Updates: IDF says fighter jets struck launch sites, other Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

IDF says fighter jets struck launch sites, other Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces says it struck a number of Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, following cross-border attacks by the terror group.

An IDF statement says fighter jets hit several launch sites, “terror infrastructure” and a Hezbollah military structure.

It also says a projectile was launched at the border town of Zarit, leading Israeli forces to shell the source of the fire.

“Additionally, IDF artillery fire attacked a number of areas in Lebanese territory to remove the threat,” the statement adds.

IDF said to carry out intensive strikes in Khan Younis, elsewhere in Gaza

Israel is carrying out intensive strikes in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, according to Palestinian media reports, as Israeli forces hit Hamas-linked target in the Strip overnight.

US says Iran is responsible for Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea

The US says it holds Iran responsible for attacks on civilian and military vessels by Yemen’s Houthis, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan saying the US is discussing establishing military escorts for ships in the Red Sea.

The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed attacks on commercial ships and a US warship on yesterday.

Speaking at the White House, Sullivan said the ultimate blame lies with Tehran.

“The weapons here are being supplied by Iran,” Sullivan says. “Iran, we believe, is the ultimate party responsible for this.”

Sullivan says the US does not believe all three ships struck by the Houthis had ties to Israel.

As IDF troops head to south Gaza, displaced Palestinians wonder where to flee next

French delegation heading to Israel in attempt to calm tensions along Lebanon border

A French diplomatic delegation will arrive in Israel in the coming days to engage with Israeli and Lebanese officials to try and work on a solution to the ongoing cross-border fire as well as the wider Israel-Hamas war.

The delegation includes Alice Rufo, the defense policy director at the French Defense Ministry, and Frederic Mondoloni, the political director of the French Foreign Ministry. They are expected to discuss Gaza with Israeli officials, but will not enter the Strip. It is unclear whether they will continue from Israel to Beirut.

The French administration has vast leverage on Lebanese internal politics and may use its influence to work on tamping down the attacks on Israel from the northern border.

Israel’s agenda in the north up until now was to deter and contain the attacks, while planning on full implementation of the 2006 UNSC resolution 1701, which provides for the removal of Hezbollah forces between 5-16 km away.