Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed more "surprising blows" against Iranian-backed Hezbollah after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, foiling a planned massive attack on Israel.
## Article:
Israel Foils Hezbollah's Massive Rocket Barrage, Vows 'Surprising Blows'
### Netanyahu Vows 'Surprising Blows'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed more "surprising blows" against Iran-backed terrorist groups after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly struck launch sites in Lebanon just minutes before Hezbollah was planning to fire thousands of rockets into central Israel.
Israel Foils Hezbollah's Massive Rocket Barrage, Vows 'Surprising Blows'
"What happened today is not the end of the story. Hezbollah tried to attack the State of Israel with rockets and drones early in the morning," Netanyahu said at a government meeting in Tel Aviv Sunday morning. "We instructed the IDF to carry out a powerful pre-emptive strike to remove the threat."
### IDF Preemptive Strike Thwarts Hezbollah Attack
Israel Foils Hezbollah's Massive Rocket Barrage, Vows 'Surprising Blows'
The IDF destroyed thousands of short-range rockets, all intended to harm Israeli citizens and forces in Galilee, according to Netanyahu. The IDF also intercepted all the UAVs that Hezbollah launched for a strategic purpose in the center of the country.
"We are hitting Hezbollah with surprising blows…. Three weeks ago, we eliminated his chief of staff, and today, we foiled his attack plan," Netanyahu added.
Israel Foils Hezbollah's Massive Rocket Barrage, Vows 'Surprising Blows'
### Hezbollah Operations End
After an initial exchange, both Israel and Hezbollah announced they had only aimed at military targets, and that their operations had ended. Israeli Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said Hezbollah had intended to hit targets in northern and central Israel, but that initial assessments found "very little damage" in Israel.
Israel Foils Hezbollah's Massive Rocket Barrage, Vows 'Surprising Blows'
### Nasrallah Speech Awaited
Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is expected to give a speech later on Sunday. The Lebanese caretaker Economy Minister, Amin Salam, expressed optimism about a de-escalation following an emergency government meeting.
### US Support for Israel
US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III reiterated Israel's right to defend itself and the United States' unwavering support for Israel's defense against threats from Iran and its regional partners and proxies. The US has ordered two Carrier Strike Groups to remain in the region as a display of support.
### Egypt Brokers Ceasefire Talks
Egypt is hosting high-level talks aimed at brokering a cease-fire in the 10-month-old Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which diplomats hope will reduce regional tensions. US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. is expected to participate in the negotiations.
### Fox News Article Contributors
Fox News journalists Bradford Betz, Liz Friden, Yonat Friling, Lucas Tomlinson, and Kate Sprague, along with the Associated Press, contributed to this report.
