Israeli warplanes flew low over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier three times in less than 30 minutes, causing loud booms that sent people running for cover just before a speech by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. The incident occurred ahead of Nasrallah’s address marking one week since the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in an Israeli strike, escalating tensions in the region.
Russia has begun supplying Iran with advanced radar and air defense systems as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel. This comes ahead of Iran’s anticipated retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which could potentially spark a full-scale war in the Middle East. The US and Israel have warned of an imminent attack, while Iran reportedly shows little concern for the potential consequences.
Hezbollah launched a series of drone and rocket attacks on northern Israel, targeting military sites near Acre and an Israeli military vehicle. This escalation follows recent Israeli strikes and is part of a broader conflict linked to the Gaza war. Hezbollah vowed revenge for the killing of its top commander, Fuad Shukr, and Iran threatened retaliation for the killing of the Hamas leader Haniyeh. The Israeli military responded with strikes on Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanon, killing five people reported to be Hezbollah fighters.
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, has expressed deep concern over the political unrest in Bangladesh, highlighting its potential impact on regional stability. He also condemned the recent violence in Gaza and Lebanon, accusing the US of supporting Israel’s actions, which he termed as ‘genocide’.
Iran has banned its airspace for civilian aircraft, raising concerns of an imminent attack on Israel. The move comes after the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and escalating tensions in the Middle East. The US and Israel have warned of a potential attack, potentially involving Hezbollah, as early as Monday, while Iran has shown no signs of backing down.
Israel returned the bodies of over 80 Palestinians killed during its military offensive in Gaza, while airstrikes continued, killing at least 18 more on Monday. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the bodies were returned without information on identities or causes of death. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued their operations, with residents in southeast Khan Younis reporting ongoing shelling and airstrikes, despite evacuations orders issued by Israel. The Israeli military also announced the killing of a Hamas official, Abdel-Fattah Al-Zriei, who they claim was involved in weapons manufacturing. The conflict has resulted in a heavy toll on both sides, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 39,550 Palestinian deaths, while Israel acknowledges the deaths of around 330 soldiers.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government’s response to the potential Iranian attack, questioning if it’s acceptable for the country to be held hostage for days without clear action. He accused the government of failing to provide residents with information and support, creating widespread uncertainty and fear.
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has ordered the seizure of 100 million shekels ($26 million) of tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, claiming they would be used to compensate Israeli victims of terrorism. This move, the fifth of its kind, is part of a broader Israeli strategy to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state and enhance settlement in the West Bank.
Several countries have urgently advised their citizens to leave Lebanon due to escalating tensions in West Asia. The situation has intensified following targeted assassinations and retaliatory actions, sparking fears of a wider regional conflict. The US and its allies have increased military presence in the region, while international calls for de-escalation are mounting. The humanitarian impact of the conflict is severe, with civilian casualties and instability rising in both Lebanon and Gaza.
US Secretary of State Tony Blinken has informed his G7 counterparts of a potential attack on Israel by Iran and Hezbollah as early as Monday. He convened a conference call to coordinate with allies and apply diplomatic pressure to limit the retaliation, emphasizing the need to contain the attacks to avoid a full-scale war.
