Iran launched nearly 200 missiles towards Israel, targeting its defense systems, including the Iron Dome. The Israeli military reported few injuries, but Iran claims 90% of the missiles hit their intended targets. Following the attack, Israel’s airspace was temporarily closed but has since reopened. This missile salvo is seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Iran vowing to retaliate to any further Israeli actions against Hezbollah. Analysts suggest this may be Iran's best response for now, referencing a larger attack earlier this year.
Iran has launched a significant missile attack on Israel, reportedly firing 50 to 70 ballistic missiles in response to Israeli military actions against Hezbollah. Explosions were heard in Jerusalem and nearby regions as Israelis sought shelter. Correspondents in Israel described ongoing aerial activity and difficulty distinguishing between incoming Iranian missiles and Israeli interceptions. The strikes are noted to be part of a larger escalation compared to a previous drone attack in April. The missiles are projected to reach Israel within 10 to 12 minutes, leading to widespread public panic and people seeking cover.
Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli actions against Hezbollah. The attack, occurring on Tuesday evening, caused widespread alarm, with air raid sirens activated in Israel and explosions reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Civilians were instructed to seek shelter, while the US indicated it assisted Israel in its defense preparations. The missile barrage prompted Jordan to temporarily close its airspace, affecting flight operations. Global leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, condemned Iran's actions, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the attack a 'major mistake.'
Iran has launched missiles at Israel, prompting strong warnings from the U.S. and potentially escalating military responses from both nations. Israeli leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu, might leverage this attack as justification to target Iran's nuclear facilities. The regional situation is becoming increasingly volatile, with experts suggesting the potential for a ballistic missile war. Israel's military claims to have intercepted many of the missiles. The strategic dynamics may favor Israel to strike Iran's nuclear capabilities, given the perceived weaknesses of Iran and its proxies.
Israel has escalated its military involvement by attacking Houthi rebels in Yemen, in addition to ongoing strikes in Gaza and Lebanon. This strategy, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to dismantle terror networks linked to Iran, as Iran's influence appears to be weakening. The Israeli response may extend to Iran's nuclear program if the conflict intensifies, amidst concerns that Iran could soon achieve a workable nuclear weapon. This situation raises fears of nuclear proliferation across the Middle East.
Approximately 50 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon into upper Galilee, prompting activation of Israel's Iron Dome defense system. Hezbollah stated the attack supports Palestinians in Gaza, responding to Israeli strikes on southern villages. Israel has not commented yet, but there are rising tensions following a recent rocket attack in Golan Heights attributed to Hezbollah, resulting in casualties. The Iron Dome has effectively intercepted many threats since its inception in 2011, designed to protect densely populated areas from rocket attacks.
Despite significant attacks and casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes, including the use of pagers as detonated bombs against Hezbollah, the UK and its allies aim to avoid full-scale war. The uncertainty lies in Iran's potential response, as it has not yet retaliated for the killing of a Hamas leader. Hezbollah's capabilities to retaliate are reportedly diminished after the latest attacks, raising concerns about future escalations in the region.
Hezbollah retaliated by launching over 100 rockets into northern Israel following an Israeli airstrike on Beirut that killed at least 12 people and wounded 66. The Israeli strike targeted a building in Dahieh, reportedly killing senior Hezbollah commanders, including Ibrahim Akil. The situation escalated with mutual strikes along the Israel-Lebanon border, raising concerns of further conflict. Hezbollah confirmed Akil's death, mourning him as a significant leader. Civil defense teams continue recovery efforts in Beirut as tensions remain high in the region.
In response to a Houthi missile launch at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel, the Israeli military conducted air raids on Houthi targets in Yemen, including power plants and ports, resulting in at least four fatalities. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have escalated regional hostilities, attacking Israeli-linked vessels and promising continued support for Palestinians. Iran condemned the Israeli actions, accusing the U.S. of complicity, as tensions grow following the recent escalation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) struck approximately 100 Hezbollah military targets in Lebanon, based on intelligence from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). These targets were reported to be ready for immediate use against Israeli territory. The strikes follow recent tensions, including Hezbollah attacks on Israel that resulted in Israeli soldier casualties. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the attacks and threatened retaliation, raising fears of an escalation into a larger conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
The assassination of Hassan Nasrallah has raised urgent questions about a potential regional conflict in the Middle East, with warnings from Iran that Israel will face consequences. The US supports de-escalation and has deployed military assets to deter Iran. Diplomatic efforts have been criticized as ineffective, leading to fears that escalating tensions dependent on Iranian and Israeli responses could result in a wider crisis. Hezbollah's potential new leadership and military activity near the Israeli-Lebanon border heighten concerns.
