President Joe Biden and UN officials have urged restraint and pushed Israel for diplomatic solutions with Hezbollah in Lebanon after a weekend of increased hostilities, multiple airstrikes and bombardments amid fears of a wider war in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces advised civilians in southern Lebanon to evacuate areas associated with Hezbollah’s operations.
Israel says its latest airstrikes on Lebanon were aimed at preventing larger Hezbollah attacks. In response, the group targeted Israeli military and defense facilities near Haifa with rockets.
The ongoing exchanges have caused widespread displacement, with tens of thousands fleeing their homes and casualties rising on both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue strikes until northern Israel’s security is restored.