It is the first time the group has claimed a ballistic missile strike since its nearly year-long battle with Israel began against the backdrop of the war in Gaza.

Earlier Wednesday, Israel's army had said it intercepted a missile fired from Lebanon after sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.

"The Islamic Resistance launched a 'Qader 1' ballistic missile at 6:30 am (0330 GMT) on Wednesday, 25-9-2024, targeting the Mossad headquarters in the outskirts of Tel Aviv," Hezbollah said in a statement.

"This headquarters is responsible for the assassination of leaders and the explosion of pagers and wireless devices," it added, referring to attacks last week that killed scores in Lebanon including a top commander.

It also said the strike was carried out in support of the people of Gaza facing a brutal Israeli war and "in defence of Lebanon and its people".

Longtime foes Hezbollah and Israel have been locked in near-daily exchanges of cross-border fire since the war on Gaza erupted.

The focus of Israel's firepower has shifted sharply from Gaza to Lebanon in recent days.

The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 558 people on Monday -- the deadliest day of violence in the country since its 1975-90 civil war.

* This story was edited by Ahram Online.