This timeline of the Israel–Hezbollah conflict covers the period from 27 July 2024, when a Hezbollah rocket struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, killing 12 children, to 16 September 2024, one day before the explosion of Hezbollah pagers and walkie talkies. Major events during this period:27 July: A Hezbollah rocket struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, killing 12 children. Unusually, Hezbollah denied being responsible for the strike, saying it was an Israeli Iron Dome projectile which hit the field. It is currently unknown whether the attack was deliberate or a misfire, or what group precisely is responsible for the strike.30 July: Fuad Shukr was assassinated by Israel, for which Hezbollah vowed revenge. At least three civilians were killed in the airstrike.31 July: Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated by Israel in Iran. Leader of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that the conflict was entering a "new phase" following the assassinations of Shukr and Haniyeh.17 August: Israel struck a warehouse in Nabatieh, which they claimed was being used as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility, killing 11, including one woman and her two children. The building housed an iron warehouse in an industrial district. The building also housed Syrian refugees on the top floor, three of which died.25 August: Israel strikes Hezbollah militants, killing 8, and Hezbollah strikes back with rockets fired at Israel, killing one Israeli Navy sailor and injuring two others. Hezbollah framed their response as their the start of their revenge for the assasination of Shukr.In this period, the US and the international community (including UN agencies such as UNIFIL and OHCHR) continued to urge all sides to de-escalate, with many noting there must be a ceasefire in Gaza before there is a ceasefire in Lebanon.
The Israeli military has commenced targeted ground raids on villages in southern Lebanon, aimed at Hezbollah and supported by air strikes and artillery. The operations, described as limited and localized, follow approval from Israeli political leaders and mark a new phase in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Recent assaults include artillery bombardments and efforts to seal off communities near the border. The situation escalated after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which has increased hostilities between the two factions since the onset of the Gaza conflict.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Muslims to unite in support of Lebanon's Hezbollah following the reported killing of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, by an Israeli airstrike. Khamenei criticized Israeli actions as criminal and a demonstration of weakness against Hezbollah's resilience. He did not explicitly call for revenge but implied Israel would regret its actions. The death of Nasrallah is viewed as a significant setback for Iranian influence in the region. Khamenei convened an emergency security meeting to discuss these developments, showing solidarity with Hezbollah.
Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, killed three civilians, including a Syrian TV anchor, according to state media. These strikes follow continued military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in over 100 casualties there within a week. Hezbollah's deputy leader asserted readiness for a ground invasion against Israel. Reports highlight a broader regional conflict with airstrikes also targeting Hamas leaders in Lebanon and Houthi positions in Yemen. US President Joe Biden called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed Iran's measured response to Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, emphasizing restraint to avoid a regional war. He acknowledged the potential for Iran's past agreements involving short-range ballistic missile sales to Russia but clarified no sales occurred under his presidency. Pezeshkian denied missile shipments to Houthi rebels after missile attacks on Israel, maintaining a focus on diplomatic relations with the West despite challenges.
Israeli airstrikes in western Syria resulted in 18 deaths and 37 injuries. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the need for military action against Hezbollah to ensure the safe return of northern residents. Tensions increase as Hezbollah remains allied with Hamas amidst ongoing conflicts. U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein met with Israeli leaders to discuss de-escalation, but officials assert military solutions may be necessary to alter security dynamics on Israel’s northern border.
Airlines belonging to the Lufthansa Group and Air France have suspended flights to Israel for security reasons, the companies announced on Tuesday. At least nine people were killed and almost 3,000 injured in suspected coordinated explosions of hand-held telecommunications devices across Lebanon on Tuesday evening. Airlines belonging to the Lufthansa Group had suspended all connections to and from Tel Aviv and Iran's capital Tehran until at least Thursday, the company said. "During this period, the Israeli and Iranian airspace will also be bypassed by all Lufthansa Group Airlines," a statement said. "The Lufthansa Group continues to monitor the situation closely and will assess it further in the coming days.
Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, was killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut. His death marks a significant moment for the Middle East, as he was a prominent figure in anti-Israel resistance and had expanded Hezbollah's military capabilities with Iran's support. The strike also eliminated Ali Karaki, a key commander. Israel's intelligence operations had intensified in the years leading up to this event, restoring confidence in its military capabilities after previous failures.
On 8 October 2023, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired guided rockets and artillery shells at Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms one day into the Israel–Hamas war. Israel retaliated by launching drone strikes and artillery shells at Hezbollah positions near Lebanon's boundary with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The outbreak of the conflict had followed Hezbollah's declaration of support and praise for the Hamas attack on Israel, which took place on 7 October. Clashes subsequently escalated to reach other parts of the Israel-Lebanon border and onto Syria and the occupied Golan Heights. It is currently the largest escalation of the Hezbollah–Israel conflict to have occurred since the 2006 Lebanon War.In northern Israel, the ongoing conflict has forced approximately 96,000 individuals to leave their homes, while in Lebanon, more than 100,000 individuals have been displaced.
Iron Dome (Hebrew: כִּפַּת בַּרְזֶל, romanized: Kippat Barzel) is an Israeli mobile all-weather air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. The system is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometres (2–43 mi) away and whose trajectory would take them to an Israeli populated area. From 2011 to 2021, the United States contributed a total of US$1.6 billion to the Iron Dome defense system, with another US$1 billion approved by the US Congress in 2022.Iron Dome was declared operational and initially deployed on 27 March 2011 near Beersheba. On 7 April 2011, the system successfully intercepted a rocket launched from Gaza for the first time. On 10 March 2012, The Jerusalem Post reported that the system shot down 90% of rockets launched from Gaza that would have landed in populated areas. In late 2012 Israel said that it hoped to increase the range of Iron Dome's interceptions, from a maximum of 70 to 250 kilometres (43–155 mi) and make it more versatile so that it could intercept rockets coming from two directions simultaneously.In November 2012, official statements indicated that it had intercepted over 400 rockets. By late October 2014, the Iron Dome systems had intercepted over 1,200 rockets.In addition to their land-based deployment, it was reported in 2017 that Iron Dome batteries would in future be deployed at sea on Sa'ar 6-class corvettes, to protect off-shore gas platforms in conjunction with Israel's Barak 8 missile system.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah could change the regional power balance. Israel has launched a series of attacks on Hezbollah, significantly harming its leadership. While Netanyahu sees this as an opportunity, history suggests that ambitions for major shifts in the region often lead to unforeseen consequences, as past Israeli campaigns in Lebanon have shown a pattern of failure to achieve their aims, notably with the Palestinian Liberation Organization.
Israeli forces claim to have killed nearly all senior Hezbollah commanders, including leader Hassan Nasrallah in airstrikes on Beirut. The Israeli army reported multiple strikes targeting Hezbollah's leadership, with hundreds killed. Nasrallah, a key figure in Lebanon, transformed Hezbollah into a major political force. Other notable casualties include Ibrahim Muhammad Qabisi, head of the missile division, and Ibrahim Aqil, operations commander. The only surviving commander is Abu Ali Rida, with his whereabouts currently unknown.
Israeli forces have initiated "limited, localized, and targeted" ground operations in southern Lebanon following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. US President Biden expressed opposition to such operations, calling for a ceasefire. However, Israel proceeded with the raids, indicating that the US has had limited influence over its ally. The situation raises fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts by the US to stabilize the region.
An armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been taking place chiefly in and around the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. After clearing Hamas militants from its territory, the Israeli military embarked on an extensive aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip followed by a large-scale ground invasion beginning on 27 October. Clashes have also occurred in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and with Hezbollah along the Israel–Lebanon border. The hostilities constitute the fifth war of the Gaza–Israel conflict since 2008 and are part of the broader Israeli–Palestinian conflict. They are considered to be the most significant military escalation in the region since the Yom Kippur War 50 years earlier.The Hamas offensive involved 3,000 militants breaching the Gaza–Israel barrier and attacking Israeli communities and military bases. During this attack, 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed, while 253 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive to the Gaza Strip. The attack was proclaimed as a response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, the prospect of Arab–Israeli normalization, and the plight of Palestinian refugees and prisoners. In response, Israel declared a state of war, tightened its existing blockade of Gaza and launched one of the most severe bombing campaigns in history, before commencing the ground invasion on 27 October. Israeli forces laid siege to Gaza City on 2 November and moved south to attack Khan Yunis a month later on 3 December; both sieges remain ongoing. Israel's next objective is the capture of Rafah. An estimated 6,000-12,000 militants have been killed during the conflict, and Israel has lost over 200 soldiers during its invasion. A United Nations resolution calling for a humanitarian pause passed on 15 November; the seven-day truce took effect at the end of that month.A humanitarian crisis has developed in the Gaza Strip, with healthcare in a state of collapse, shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel due to the blockade, electricity and communications blackouts, and potential famine conditions. More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza during the conflict, including over 12,300 children and 8,400 women. Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million population have been internally displaced. The widespread civilian deaths have led to accusations of war crimes against both Israel and Hamas. In February 2024 576,000 people were "facing catastrophic levels of deprivation and starvation", stated The United Nations. More than 100 Palestinians were killed by Israeli troops that opened fire when huge crowds raced to pull goods off an aid convoy.The war has had significant international repercussions. Popular protests that primarily call for a ceasefire have occurred across the world. Israel's actions have been denounced by the Islamic world and much of the Global South; South Africa launched an International Court of Justice case alleging that Israel committed genocide. Israel has however received significant support from its traditional Western allies, especially the United States, which vetoed multiple UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire. In response, Iran-backed militias have attacked American military bases in the Middle East, while the Yemeni Houthi movement attacked commercial ships they alleged were linked to Israel, incurring a military response from a number of countries.
Pope Francis criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, suggesting they are immoral and disproportionate. He commented on Israel's recent strike, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, noting the attack exceeded the boundaries of acceptable defense. Highlighting the necessity of proportionate response in wartime, Francis called for an immediate cease-fire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The comments follow escalating violence and the perception of Israel's military dominance in the region.
On 27 September 2024, Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. The strike took place while Hezbollah leaders were meeting at a headquarters located underground beneath residential buildings in Haret Hreik in the Dahieh suburb to the south of Beirut. Conducted by the Israeli Air Force's 119th Squadron using F-16I fighters, the operation involved dropping more than 80 bombs, including US-made 2,000-pound (910 kg) bunker buster bombs, destroying the underground headquarters as well as nearby buildings. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) codenamed the operation "New Order" (Hebrew: סדר חדש, romanized: Seder Hadash). Initially, Nasrallah's condition was uncertain, but on 28 September 2024, the IDF announced his death, a claim later confirmed by Hezbollah. His body was recovered from the rubble two days after the strike. The attack resulted in at least 33 fatalities and more than 195 injuries, including civilians. Ali Karaki, the Commander of Hezbollah's Southern Front, was also killed in the attack, along with other senior commanders. Iranian reports indicate that Abbas Nilforoushan, deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and commander of the Quds Force in Lebanon, was also killed.Before the attack, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations (UN), reaffirming Israel's dedication to peace and its ongoing campaign against Hezbollah. Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati condemned this and prior Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and denounced the ongoing Israeli attacks as "a war of extermination." Earlier in September, some of Hezbollah's most severe setbacks occurred, including the 17 and 18 September explosions of its handheld communication devices and the 20 September assassination of Ibrahim Aqil, commander of the elite Redwan Force. In July, another senior Hezbollah military leader, Fuad Shukr, was also assassinated in Beirut. Since 23 September 2024, when Israel began its airstrikes on Lebanon, Israeli attacks have killed over 700 people, injured more than 5,000, and displaced hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians.
