Israeli airstrikes continued in Lebanon on Saturday, with explosions reported in Beirut as the Israeli military targeted Hezbollah positions. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation alerts in affected areas, and airstrikes occurred near Beirut’s airport overnight. These attacks mark an escalation in the conflict, with Israeli strikes now expanding from southern to northern Lebanon.
The intensified offensive follows a warning from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who, during a Friday sermon, declared, “Israel will not last long,” and affirmed Iran’s stance against backing down. The attacks have resulted in over 1.2 million people being displaced and numerous casualties.
Israeli aircraft targeted areas near the Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon, while artillery shelling continued in southern Lebanon, particularly around Khiam and Kafr Kila. Hezbollah confirmed ongoing clashes with the Israeli army in the southern town of Odaisseh. Meanwhile, a leader of Hamas’ armed wing, Saeed Atallah, along with three family members, was killed in an Israeli strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in Tripoli.
There is still no confirmation on the status of Hashem Safieddine, the likely successor to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was reportedly targeted in an Israeli strike earlier this week. Both Israel and Hezbollah have remained silent on the matter.
The situation remains tense as Israel reportedly considers its response to a recent Iranian missile attack. Tehran claims the attack was in retaliation for Israeli military actions in Lebanon and the alleged death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. U.S. President Joe Biden noted that Israel has yet to decide on a course of action, suggesting alternative approaches, such as avoiding strikes on Iranian oil fields.
In response to the escalating violence, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported over 2,000 deaths since the start of the Israeli attacks, with a significant portion of the casualties being women and children.
The United States has announced nearly $157 million in new humanitarian aid to support civilians affected by the conflict in Lebanon and the broader region. The aid will also help refugees fleeing to Syria. At the same time, U.S. military forces, alongside British counterparts, conducted strikes on 15 Houthi targets in Yemen.
Amid the escalating conflict, President Biden reiterated his support for Israel, emphasizing that his administration has done more for Israel than any other. However, he also downplayed suggestions that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to influence U.S. elections.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, in a rare public address, urged the country’s regional allies to resist Israeli aggression. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister warned that Tehran would retaliate forcefully if Israel launches any attacks on Iran.
