Israeli Strikes Kill 10+ in Lebanon on Feb 20, 2026, Hezbollah Vows Retaliation

At least 10 people were killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon on February 20, 2026. This is a serious increase in fighting.
By Newsroom | World News, Middle East |

Recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon have resulted in significant loss of life, with reports indicating at least 10 fatalities. The strikes, which occurred on Friday, February 20, 2026, impacted different regions of Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley in the east and a Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon in the south. These events have escalated tensions, with Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, vowing retaliation.

Events of Friday, February 20, 2026

Reports from Lebanese state media and health ministries detail a series of Israeli strikes on Friday.

At least 10 killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon - state media - 1

  • In the Bekaa Valley, multiple airstrikes reportedly killed at least 10 people and wounded dozens. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) stated that three strikes hit the Shaara area.

  • A separate strike targeted a Palestinian refugee camp in Ain al-Hilweh, near Sidon, resulting in two deaths.

  • The Israeli military confirmed striking Hezbollah command centers in the Baalbek area of the Bekaa Valley.

  • Israel also stated it targeted a Hamas command center within the Ain al-Hilweh camp.

These actions follow an earlier period of exchanges, including a Lebanese strike that killed an Israeli soldier and Israeli strikes in other Lebanese towns.

Key Individuals and Groups Involved

  • Hezbollah: This Shia Muslim political and military group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for some cross-border strikes. A senior Hezbollah official, identified as Hussein Yaghi, son of a former Hezbollah MP, was reported killed in the Bekaa Valley strike.

  • Israel Defense Forces (IDF): The Israeli military stated its strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, launch posts, and command centers, as well as a Hamas command center.

  • Lebanese State Media and Health Ministry: These sources have provided casualty figures and information about the locations of the strikes.

  • Palestinian Refugee Camps: The Ain al-Hilweh camp was a site of one of the reported strikes.

Reported Casualties and Wounding

The number of deceased varies slightly across reports:

At least 10 killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon - state media - 2

  • At least 10 people killed in Bekaa Valley (state media, health ministry).

  • At least 12 people killed across Lebanon (Lebanese media).

  • 2 people killed in the Ain al-Hilweh camp strike (Lebanese media).

In addition to fatalities, at least 24 to 30 individuals were reported wounded, including three children in the Bekaa Valley strikes.

Israeli Military Justification

The IDF stated its operations were aimed at dismantling Hezbollah and Hamas operations.

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  • Strikes in the Bekaa Valley targeted Hezbollah command centers.

  • The strike in Ain al-Hilweh camp targeted a Hamas command center.

  • The military also noted striking Hezbollah infrastructure and launch posts.

Hezbollah's Response

Following the strikes, Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate, indicating an ongoing cycle of conflict. The group has also claimed responsibility for strikes against Israeli posts along the border in the days preceding these events.

Expert Analysis and Context

  • The events represent a significant escalation, particularly given the reported casualties and the targeting of senior figures and command centers.

  • The simultaneous targeting of both Hezbollah and Hamas facilities suggests a coordinated effort by Israeli forces to disrupt militant activities emanating from Lebanon.

  • The mention of fragile stability within Palestinian refugee camps highlights the potential for wider humanitarian concerns.

Conclusion and Implications

The Israeli strikes on Friday, February 20, 2026, have resulted in a confirmed death toll of at least 10 individuals, with reports suggesting up to 12 fatalities, and a substantial number of wounded. These actions have intensified the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with the latter promising retribution. The targeting of both Hezbollah and Hamas command structures indicates a strategic objective by the Israeli military to degrade the capabilities of these groups operating from Lebanese territory. The continued escalation raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further violent exchanges.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people died in Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Friday, February 20, 2026?
At least 10 people were killed in the Bekaa Valley. Some reports say up to 12 people died in total across Lebanon. Many others were hurt.
Q: Where did the Israeli strikes happen in Lebanon on February 20, 2026?
The strikes hit the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and a Palestinian refugee camp called Ain al-Hilweh near Sidon in the south.
Q: Why did Israel say it attacked Lebanon on February 20, 2026?
Israel stated it was targeting command centers and launch sites used by Hezbollah and Hamas. They said these groups were planning attacks from Lebanon.
Q: What did Hezbollah say after the Israeli attacks on February 20, 2026?
Hezbollah promised to get revenge for the attacks. They said they would fight back against Israel.
Q: What does this mean for the future of the conflict?
These attacks have made the fighting worse. Hezbollah's promise to retaliate means more fighting is likely to happen soon between them and Israel.