The Israeli military's recent assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has sparked debate about the effectiveness of such tactics. Historically, assassinations have failed to diminish resistance; for example, the killing of Hezbollah's Abbas al-Musawi in 1992 led to the rise of Nasrallah, who strengthened the group and forced Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000. Israeli efforts to eliminate Hezbollah leadership have not reduced the group's influence or military capabilities, suggesting that these actions often backfire, intensifying rather than reducing resistance.
Hezbollah, is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, has an exceptionally strong military wing, thought to be stronger than the Lebanese Army, and equivalent to the armed strength of a medium-sized army. A hybrid force, the group maintains "robust conventional and unconventional military capabilities", and is generally considered to be the most powerful non-state actor in the world.Estimates vary widely, but as of October 2021, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah claimed his organization has 100,000 trained fighters. In 2017, Jane's assessed Hezbollah's strength at more than 25,000 full-time fighters and approximately 20,000–30,000 reservists. They are financed in part by Iran and trained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Hezbollah's military budget is $5-15 Billion Dollars.Hezbollah's primary enemy is Israel, and to a large extent its military strength is based on the rockets they use to attack that country. Hezbollah's strategy against Israel uses rockets as offensive weaponry combined with light infantry and anti-armor units to defend their firing positions in southern Lebanon. Estimates of Hezbollah's total rocket count range from 40,000 to 150,000, which is considerably more than most countries.Hezbollah possesses limited numbers of anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, as well as thousands of anti-tank missiles, which they are skilled at using. The group does not have manned aircraft, tanks, or armored vehicles in Lebanon, as they cannot counter Israeli air supremacy. However, Hezbollah maintains armor in neighboring Syria, including T-55 and T-72 tanks. The group has built a large number of weapons caches, tunnels, and bunkers in southern Lebanon, and has a large intelligence apparatus.Hezbollah's tactical strengths are cover and concealment, direct fire, and preparation of fighting positions, while their weaknesses include maneuver warfare, small arms marksmanship, and air defenses. Though Hezbollah's light infantry and anti-tank squads are well-regarded, Hezbollah as a whole is "quantitatively and qualitatively" weaker than the Israel Defense Forces.Sources generally agree that Hezbollah's strength in conventional warfare compares favorably to state militaries in the Arab world. A 2009 review concluded that Hezbollah was "a well-trained, well-armed, highly motivated, and highly evolved war-fighting machine" and "the only Arab or Muslim entity to successfully face the Israelis in combat."Hezbollah typically does not discuss their military operations. Accurate and reliable information on their strengths and capabilities is often non-existent or classified. Hezbollah, Israel and others may have reasons to misstate the movement's capabilities. Estimates for Hezbollah's overall strength and manpower vary widely.
The recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and significant losses among its ranks have exposed the Lebanese Shia group's vulnerabilities in its ongoing conflict with Israel. Analysts suggest that these setbacks might weaken Hezbollah's influence in Lebanese politics and raise concerns about its ability to counter an Israeli invasion. Historically, Hezbollah has leveraged identity and resistance to dominate Shia politics, but its diminished capacity now leaves it susceptible to rival parties seeking to exploit its weakened state.
The Pentagon is sending a few thousand U.S. troops to the Middle East to support air operations and bolster security for Israel, raising the total U.S. military presence to approximately 43,000. This follows recent Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including a limited ground invasion and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Multiple squadrons of fighter jets will remain deployed to increase airpower in the region. President Biden urged for an immediate cease-fire amid escalated hostilities between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday called for a ceasefire in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Beirut. "The key to the solution is to put an end to the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and to revive the appeal launched by the United States and France... in favour of a ceasefire," Mikati said, according to a statement from his office.
