A Hezbollah drone is intercepted by Israeli air forces over northern Israel on August 25 (Photo: AFP)

Israeli fighter jets struck buildings and other sites belonging to Hezbollah in Mays al-Jabal, Khiam, Bint Jbeil, Tayr Harfa, Kafr Kila and other areas in southern Lebanon on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces said.

The airstrikes were launched a few hours after the Israeli military announced it had shot down several drones heading from Lebanese territory into northern Israel.

Iranian military chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri said Iran’s response to July 31 Israeli assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran is “inevitable.” In an official statement, Bagheri said Iran will decide how and when to stage an operation against Israel, while resistance forces in the region will retaliate separately, similar to the way Hezbollah attacked Israel on August 25.

Israel has so far neither denied nor confirmed its role in the assassination of the Hamas leader. However, Israeli officials have repeatedly affirmed that Israel is prepared for any retaliation from Iran and its allies.