The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out a series of airstrikes in Beirut, targeting what they claim was the headquarters of Hezbollah. Senior Hezbollah commanders were reportedly the primary target of these strikes, though it is unclear if leader Hassan Nasrallah was affected. Meanwhile, Canada has secured seats on commercial flights for its citizens seeking to leave Lebanon.
The IDF has launched a fresh round of strikes in Lebanon 's capital after earlier bombing residential blocks in Beirut's south, claiming they contained the Hezbollah headquarters.
Many Australians have also been trying to flee the region. The government has urged them to leave on commercial flights while they remain available, but not committed any particular assistance measures. All levels of American diplomacy, from President Biden to Defence Secretary Austin, have urged against putting boots on the ground - warning it could spark a broader regional conflict.
He said the fighting is risking the lives of Israelis and the Lebanese while also threatening a regional security and stability.Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising above buildings after midnight. The Lebanese health ministry has provided another update on the casualties after the IDF's bombings in Beirut.
The Lebanese cleric - who was born in Beirut - was the target of an Israeli attack on Friday evening local time but his status remains unclear.During his time leading Hezbollah, Mr Nasrallah has built the organisation into a potent force with significant political sway over a fractured Lebanon - and developed an army with the wherewithal to strike into the heart of Israel's second largest city, Tel Aviv.These are Israel's biggest strikes on Beirut in nearly two decades.
He is reported to live in a reinforced bunker deep underground. If he has been killed, it may not be confirmed for a little while. The group appears to have badly underestimated Israel's willingness, after months of relative stasis, to dramatically escalate.A major factor they ignored was Israel winding down its activity in Gaza and concluding operations in the West Bank, allowing it to prepare for a major commitment on the Lebanon border.
In the long term, it's important to note that Israel assassinated the previous leaders of both Hamas and Hezbollah . In each case, the groups recovered and grew in strength.Tel Aviv Municipality has put out a public notice, advising it is on "increased alert" and that it has opened public shelters across the city, in the wake of the Beirut strikes.
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