Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs in Response to Hezbollah Fire; Iran Criticizes US

Israel has launched airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, in response to Hezbollah firing into Israeli territory. The strikes were confirmed by a joint statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, with explosions heard across the city. In response, Iran's top negotiator criticized the United States, stating that the strikes showed Washington either lacked the will or the ability to fulfill its commitments. Meanwhile, former President Trump criticized Netanyahu over the airstrikes, questioning the attack, while also suggesting that a peace deal with Iran could be signed by Sunday, with the Strait of Hormuz to open shortly after. The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel will not leave Lebanon and will not strike if Hezbollah respects the ceasefire, according to sources. The escalation marks a significant flare-up in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with regional and international implications.

Global Impact

The strikes escalate the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, risking a broader regional war that could draw in Iran and the US. Economically, any threat to the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt oil shipments, spiking energy prices globally.