Israeli troops have been told by the chief of the Israel Defense Forces that airstrikes on Lebanon are preparing the ground for a potential entry into the country. The goal is to safely return residents of northern Israel and continue hitting Hezbollah. Troops are being prepared for a maneuver into enemy territory to face Hezbollah operatives in large military outposts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised not to rest until northern residents return home and continue to deliver blows to Hezbollah. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern over the escalating situation and called for de-escalation through diplomatic means.
US President Joe Biden stated that an all-out war in the Middle East is possible but there is also potential for a settlement. The US and France are working on ceasefire proposals, with no significant progress made yet. Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, emphasized the importance of diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on 280 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in at least 51 deaths, according to the Lebanese Health Minister. The IDF has called up two reserve brigades to continue fighting against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip continues.
Israel has also detained 35 people in the occupied West Bank in the past 24 hours, totaling over 10,900 arrests since October 7. PM Netanyahu has convened a security cabinet meeting before heading to the UN General Assembly in New York. The situation remains tense, with efforts ongoing to prevent further violence through diplomatic means.
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