Iran has several research sites, two uranium mines, a research reactor, and uranium processing facilities that include three known uranium enrichment plants.Commencing in the 1950s with support from the United States (under the Atoms for Peace program), Iran's nuclear program was initially geared toward peaceful scientific exploration. In 1970, Iran ratified the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), subjecting its nuclear activities to IAEA inspections. After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, cooperation ceased and Iran pursued its nuclear program clandestinely.An investigation by the IAEA was launched as declarations by the National Council of Resistance of Iran in 2002 revealed undeclared Iranian nuclear activities. In 2006, Iran's noncompliance with its NPT obligations moved the United Nations Security Council to demand Iran suspend its programs.In 2007, the United States National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) stated Iran halted an alleged active nuclear weapons program in 2003. In November 2011, the IAEA reported credible evidence that Iran had been conducting experiments aimed at designing a nuclear bomb, and that research may have continued on a smaller scale after that time. On 1 May 2018 the IAEA reiterated its 2015 report, saying it had found no credible evidence of nuclear weapons activity after 2009.Operational since September 2011, the Bushehr I reactor marked Iran's entry into nuclear power with Russia's assistance. This became an important milestone for Rosatom to become the largest player in the world nuclear power market. Anticipated to reach full capacity by the end of 2012, Iran had also begun constructing a new 300 MW Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant and expressed plans for additional medium-sized nuclear power plants and uranium mines in the future.Despite the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed at addressing Iran's nuclear concerns, the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 prompted renewed sanctions, impacting diplomatic relations. The IAEA certified Iran's compliance up until 2019, but subsequent breaches strained the agreement. In a 2020 IAEA report, Iran was said to have breached the JCPOA and faced criticism from signatories.In 2021, Iran faced scrutiny regarding its assertion that the nuclear program was exclusively for peaceful purposes, especially with references to growth in satellites, missiles, and nuclear weapons.In April 2022, Atomic Energy Organization of Iran head Mohammad Eslami announced a strategic plan for 10 GWe of nuclear electricity generation.In October 2023, an IAEA report estimated Iran has increased its uranium stockpile twenty-two times over the 2015 agreed JCPOA limit.
In a recent meeting, President Biden and Prime Minister Starmer discussed fears that Russia might have exchanged nuclear secrets with Iran for missiles used against Ukraine. This potential alliance raises concerns over Iran's advancing uranium enrichment, possibly leading to nuclear weapons development. Following an arms shipment from Iran to Russia, the US and UK have taken measures against both nations, with Iran's nuclear activities heightening tensions in the Middle East. A deeper collaboration between Russia and Iran signals growing instability and military cooperation against Western interests.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) located several bodies in Gaza during combat operations, with potential links to hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7. President Biden mentioned ongoing identification efforts, reiterating a call for an end to the conflict. Amid pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu, families of hostages have expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the government of neglect. With over 1,200 Israelis killed and significant casualties in Gaza, the situation remains critical, with international scrutiny on Israel’s military actions and hostage negotiations.
The Israeli military concluded that a November 10 air strike likely killed three Israeli captives in Gaza. Initially unaware of their presence in a tunnel during the operation against Hamas commander Ahmed Ghandour, the military's investigation confirmed a high probability of the captives' deaths resulting from the strike. The captives were identified as Corporal Nik Beizer, Sergeant Ron Sherman, and French-Israeli Elia Toledano, with their bodies recovered on December 14. The military lacked intelligence on their location at the time of the strike.
The Israeli military has increased its operations in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. On May 21, during a two-day raid, gunfire erupted, resulting in the deaths of two teenagers, including 15-year-old Mahmoud Hamadneh, who was not involved in militant activities. Despite ongoing tensions, the casualties extend beyond fighters, highlighting the impact on civilians in the area.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF; Hebrew: צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל , lit. 'The Army for the Defense of Israel'), alternatively referred to by the Hebrew-language acronym Tzahal (צה״ל), is the national military of the State of Israel. It consists of three service branches: the Israeli Ground Forces, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israeli Navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security apparatus. The IDF is headed by the Chief of the General Staff, who is subordinate to the Israeli Defense Minister.On the orders of David Ben-Gurion, the IDF was formed on 26 May 1948 and began to operate as a conscript military, drawing its initial recruits from the already-existing paramilitaries of the Yishuv—namely Haganah, the Irgun, and Lehi. It was formed shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence, and has participated in every armed conflict involving Israel. In the wake of the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty and the 1994 Israel–Jordan peace treaty, the IDF underwent a significant strategic realignment. Previously spread across various fronts—Lebanon and Syria in the north, Jordan and Iraq in the east, and Egypt in the south—the IDF redirected its focus towards southern Lebanon and its occupation of the Palestinian territories, the Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In 2000, the IDF withdrew from Southern Lebanon and in 2005 from Gaza. Conflict between Israel and Islamist groups based in Gaza, notably Hamas, has continued since then. Moreover, notable Israeli–Syrian border incidents have occurred frequently since 2011, due to regional instability caused by the Syrian civil war.Since 1967, the IDF maintains a close security relationship with the United States, including in research and development cooperation, with joint efforts on the F-15I, the Tactical High-Energy Laser, and the Arrow defense systen, among others. The IDF is believed to have maintained an operational nuclear weapons capability since 1967, possibly possessing between 80 and 400 nuclear warheads.
On 7 October 2023, the paramilitary wings of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, PRC, PFLP and DFLP launched a series of coordinated armed incursions into the Gaza envelope of neighboring Israel, the first invasion of Israeli home territory since the Arab-Israeli War of 1948. The attacks, on a Saturday, initiated the Israel–Hamas war, almost exactly 50 years after Operation Badr and the greater Yom Kippur War of 6 October 1973. Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups named the attacks Operation Al-Aqsa Flood (or Deluge; Arabic: عملية طوفان الأقصى, romanized: ʿamaliyyat ṭūfān al-ʾAqṣā, usually romanised as "Tufan Al-Aqsa" or "Toofan Al-Aqsa"), while in Israel they are referred to as Black Saturday (Hebrew: השבת השחורה) or the Simchat Torah Massacre (הטבח בשמחת תורה), and internationally as the 7 October attack.The attacks began in the early morning with a rocket barrage of at least 3,000 rockets launched against Israel and vehicle-transported and powered paraglider incursions into Israel. Hamas fighters breached the Gaza–Israel barrier, attacking military bases and massacring civilians in neighboring Israeli communities, including in Be'eri, Kfar Aza, and Nir Oz, and at the Nova music festival. The attacks resulted in 1,139 deaths—695 Israeli civilians (including 36 children), 71 foreign nationals, and 373 members of the security forces. Approximately 250 Israeli civilians and soldiers were taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip, including 30 children, with the stated goal to force Israel to release Palestinian prisoners. Numerous accounts of rape and sexual assault by Hamas fighters have been reported, which Hamas has denied.Hamas said its attack was in response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, rising Israeli settler violence, and recent escalations.At least 44 countries denounced the attack as terrorism, while some Arab and Muslim countries blamed Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories as the root cause of the attack. The day was labeled the bloodiest in Israel's history and the deadliest for Jews since the Holocaust.
The Israeli military says it has killed Nabil Kaouk, another high-ranking Hezbollah official, in an airstrike JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says it has killed Nabil Kaouk, another high-ranking Hezbollah official, in an airstrike. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events.
Iron Beam (Hebrew: קֶרֶן בַּרְזֶל, keren barzel), officially מגן אור, magen or, Light Shield is a directed-energy weapon air defense system unveiled at the Singapore Airshow on February 11, 2014 by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortar bombs; it has a range of up to 7 km (4.3 mi), complementing the Iron Dome system which was designed to intercept missiles launched from a greater distance. In addition, the system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Iron Beam will constitute the fifth element of Israel's integrated missile defense system, in addition to Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David's Sling and Iron Dome.
Iron Spade and Iron Wall are the codenames given to Israel's effort to prevent offensive tunnels being built from the Gaza Strip into Israel. It is reported to be based in part on the Iron Dome project. The primary developer of the project is Elbit Systems, with Rafael, developers of Iron Dome also involved in the project.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is unlawful, deeming settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal. The opinion, a product of a 2022 UN General Assembly request, also likened Israeli laws in these territories to apartheid. While the Palestinian Authority welcomed the ruling as significant, Israel rejected it. The advisory ruling's next steps lie with the UN General Assembly, which could potentially suspend Israel's rights and privileges despite lacking expulsion powers.
In May, VP Kamala Harris paused a shipment of bombs and interacted with pro-Palestinian activists advocating for an arms embargo on Israel during a campaign event in Detroit. While an aide clarified that she did not agree to discuss such an embargo, Harris expressed openness to future meetings. The activists highlighted their concerns regarding U.S. arms supplies to Israel amid the ongoing conflict, which has reportedly resulted in nearly 40,000 casualties in Gaza. Harris emphasized her commitment to Israel’s defense and the pursuit of a ceasefire.
Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza while affirming her commitment to Israel's security. After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Harris condemned the civilian casualties in Gaza and expressed a desire for a US-backed ceasefire. She called for an end to the conflict that ensures Israel’s security and the rights of Palestinians, while also condemning Hamas and addressing American hostages in Gaza. Harris, seen as the Democratic nominee, navigates a complex political landscape regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Beirut is experiencing significant displacement and fear as families, including children and newborns, evacuate from areas like Dahieh. Emergency shelters, such as the American University of Beirut's communications department, are overwhelmed with those seeking refuge. UNICEF estimates that tens of thousands have fled Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, leaving behind their homes with minimal belongings. The situation in southern Beirut is tense, with a notable military presence and Israeli drones overhead, as residents grapple with the chaos following a strike that reportedly killed a Hezbollah leader.
The Israeli–Lebanese conflict, or the South Lebanon conflict, is a series of military clashes involving Israel, Lebanon and Syria, the Palestine Liberation Organization, as well as various militias and Militants acting from within Lebanon. The conflict peaked in the 1980s, during the Lebanese Civil War, and has abated since.The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) recruited militants in Lebanon from among the Palestinian refugees who had been expelled or fled after the creation of Israel in 1948. After the PLO leadership and its Fatah brigade were expelled from Jordan in 1970–71 for fomenting a revolt, they entered Southern Lebanon, resulting in an increase of internal and cross-border violence. Meanwhile, demographic tensions over the Lebanese National Pact led to the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990). PLO actions were one of the key factors in the eruption of the Lebanese Civil War and its bitter battles with Lebanese factions caused foreign intervention. Israel's 1978 invasion of Lebanon pushed the PLO north of the Litani River, but the PLO continued their campaign against Israel. Israel invaded Lebanon again in 1982 in alliance with the major Lebanese Christian militias of the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb Party and forcibly expelled the PLO. In 1983, Israel and Lebanon signed the May 17 Agreement providing a framework for the establishment of normal bilateral relations between the two countries, but relations were disrupted with takeover of Shia and Druze militias in early 1984. Israel withdrew from most of Lebanon in 1985, but kept control of a 19-kilometre (12-mile) security buffer zone, held with the aid of proxy militants in the South Lebanon Army (SLA).In 1985, Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia radical movement sponsored by Iran, called for armed struggle to end the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory. When the Lebanese civil war ended and other warring factions agreed to disarm, Hezbollah and the SLA refused. Combat with Hezbollah weakened Israeli resolve and led to a collapse of the SLA and an Israeli withdrawal in 2000 to their side of the UN designated border.Citing Israeli control of the Shebaa farms territory, Hezbollah continued cross-border attacks intermittently over the next six years. Hezbollah now sought the release of Lebanese citizens in Israeli prisons and successfully used the tactic of capturing Israeli soldiers as leverage for a prisoner exchange in 2004. The capturing of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah ignited the 2006 Lebanon War. Its ceasefire called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and the respecting of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon by Israel.Hostilities were suspended on 8 September 2006. As of early 2023, the situation remained calm, despite both sides violating the ceasefire agreements; Israel by making near-daily flights over Lebanese territory, and Hezbollah by not disarming. But an increase in violence during the April 2023 Israel–Lebanon shellings, the spillover of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, and the 2023 Israel–Lebanon border conflict has led to fears of another war and the beginning of a conflict between milliants and Israel.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released a video showing the tunnels where six hostages were executed by Hamas terrorists. IDF Spokesperson RADM Daniel Hagari emphasized the importance of sharing this footage globally to illustrate the cruelty of Hamas. The hostages, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were found deceased during a late-August rescue operation. The video depicts the cramped and dark conditions of the tunnel, littered with garbage and showing signs of the hostages' presence before their execution.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the morality police will not confront women over hijab violations, following the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. Although he promotes a more lenient approach, the UN's report indicates ongoing repression of women's rights and harsher penalties for non-compliance with dress codes. Pezeshkian, who took office in July, also aims to ease internet restrictions and is open to improved relations with the U.S., while denying collaborations with Russia for weapons delivery.
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