Israel Strikes Lebanon, Cuts Off Main Road to Syria
Lebanon has reported that an Israeli strike cut off the main international road to Syria. The strike, which Israel hasn’t commented on, follows Hezbollah’s alleged transportation of weapons through Lebanon’s principal land border crossing.
The escalating assaults by Israel come as it weighs retaliation for Hezbollah backer Iran’s missile attack. President Joe Biden stated that the US is discussing possible Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities.
Israel’s bombing in Lebanon has killed over 1,000 people since September 23, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. The Lebanese health ministry reported 37 deaths and 151 injuries from Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours.
Hezbollah said it fought off Israeli troops on the border and set off explosive devices against advancing soldiers. The militant group also continued rocket fire, with sirens warning of incoming fire blaring in northern Israel.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is set to deliver a rare sermon, his first since Iran’s missile attack on Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut for talks with Lebanese officials.
Israel’s defense minister warned that those who attack Israel will “pay a heavy price.” Iran vowed to step up its response if Israel counterattacked.
The conflict has sparked fear in Israel and calls for restraint have multiplied. However, months of similar calls to halt fighting in Gaza failed to bring a ceasefire.
