A day after Hamas launched its 7 October attacks on Israel, the Iranian-backed militant organization Hezbollah[39] joined the conflict in support of Hamas[40] by firing on Israeli towns like Safed and Nahariya,[39] and other Israeli positions.[41] Since then, Hezbollah and Israel have been involved in cross-border military exchanges that have displaced entire communities in Israel and Lebanon, with significant damage to buildings and land along the border. As of 5 July 2024, Israel reports having killed approximately 366 Hezbollah operatives. According to the United Nations, over 90,000 people in Lebanon have been forced to flee their homes, while in Israel 60,000 civilians have been evacuated.[42] Israel and Hezbollah have maintained their attacks at a level that causes significant harm without escalating into a full-scale war,[43] with Hezbollah saying it would not stop attacks against Israel until it stops its attacks in Gaza.[44]

Earlier on 17 September 2024, just a few hours before the explosions, the Security Cabinet of Israel established a new war objective: the safe return of displaced residents to the north. This goal was added to the two existing objectives—dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken during the 7 October attacks.[45][46] Israel's domestic security agency, Shin Bet, announced it had thwarted a Hezbollah plot to assassinate a former senior defense official using an explosive device.[47][48]