Jerusalem: Israel launched airstrikes in Lebanon early Sunday morning, the military said, targeting positions of the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah.

In a statement, the Israeli military accused Hezbollah of “preparing to fire rockets and missiles toward Israeli territory.”

“In a self-defense action to eliminate these threats, the (Israeli military) is striking terrorist targets in Lebanon from which Hezbollah planned to launch its attacks against Israeli civilians,” said Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Hagari warned that Hezbollah would “soon fire rockets, and possibly missiles and” drones into Israel. Sirens began blaring in northern Israel shortly after the warning, with more sirens later sounding in the north.

Lebanese media reported strikes in the south of the country without immediately giving more details. Social media images showed what appeared to be strikes in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv began diverting incoming flights and delaying other flights on Sunday due to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.

Israeli media quoted the Israel Airports Authority for the news. Flight tracking data showed that at least two El Al flights veered far south and were diverted after the announcement.

In his statement, Hagari said: “We can see that Hezbollah is preparing for a large-scale attack on Israel, endangering Lebanese civilians.”

Hagari did not provide additional details about the intelligence he cited.