Tensions in the Middle East escalated further on Saturday after a drone strike targeted the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea. While Netanyahu swiftly accused Iran of orchestrating the attack, Tehran vehemently denied any involvement, instead pointing fingers at Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group.
Netanyahu, in a statement, declared that the attack was a “grave mistake” by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah, vowing that “anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price.” He explicitly addressed his comments to both Tehran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, a group Israel has been engaged in conflict with since late September.
Iran, however, maintains its innocence. Iran’s permanent mission to the UN, in a statement, refuted the allegations, stating that it had “already responded to the Israeli regime.” The statement did not elaborate on what this response entailed. While Hezbollah has yet to claim responsibility for the attack, its silence adds fuel to the fire, leaving many to speculate on its involvement.
Meanwhile, the war between Israel and its adversaries continues to intensify. Over the weekend, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes in both Lebanon and Gaza, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 100 individuals. On Sunday, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) targeted a Hezbollah command center and an underground weapons manufacturing facility in Beirut, Lebanon. The IDF maintained that evacuation orders were issued prior to the airstrikes.
The ongoing conflict has forced tens of thousands of residents to flee the southern suburbs of Beirut, a densely populated area that previously housed Hezbollah offices and underground infrastructure. This area has become a frequent target of Israeli airstrikes in recent weeks, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the world watches with bated breath, bracing for further developments in this increasingly complex conflict.