Israeli defense officials warn Hezbollah attacks expected to expand — diversion strategy for Iran

Israeli defense officials warned in an evening briefing with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz that Hezbollah is expected to significantly increase its rocket and drone attacks on Israel in the coming days. The warning comes as part of Hezbollah's strategy to draw Israeli attention away from the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran. Senior officials said Hezbollah is seeking to wear down northern Israel and the broader Israeli home front by launching larger daily volumes of missiles and UAVs — including at strategic facilities such as the IDF Home Front Command HQ in Ramle struck earlier today. Hezbollah and other terror groups are also clashing with the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon as part of this broader effort. On Iran's military capacity: Israeli defense officials assessed that Iran's missile and drone launches have declined compared to the beginning of the 10-day campaign, with signs of growing fatigue among military personnel. However, this is 'not yet expected to translate into a reduced threat to the Israeli home front in the coming days.' Senior officials: 'We are in a process that will take time. The destruction of launchers is continuing constantly — this is the top mission. However, a large number of launchers still remain on the ground, and the capability still exists, even if it has been significantly weakened.'