The “Israeli” military said its air force struck on Saturday thousands of rocket launchers in southern Lebanon that posed an "immediate" threat, as fears grew of all-out war with Lebanese group Hezbollah.

 

“Israeli” aircraft "struck thousands of launcher barrels that were ready for immediate use to fire toward Israeli territory" as well as "approximately 180" other, unspecified targets – according to a statement.

 

“The IDF will continue operating to dismantle and degrade Hezbollah's capabilities and terror infrastructure,” the statement added.

 

Read more: “Israel” claims Hezbollah’s killed top commanders planned invasion of Galilee

 

Major General Tomer Bar, the chief of the “Israeli” Air Force said they are on the highest possible alert level.

 

“We are continuing to maintain the highest possible level of readiness in the Air Force. Especially in defense, but this has been for a while, and in the offense,” Bar said during a meeting with IAF commanders.

 

“We placed all the Air Force’s capabilities… on the shelf. Everything is ready. Now, in accordance with the developments, we are taking the plans that are most suitable for the context,” he added.