it pre-emptively destroyed thousands of rocket launchers across Southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah says it fired 320 rockets and drones at Israel - in the first phase of a retaliatory attack for the killing of its leaders.

Otago University Middle East expert Leon Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge Hezbollah had wanted to wait until a ceasefire was reached in Gaza before acting.

He says the group had been under a lot of pressure to do something over the assassinations.

He says they called the operation Arbaeen which is Arabic for 40 days. 

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire - signalling an escalation in hostilities.
Israel says it pre-emptively destroyed thousands of rocket launchers across Southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah says it fired 320 rockets and drones at Israel - in the first phase of a retaliatory attack for the killing of its leaders.
Otago University Middle East expert Leon Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge Hezbollah had wanted to wait until a ceasefire was reached in Gaza before acting.
He says the group had been under a lot of pressure to do something over the assassinations.
He says they called the operation Arbaeen which is Arabic for 40 days.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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