The chief of the general staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Herzi Halevi, has informed troops that strikes have been conducted to prepare for a possible entry into Lebanon and continue hitting Hezbollah. He emphasized the need to prepare for a military maneuver to return residents in the north safely.
The Israeli Air Force has reported hitting 280 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, while the Lebanese health minister confirmed at least 51 people have been killed in the strikes. As tensions rise, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has stressed the importance of diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Israel is calling up two reserve brigades to continue the fight against Hezbollah, as over 60,000 Israelis have evacuated due to ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the Israeli military is carrying out operations amid ongoing violence.
Over 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, with thousands seeking refuge in shelters. The situation has prompted an emergency appeal for aid from the UK for UNHCR. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a security cabinet meeting ahead of his trip to the UN General Assembly.
The US has expressed concern over a Hezbollah missile aimed at Tel Aviv, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself. The death toll in Lebanon has risen to nearly 600, with thousands wounded and tens of thousands displaced. The UK Prime Minister has urged Britons in Lebanon to leave immediately.
Despite the escalating violence, efforts are being made to de-escalate tensions diplomatically, with international organizations and leaders expressing concern over the situation. Israel and Hezbollah remain locked in conflict, with the region on high alert for further escalation.
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