Netanyahu's message to Lebanon after deadly Israeli strikes
What's the story
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a video message to the people of Lebanon following deadly airstrikes by Israel that resulted in nearly 500 casualties. In his statement, he urged Lebanese citizens not to become "human shields" for Hezbollah. "Israel's war is not with you, it's with Hezbollah," he said. He also accused the group of placing rockets and missiles in Lebanese homes, endangering civilian lives.
Civilian safety
Netanyahu urges Lebanese to heed IDF warnings
Netanyahu added that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has issued warnings to the Lebanese people to move away from danger zones. He urged them not to risk their lives for Hezbollah's cause. "Don't let Hezbollah endanger your lives and the lives of your loved ones... Please, get out of harm's way now," he said. The prime minister assured that once their operation is completed, residents can safely return home.
Military operation
Israel's 'Operation Northern Arrows' targets Lebanon
The IDF has launched "Operation Northern Arrows" targeting southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as conducting a "targeted strike" on Beirut. This marked a shift in violence from Israel's southern frontier with Gaza to its northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah, which governs Lebanon, has been engaging in fire exchanges with Israel in support of the Palestinian group Hamas since the war's inception.
Casualty report
Hezbollah-led health ministry reports casualties from strikes
The Hezbollah-led health ministry in Lebanon reported 492 casualties from the Israeli strikes, including 35 children and 58 women. Health Minister Firass Abiad also stated that at least 1,645 people were wounded and thousands of families displaced due to the attacks. These attacks marked the deadliest day of cross-border violence since the Gaza war began last year.
International response
Global powers urge Israel and Hezbollah to avoid war
The recent attacks have drawn condemnation from Arab states and other global powers, who are urging both Israel and Hezbollah to step back from the brink of full-scale war. Despite this, status-quo remains. Prior to these attacks, Hezbollah announced a "new phase" of confrontation and retaliated by firing rockets at Israeli military sites in response to earlier Israeli strikes.