The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has taken a critical turn, drawing international attention and raising further concerns about regional stability.
In a strategic move, the United States has reportedly asked Iraq to close its airspace to Iranian cargo planes destined for Syria and Lebanon. These flights are suspected of transporting equipment, munitions and personnel to Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces.
Israeli children run to take cover as Hezbollah rockets are fired into Israel.
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) June 29, 2024
Imagine if your children a summer break like this. This is unacceptable. Israel has the duty to protect its people.
This was filmed this week by Studio A pic.twitter.com/volr4Gve0Z
Iran is a crucial ally for Hezbollah, providing significant financial, military and logistical support. Although Hamas also opposes Israel, it operates independently of Tehran and is not considered an Iranian proxy.
If the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah were to escalate into a full-scale war, direct involvement by Iran against Israel could throw the already tumultuous region into chaos.
Iran is threatening to 'obliterate' Israel as it defends itself from Hezbollah's war.
— Israeli Citizen Spox (@IsrCitizenSpox) June 30, 2024
In this Daily Briefing, Citizen Spokesman @EylonALevy discusses Iran's threats and what is needed for peace.
Watch the full briefing in the bio link. pic.twitter.com/3GkUugarmu
Saturday saw a marked increase in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Anecdotal evidence throughout the day pointed to an escalation, with reports of targeted Israeli airstrikes and increased aerial activity.
In a significant move, Saudi Arabia advised all its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country immediately. When asked if this indicated imminent war, Lebanese Minister Issam Sharaf al-Din commented, “The war is breaking out, but the tension is limited to southern Lebanon.”
Reports emerged of a targeted Israeli airstrike on a motorcycle near the town of Meiss Ej Jabal in southern Lebanon. Additionally, multiple sonic booms from Israeli aircraft were reported across Lebanon, from the capital Beirut to Baalbek on the Lebanon-Syria border.
Sonic Booms heard moments ago over the City of Nabatieh in Southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/nnXRfm4Yhe
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 29, 2024
Widespread fighting has yet to erupt as of Saturday night.
Meanwhile, in Iraq, Iranian-backed paramilitary groups such as Kata'ib Hezbollah have announced their readiness to use ballistic missiles and advanced drones against Israel if it launches a full-scale invasion of southern Lebanon.
Update, Iraq, Lebanon, Israel:
— Nafiseh Kohnavard (@nafisehkBBC) June 29, 2024
Iraqi Shia paramilitary groups will use “ballistic missiles & much advanced drones in coordination with other resistance groups to target Israel if a full scale war against Lebanon begins…” a high rank Iraqi paramilitary member tells me.
“We have…