Tensions in the Middle East are rising as Israel ramps up its military operations in Lebanon while Iran responds with missile strikes. Can you keep up with the tank tango and missile mayhem?
The ongoing conflict at the Israel-Lebanon border is escalating dramatically as tensions soar between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah. Recent reports indicate that Israeli tanks and jets are mobilizing, aiming to strike at what they perceive as imminent threats to their communities. A senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) official claims that Hezbollah had plans to invade and attack innocent Israeli communities, thus prompting a stronger military response from Israel. As military operations intensify, both locals and international observers are left holding their breath in anticipation of the impending developments.
Adding to the chaos, Iran has launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel in a significant retaliatory move, asserting itself in the regional strife. CNN's Jim Sciutto provided firsthand coverage in Tel Aviv, capturing the dramatic shadows of missiles gliding across the skies, with explosions felt in major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Israeli military air defenses have been working tirelessly to intercept these missile salvos, becoming a focal point of the conflict as it pivots between ground offensives and air attacks. The situation is rapidly evolving, with both sides bracing for further escalations.
Israel’s ground operations into southern Lebanon are characterized as “limited incursions” specifically targeted against Hezbollah strongholds. In the early hours, Israeli forces initiated localized raids, fully supported by air and artillery strikes designed to neutralize militant threats. This approach seems calculated, given the historical complexities of the region, aiming to strike decisively while attempting to minimize civilian impacts. However, with leaders like Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati warning of dangerous phases ahead, the region remains perched on a precipice, caught between the fury of military maneuvers and the cries for ceasefire.
Meanwhile, in Ireland, a call for peace is being echoed by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who strongly condemned Iran's missile attacks on Israel. With an appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, the Irish government underscores an urgent need for stability in a region rocked by decades of conflict. As the world watches, experts agree that navigating the diplomatic landscape will require a sensitive touch and a return to dialogue.
Interesting Fact 1: Despite the active military engagement, the majority of the population in both Israel and Lebanon desires peace, with surveys showing that large factions in both countries prefer dialogue over conflict.
Interesting Fact 2: The Israeli and Iranian military tensions have historical roots, dating back to the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and have since shifted from strategic confrontations to direct missile exchanges, marking a notable shift in regional geopolitics.
A BBC team has travelled to the Israel-Lebanon border, where an escalating conflict is playing out.
“Hezbollah planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities and massacre innocent men, women and children,” the senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ...
Missiles have been launched from Iran to Israel, according to an Israel Defense Forces statement. CNN's Jim Sciutto reports from Tel Aviv.
Israel has launched a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, opening a new and ...
Iran last fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in April, in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria's capital, which killed ...
Prime Minister Najib Mikati says Lebanon faces “one of the most dangerous phases of its history”. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continue across the Gaza Strip, ...
The Israeli military pressed its ground incursion into southern Lebanon on Tuesday, calling the operations “limited incursions” that are targeting Hezbollah ...
Explosions were heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as missiles flew over, and were intercepted by defence systems. The attack marks a significant escalation in ...
Iran's IRGC says tens of missiles fired in retaliaition for the killing of Hezbollah, Hamas and IRGC officials.
It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in "limited, localised, and targeted ground raids" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon ...
The Israeli military said in the early hours of Tuesday that it had begun “limited, localised, and targeted ground raids” against Hizbollah in southern Lebanon.
Appealing for immediate ceasefires the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, Mr Martin said he "strongly" condemned "the missile attack by Iran on Israel and call on ...
As forces of restraint in the Middle East weaken with every passing day, Israeli officials declare attack Iranian declaration of war.
Early on Tuesday, Israel announced that it was launching a “limited” ground incursion into Lebanon. This follows Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, ...
The comments follow a dramatic two-week period, during which Israel assassinated Hizbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah launched a bombing campaign that has killed ...
High risk assault on Israel reflects Iranian elite's belief that not retaliating after July assassination of Ismail Haniyeh was a strategic mistake.
Israel vows to retaliate after barrage of Iranian missiles fired in response to killings of Hamas, Hezbollah leaders.
Iran says it fired dozens of ballistic missiles at key military and security targets in Israel; Iran says the attack was in response to the deadly attacks ...
The Israel Defense Forces says it has launched "limited, localised and targeted ground raids" in southern Lebanon.
CNN political and global affairs analyst Barak Ravid discusses Iran's missile attack on Israel and how Israel may respond.
The unprecedented Iranian salvo of more than 180 ballistic missiles came less than 24 hours after the Israeli prime minister ordered the largest ground ...
The Israeli military said a “large number” of missiles had been intercepted. Speaking to reporters, Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the attack was ...
Many in Lebanon believe the country has been dragged into a war it hasn't chosen to fight.
Iran has said that its missile attack on Israel was finished barring further provocation, while Israel and the US promised to retaliate against Tehran's ...
Iranians and Gazans are shown celebrating as missiles launched by Iran fire at Israel in an attack Tuesday. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said ...
The failures of the past loom large as Israel launches a new military foray into southern Lebanon. Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles deployed in the Upper ...
We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe ...
The Middle East is edging ever closer toward a full-blown regional war as Israel vowed to respond to Iran's huge barrage of ballistic missiles fired at the ...
Some 80 flights heading for major Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi were diverted on Tuesday, flight data shows.
With American policy in the Middle East in tatters, Donald Trump could be the principal beneficiary of escalation in the region.
Israeli officials reportedly considering 'significant retaliation' to Iranian attack within days.
FM Katz bars UN chief from entering Israel over his response to Iran attack * Dozens of rockets pummel northern Israel * US 'fulfilled commitment' to defend ...
The threat comes as Israel launches a ground incursion against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Follow NBC News' live coverage as Israel and Iran trade new threats after the missile attack, Hezbollah says it battled Israeli forces at Adaisseh and the ...
Israeli ground forces have been clashing with Hezbollah fighters in the area of southern Lebanon where Irish troops have responsibility for UN peacekeeping.
Israel pledges to respond to Iran's barrage of missiles; Tehran threatens repeated attack 'with multiplied intensity'.
For two weeks, Hezbollah has been hammered by Israeli forces. The militant group unilaterally embroiled Lebanon in this war by mounting attacks on Israel ...
Iran last attacked Israel back in April, but this time the Israeli response could be very different.
Overnight, the Middle East took another step closer to war after Iran launched nearly 200 missiles into Israel in a significant escalation following a ...