Smoke rises from Israel airstrikes in southern Lebanon on September 16, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Israel's military said its jets, over two hours, struck hundreds of multiple-rocket-launcher barrels in southern Lebanon that were set to be fired immediately toward Israel.

The White House said a diplomatic solution was achievable and urgent, and Britain called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The US is "afraid and concerned about potential escalation," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told a briefing.

The intense barrage followed attacks earlier in the week attributed by Lebanon and Hezbollah to Israel that blew up Hezbollah radios and pagers, killing 37 people and wounding about 3,000 in Lebanon.

The bombardment included more than 52 strikes across southern Lebanon. There were no immediate reports of casualties.