Top US General in Israel amid plans for retaliatory strikes on Iran
Amid Israeli preparations for a potential strike on Iran, General Michael E Kurilla, the commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), has arrived in Israel. The visit underscores the increasing collaboration between Israel and its regional partners, particularly in response to growing concerns over Iran's actions.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that they are actively preparing for a significant military operation against Iran. An IDF spokesperson emphasized, "It will be serious and significant, and we are dedicating much of our time and resources to these preparations." They also issued a stern warning to Iran, asserting that any offensive action would have serious consequences.
The IDF further highlighted the expectation of cooperation from regional partner nations in any forthcoming military engagement.
In the latest escalation, Iran launched 201 ballistic missiles toward Israel in an attack earlier this week. Israel claimed that a majority of these missiles were intercepted by the country's air defense systems.
Israel expands its bombardment in Lebanon as tens of thousands flee
Israel expanded its bombardment in Lebanon on Saturday, hitting Beirut's southern suburbs with a dozen airstrikes and striking a Palestinian refugee camp deep in the north for the first time as it targeted both Hezbollah and Hamas fighters.
Tens of thousands of people in Lebanon, including Palestinian refugees, continued to flee the widening conflict in the region, while rallies were held around the world marking the approaching anniversary of the start of the war in Gaza.
Israel's attack on the Beddawi camp near Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli killed an official with Hamas' military wing along with his wife and two young daughters, the Palestinian militant group said. Hamas later said another military wing member was killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley.
Israel's military said it killed two senior officials with Hamas' military wing in Lebanon, where fighting has escalated in recent weeks. Israel has killed several Hamas officials there since the Israel-Hamas war began, in addition to most of the top leadership of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah.