By Yuliya Talmazan Israel carried out what it said was a “targeted strike” on the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday after Hezbollah unleashed an intense barrage of fire across the border following a wave of stunning attacks targeting the group’s communication devices.

Israel is attempting a risky strategy, increasing the intensity of its attacks in an attempt to force Hezbollah to back down, while raising the chances of an aggressive response that devolves into a land war.

The airstrike follows a deadly week of attacks that have intensified nearly a year of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah.