Lebanon
The Iranian-backed proxy Hezbollah blamed Israel for the blasts that also wounded at least 2,700 and killed eight of its operatives in Lebanon.
“After examining all the facts and data about the attack, we hold the Israeli enemy fully responsible for this criminal aggression,” Hezbollah said.
The IDF declined to comment on the incident, which came just hours after the Israeli Cabinet added the return of citizens displaced from their homes in the north to the country’s war goals.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper was set to meet with senior IDF and defense establishment officials on Tuesday, including IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi.
The military is discussing an expanded operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
IDF Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin has reportedly argued behind closed doors that current conditions are favorable for the IDF to swiftly implement such a move.
The Israeli premier told U.S. presidential envoy Amos Hochstein that a “fundamental change” to the security situation in northern Israel is needed.
Over 9,000 Arad rifles have been procured for rapid response teams nationwide.
The Lebanese group is “heading in the direction” of Hamas, which Israel will dismantle, the defense minister told Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Israel conducted retaliatory strikes amid reports of civilian flight from Lebanese villages near the border.
The Israeli prime minister called for a “change in the balance of forces on our northern border” amid daily attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Netanyahu spoke in response to aerial attacks from Yemen and Lebanon.
