Sa'ar: Hezbollah has fired over 800 missiles, drones at Israel

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated on March 9, 2026, that Hezbollah has launched over 800 rockets and drones at Israel since the escalation of hostilities, marking a significant increase in cross-border attacks despite a decline in Iranian ballistic missile launches. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that northern residents have increasingly sought shelter in bomb shelters due to the sustained barrage, with Hezbollah’s attacks intensifying since mid-February. While the pace of Iranian missile strikes dropped sharply after mid-March, Hezbollah has compensated by scaling up its asymmetric warfare capabilities, including short-range rockets and drones.

Sa’ar attributed the shift to Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon, which have disrupted Hezbollah’s supply lines and limited its ability to strike southern Israeli targets. However, the group has pivoted to launching smaller, harder-to-intercept projectiles, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing air defense systems like the Iron Dome. The IDF noted that while current attack rates remain below the peak levels seen in late 2024 (100–250 daily strikes), the trend suggests a potential for further escalation.

Economically, the conflict has exacerbated regional instability, with Sa’ar acknowledging rising fuel prices due to Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. He emphasized that such costs are an unavoidable consequence of military action but stressed that inaction could pose greater long-term risks. Investors are closely monitoring developments, as prolonged hostilities could disrupt trade routes and energy markets, particularly if Iran’s proxies expand their operations. The situation underscores the interplay between military strategy and economic resilience in the region.