In a significant military escalation, Israel on Wednesday launched extensive airstrikes on over 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. According to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted on X, over 150 "terrorist infrastructure sites have been destroyed in air strikes, including Hezbollah’s HQ, weapon storage facilities, and rocket launchers". The IDF further said: "In cooperation with the IAF, our troops have eliminated terrorists and dismantled terrorist infrastructure through precision-guided munitions and close-range engagements."
Israel Loses 8 IDF Soldiers in Combat
Israel lost eight soldiers in combat with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon Wednesday. The fallen soldiers include Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, Captain Harel Etinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay, Sergeant First Class Or Mantzur, Sergeant First Class Nazaar Itkin, Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe, and Staff Sergeant Ido Broyer.
Iranian Missile Onslaught
The Israeli airstrikes in Hezbollah continue even after a day of massive Iranian missile barrage that saw nearly 200 projectiles launched at key Israeli military targets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will seek revenge "at an opportune time".
Oil Prices Rise
Oil prices rose again as the world waits to see how Israel will respond to Iran’s missile attack. While Israel is not a major producer of oil, Iran is. A broadening war could affect neighboring countries that are also integral to the flow of crude.
UN Calls For Ceasefire
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, expressing alarm over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. "It is high time for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza," Guterres said. "It is high time for a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon." He warned that "the sickening cycle of escalation after escalation that is leading the people of the Middle East straight over the cliff" must come to an end.
Group of Seven Holds Urgent Teleconference
The leaders of the Group of Seven held an urgent telephone conference on rising tensions, reiterating a "firm condemnation of the Iranian attack against Israel", according to a statement from Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's office. They said a diplomatic solution was still possible. Italy holds the rotating presidency of the G-7 group of industrialised democracies.
(With inputs from agencies)