The IDF also refused to rule out a possible ground invasion of Lebanon, as it launched a series of extensive air strikes in the country’s southern region.

Israel’s air force carried out dozens of airstrikes early Monday on southern Lebanon, state media and the Israeli military said.

The attack came hours after Hezbollah fired 140 rockets at northern Israel and follows this week's deadly explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies carried by Hezbollah members.