Israeli warplanes carry out their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year of war, heightening the conflict between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

In short:

The US and UK have called for restraint after Israeli warplanes carried out their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year of war.

The head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, promised “just punishment” for Israel after pagers and walkie-talkies exploded across Lebanon this week.

What’s next?

Israel said it would keep up military action against Hezbollah to ensure " the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes", and that Hezbollah would “pay an increasing price” as time went on.