The question now ringing through Israel is whether it helps win the war.There is broad agreement that the deadly sabotage of Hezbollah’s electronic communications was a short-term tactical success that sent its foe into disarray and incapacitated thousands of its fighters.

The strikes came hours after Hezbollah’s leader vowed that “retribution will come” to Israel for the explosions of Hezbollah members’ hand-held devices. At least 37 people were killed and more than 2,900 others injured in those explosions on Tuesday and yesterday. Here’s the latest.

The Israeli military said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday, shortly before the movement's leader was due to give a speech. It also said the military chief of staff had approved plans for Israel's north,