Israel and Hezbollah fight on the ground in Lebanon after Israeli invasion | BBC News

Summary

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Iran launched around 180 missiles at Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation. Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned Iran's actions, while Iran warned of a response to any further Israeli moves. The conflict has also intensified with Hezbollah in Lebanon, leading to ongoing exchanges of fire. Both sides are preparing for potential escalation, with displaced civilians and mounting humanitarian challenges in Lebanon. The U.S. has deployed additional military forces to the region, heightening the potential for further conflict. The situation remains volatile with no immediate resolution in sight.

Takeaways

• 🚀 Iran launched around 180 missiles against Israel on Tuesday evening.
• 💥 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised retaliation against what he calls illegal Iranian aggression.
• 🛑 Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned the West to stay out of the conflict.
• 🛡️ Israel is engaging in military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has fired over 100 missiles into Israeli territory.
• 🗯️ Most Iranian missiles were intercepted by Israeli defenses with assistance from the US and the UK, but some still hit areas north of Tel Aviv and in central Israel.
• 📰 Israel has banned the UN Secretary-General from entering the country after his failure to condemn Iran's missile attack unequivocally.
• 💣 Israel continues to target Hezbollah positions, and both sides are preparing for potential further escalation.
• 📍 Residents of Northern Israel have been displaced due to ongoing conflicts, with many communities affected by the constant threat of rocket fire.
• 🔄 Israel has sent another division of troops to the border area, suggesting a possible larger operation aimed at creating a buffer zone in Southern Lebanon.
• 🏚️ Lebanon is facing a severe humanitarian crisis with around a million people displaced, putting immense strain on an already fragile economy and infrastructure.

Q & A

What triggered the current conflict between Iran and Israel?

The conflict escalated after Iran launched around 180 missiles against Israel. This prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow retaliation, accusing Iran of illegal aggression.

How has Iran responded to Israel's retaliation?

Iran has stated that it will respond to any Israeli retaliation, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei telling the West to 'get lost' in his first remarks since the missile attack.

What role has Hezbollah played in the ongoing conflict?

Hezbollah has been launching missiles from Lebanon into Israel, with over 100 fired in a single day. Hezbollah also claims to be engaging in direct combat with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

How effective have Israel's defense systems been in this conflict?

Israel’s defense systems, particularly the Iron Dome, have been largely effective in intercepting missiles launched by both Iran and Hezbollah, though some ballistic missiles have struck targets in Israel.

What has been the international response to this conflict?

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a ceasefire but has been banned from entering Israel after being accused of not unequivocally condemning Iran’s missile attack.

How is Israel conducting its military operations in Lebanon?

Israel is conducting what it describes as 'precise and targeted' operations in southern Lebanon, destroying Hezbollah positions, while also preparing for the possibility of larger, more prolonged engagements.

How are civilians on both sides of the conflict being affected?

Many Israeli and Lebanese civilians have been displaced due to the ongoing fighting. Tens of thousands of Israelis have left their homes near the border, and over 100,000 Lebanese civilians have been urged to evacuate due to the threat of Israeli military action.

What is the humanitarian situation in Lebanon as a result of the conflict?

Lebanon is facing a significant humanitarian crisis, with around one million people displaced. The country, already struggling with economic problems, is calling for international aid to support those affected.

What measures is Israel taking to protect its citizens in northern regions?

Israel has deployed additional troops to the northern border with Lebanon and is preparing for potential larger-scale operations to push Hezbollah back, allowing displaced citizens to return to their homes.

What are the fears of Lebanese civilians regarding the expansion of the conflict?

Lebanese civilians fear that the conflict may escalate beyond Hezbollah-controlled areas, potentially spreading to more parts of the country, similar to the 2006 Lebanon War.