Hezbollah launches ballistic missile strike at Tel Aviv for first time

Israel's Arrow anti-ballistic missile system was activated in Tel Aviv early Wednesday, sending residents in the city to shelters.

"In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, in backing its courageous and honorable resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance launched a 'Qader 1' ballistic missile on Wednesday, at 6:30 a.m., targeting the Mossad headquarters in the suburbs of Tel Aviv," Hezbollah said in a statement.

"This headquarters is responsible for the assassination of leaders and the detonation of pagers and radio devices," he added.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by Hamas.

The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed at least 41,467 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs.

Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts.