Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Israeli Army Operation in Southern Lebanon

The Israel-Iran conflict escalates as Israeli army launches operation in southern Lebanon, causing widespread devastation

In a series of intense bombings over the last 24 hours, Israel has reportedly killed 37 people and injured 151 in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military launched strikes targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut and Beirut’s airport, as troops battled militants near the border and warplanes bombarded their strongholds across the country.

The strike was allegedly aimed at eliminating senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine, who is believed to be the successor to the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a strike earlier this week. Ten consecutive air strikes late on Thursday resulted in nine fatalities and marked the second strike in central Beirut since 2006.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued evacuation warnings for Beirut and areas in the south of Lebanon, demarcated as a buffer zone by the UN in a 2006 agreement, signaling an escalation of force. Ground incursions by the IDF have led to cross-border fighting with Hezbollah, resulting in 9 Israeli troop fatalities.

As calls for a ceasefire grow from the UN and various countries, Israel has intensified its efforts to eradicate Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. An Israeli military official revealed plans to use white phosphorus shells in their attacks. Additional battalions have been stationed at the Lebanon border to engage in on-ground battles with Hezbollah.

While the USA has expressed support for Israel, President Joe Biden has urged Israel to respond “proportionally” and has cautioned against attacking Iran’s oil or nuclear facilities. The conflict has already displaced nearly 1.2 million people in Lebanon, with the death toll surpassing 1,000.

The situation remains tense as Israel continues its military operations in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about further escalation and the humanitarian impact of the conflict.