JERUSALEM (VINnews) – The Israel Defense Forces said it killed dozens of Hezbollah operatives in overnight strikes on more than 80 targets across southern and eastern Lebanon, responding to repeated ceasefire violations by the terror group.

The military said the targets, hit since the previous night in the Nabatieh area and other parts of southern Lebanon, included Hezbollah command centers, rocket launchers and additional infrastructure. Early Friday, the IDF struck two manned Hezbollah command centers in the Beqaa Valley, eliminating dozens of terrorists operating inside, according to the army.

The strikes came after Hezbollah launched several rocket attacks on IDF troops in southern Lebanon overnight. In one incident, the military said it killed two Hezbollah operatives who fled the launch site on a motorcycle and destroyed the launcher in a follow-up strike.

Four IDF soldiers were killed and others wounded in the Hezbollah attacks, the military reported.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said the IDF will maintain its presence in southern Lebanon to protect northern Israeli communities.

“We will not allow harm to our soldiers and civilians, and every violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah will be met with great force,” Katz said in a statement.

“The IDF will remain in the security zone in Lebanon, from the coastline to the heights of the Beaufort, to protect the northern communities, thwart threats, and destroy terror infrastructure in the area, both below and above ground,” he added.

The exchanges mark the latest escalation despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.