Hezbollah
UN reports Israeli tanks forced access into a base in south Lebanon
The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon claims Israeli tanks stormed one of its positions early Sunday morning. According to a statement from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), two Israel Defence Forces (IDF) tanks damaged the main gate of a station in Ramyah, near the Israeli border, and "forcibly entered the position" to request that its lights be turned off. About two hours later, it was reported that shots were fired close, causing smoke to infiltrate the camp and causing 15 peacekeepers to experience skin irritations and gastrointestinal issues.
Iranian supreme commander says missile attack on Israel ‘will be done again if necessary’
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers his first statement at Friday prayers in five years, following Iran's launch of at least 180 missiles toward Israel on Tuesday night. Iran's supreme leader has asserted that its missile attack on Israel was "fully legal and legitimate," warning that it will be repeated if necessary. In an unusual speech, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei characterized Hamas' strike on Israel on October 7 as a "legitimate" act, urging Tehran's allies to "double your efforts and capabilities" against a "common enemy".
Netanyahu receives stern Biden remarks on peace accord and electoral influence
Joe Biden had terse words for Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Friday, saying he didn't know if the Israeli prime minister was holding up a Middle East peace deal - where Israel is at war with Hamas in Gaza and on a military offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon - to influence the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election. "No administration has done more for Israel than I have. None. There are none. And I think Bibi should remember that," Biden remarked, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. He went further: "And whether he's trying to influence the election, I don't know - but I'm not counting on that."
Russian views of Israel-Iran escalation: chaos desirable, war terrible
Anna Levina, a Russian researcher and photographer-documentarian based in Beirut, has been stockpiling supplies in anticipation of Israel's assault on Lebanon, and she has had non-perishables in her kitchen since last October when Hezbollah and Israel began firing missiles at each other. "The feeling is, of course, unpleasant, but I've been waiting for this moment for a year," Levina said of Israel's major escalation of missile strikes on numerous sections of Lebanon, including Beirut, during the past two weeks, which has killed over 2,000 people. On Tuesday, Israel also announced the start of ground operations in southern Lebanon, where its forces have since clashed with Hezbollah fighters.
Israel Strikes Central Beirut as Hezbollah Resists in Southern Lebanon
Israel's military launched an overnight airstrike on central Beirut, killing at least nine people, following losses in its ground battle with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The strike hit a residential building in Bashoura, near the Lebanese parliament. Health officials confirmed 14 more people were injured, with four still hospitalized. This is the second Israeli attack on Beirut this week, with Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar TV reporting that the building targeted housed the group's health unit. The Islamic Health Authority, linked to Hezbollah, stated that seven of its staff, including two medics, were among those killed.
Iran Prepares for Israeli Strikes as Supreme Leader Calls for Western Withdrawal from Middle East
Iran is preparing for potential Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, urged Western nations to exit the Middle East. During a meeting with students and scientists on Wednesday, Khamenei made his first public appearance since ordering a high-risk missile strike on Israel, in retaliation for Israel's recent strikes on Hezbollah leadership. Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Tehran, lost its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an assassination last Friday.
Israel and Iran exchange threats, raising regional war risk
Israel and Iran have launched retaliatory threats against one other, raising long-held anxieties about the possibility of a regional war. Israel, with support from its US ally, has threatened to reply to Iran's massive missile attack late Tuesday. Iran has stated that any such reprisal will face an even "tougher" response. Meanwhile, Israel renewed its attacks on Lebanon on Wednesday, announcing that it will send more troops to carry out the ground offensive that began on Tuesday.
Israel may target Iranian oil plants in retaliation strikes
Israel may strike Iranian oil refineries in retaliation for Tuesday night's attack, in which Tehran launched an estimated 180 ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv and other locations across the country, dramatically escalating the situation between the two countries. According to the US website Axios, Israeli officials are considering a "significant retaliation" to the Iranian attack within the next few days, which may target Iranian oil production facilities and other vital targets. Israeli officials are said to be consulting with the United States on how to tailor their military reaction, which may push the Middle East closer to a regional war.
The U.S. is already at war
Iran launched a missile barrage at Israel yesterday in revenge for Israel's death of Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week and of Hamas' political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. United States President Joe Biden directed the US military to assist Israel in neutralizing the missiles - not that Israel does not already have multiple layers of ultra-sophisticated protection against incoming projectiles, allowing it to slaughter people left and right while suffering minimal damage in return.
IDF claims Iran launched missiles into Israel
Iran has launched missiles into Israel, according to the Israeli military. The attack, in retaliation for Israel's campaign against the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, represents a dramatic escalation in the conflict. Approximately 200 missiles were launched, according to Israeli army radio. Warning sirens rang out in Jerusalem just after 5.30 pm5.30 pm UK time, and explosions were heard.
Israeli Tanks Mobilize Near Lebanon Border Amid Plans to Expand Military Operations
Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant is reviewing plans to expand Israel's military offensive, as tanks and troops gather along the northern border with Lebanon. This buildup follows the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Friday. In a statement released on Saturday, Gallant's office confirmed that he was conducting an "operational situation assessment" focused on "expanding IDF (Israel Defence Forces) activities in the northern arena." Israeli tanks stationed near the border have heightened speculations that Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah is set to escalate further.
Netanyahu to Reject Ceasefire Calls, Vows to Fight Hezbollah ‘Until Victory’ in UN Address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to dismiss any hopes for a ceasefire in his upcoming United Nations speech, as Israel commits to continue its battle against Hezbollah militants "until victory." On Wednesday, Britain joined the United States, France, and other allies in proposing a 21-day ceasefire. Sir Keir Starmer, during his UN address, urged both sides to "step back from the brink." However, Netanyahu, upon arriving in New York last night, firmly rejected the truce proposal. He stated that Israeli forces would maintain their offensive against Hezbollah strongholds "with full force" and continue until Israel’s objectives are met.