The United States is sending its advanced anti-missile system, the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, to Israel along with a military crew to operate it. This deployment comes in response to Iran's recent attacks against Israel and serves as a clear demonstration of US support for Israel's defense. The move also marks a broader adjustment in the US military's approach to protecting Americans in Israel from attacks by Iran and its allies. As this decision is made, Israel is grappling with ongoing threats and attacks from Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon to ensure their safety. The tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, with Israel reaffirming its commitment to defending its future against the "axis of evil."
As tensions rise in the West Asia region, 40 countries, including India, have condemned the recent Israeli attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers in Lebanon. In a recorded video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the withdrawal of UNIFIL troops from Hezbollah strongholds to prevent them from being used as human shields. India, along with other nations, has expressed concern for the safety of UN personnel and urged for the inviolability of UN premises to be respected.
The recent explosion of Hezbollah devices in Lebanon has once again raised suspicions of Israel's involvement in covert operations. While the country rarely takes responsibility for such attacks, its long history of secretive operations - from cyber attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities to exploding walkie-talkies in Lebanon - has left a mark on the Middle East. As the consequences of Israel's actions continue to shake the region, this article delves into some of the most notable incidents over the last six decades.
The escalating violence between Israel and Gaza has led to Nicaragua taking a decisive stand against Israel by breaking off diplomatic ties and condemning their actions as "fascist" and "genocidal". Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with dozens killed in the Jabalia refugee camp alone. In a show of solidarity, Lebanon has also faced Israeli military strikes, injuring UN peacekeepers and killing two Lebanese soldiers.
Amid the festive celebrations of Ashtami and Navami, Mumbai's Bollywood celebrities were spotted at the pandal, including Ajay Devgn, Kajol, and their son Yug. The family posed for the paparazzi and also offered prayers to Goddess Durga together. The celebratory atmosphere was captured by the media, showcasing the rich and vibrant culture of India.
US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to minimize civilian harm as Israel mulls its response to Iran's recent missile strike. This call comes amid mounting pressure from Washington not to strike Iran's oil or nuclear facilities prior to the US presidential elections. The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact over the next few days, and Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged that their attack on Iran will be "deadly, precise, and surprising." The leaders also discussed Israel's offensive against Iranian ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
An Israeli strike in Tripoli, Lebanon and continued bombardment in Beirut's suburbs have intensified the already volatile situation in the region. With Hezbollah claiming Israeli troops were trying to infiltrate a Lebanese town and uncertainty over the fate of a key Hezbollah figure, tensions are at an all-time high. Meanwhile, Iran's oil minister says he is not worried about possible attacks on oil facilities, but India is keeping a close eye on developments and urged for resolution through diplomacy.
Israel continues its military strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, hitting Hezbollah weapons storage facilities. This comes after the Israeli military killed a Hezbollah commander and issued new evacuation orders in southern Lebanon. tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate as Iran resumes flights after a temporary cancellation due to Israeli threats of retaliation for their missile attack. This conflict is a year after the deadly Hamas attacks that rocked Israel in 7 October.
Intel from the recent Friday prayers at Tehran's Grand Mosalla Mosque reveals Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's views on Iran's attack on Israel earlier this week. Addressing a massive crowd, Khamenei called the attack "completely legal and legitimate work" and also delivered a message to the Islamic world, particularly Lebanon and Palestine. The event also included a ceremony commemorating the death of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah by the Israeli Air Force. Khamenei expressed the need to honour Nasrallah, whom he described as an "admired personality" and urged the youth of Hezbollah to fulfil his wishes and defend the region from external threats.
In the early hours of October 3, 2024, Israel launched a bombing in central Beirut, killing at least 6 people. This was in response to Hezbollah's deadly attacks on Wednesday that claimed the lives of 8 Israeli soldiers. The back-and-forth escalation between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel has increased concerns over the possibility of a regional war. Keep track of all the latest updates on the conflict here.