Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: IDF orders evacuations in Beirut as huge blast hits city

Recent airstrikes in southern Beirut targeted "munitions production sites and other terrorist infrastructures," according to an Israel Defense Forces statement published on Wednesday morning.

"Fighter jets of the air force, under the precise intelligence guidance of the intelligence division, carried out a series of targeted attacks in recent days throughout Beirut," the IDF wrote.

Beirut -- and particularly its southern suburb of Dahiya -- has faced intense airstrikes in recent days as Israeli warplanes target what the IDF says are a variety of Hezbollah-associated targets.

The southern suburbs were also the site of the airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Sept. 27.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said Iran will "pay a significant and heavy price" for Tuesday's ballistic missile attack.

"With our military capabilities, our defense industries, the support of our allies and in particular the strength of our incredible people -- we know that even when the cost is high, we will win," Lapid wrote on X.

"Tehran knows that Israel is coming," he added. "The response needs to be tough and it should send an unequivocal message to the terror axis in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza and in Iran itself."

"Alongside that response, we need to develop a coherent regional strategy which translates military successes into a strategic victory, into change in the region. And we must not forget, not even for a moment, the urgent need to bring our hostages home."

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has called on Iran to "halt any further attacks" following its missile strike on Israel.

"U.S. forces in the Middle East intercepted multiple missiles launched by Iran toward Israel, as we fulfilled our commitment to partner with Israel in its defense. We condemn this outrageous act of aggression by Iran, and we call on Iran to halt any further attacks, including from its proxy terrorist groups," Austin said in his statement. "We will never hesitate to protect our forces and interests in the Middle East, and to support the defense of Israel and our partners in the region."

Austin said he is "deeply proud" of the U.S. troops involved in helping save lives by intercepting missiles launched at Israel.

"Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the Middle East, and the Department maintains significant capability to defend our people, provide further support for Israel’s self-defense, and deter further escalation," Austin added. "I will continue to monitor the situation closely and to consult with our allies and partners."

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

The Israel Defense Forces just issued more evacuation orders for communities south of Beirut early Wednesday local time.

The orders come after the IDF said it was conducting strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.