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TL;DR:
- US officials believe Israel will likely target Iran’s military and energy infrastructure in retaliation for Iran’s recent missile attack, but not nuclear facilities or assassinations
- The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza has displaced over 1.2 million people and killed thousands, including civilians
- Israel has intensified airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon, while Hezbollah fires rockets deeper into Israel, raising concerns of a full-scale US-Iran war
- The US expressed concern about Israeli forces firing on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, urging protection for them and the Lebanese military amidst the high-stakes situation
According to US officials cited by NBC News, Israel has likely narrowed down its potential targets for retaliation against Iran’s recent missile attack to military and energy infrastructure sites. The officials believe there is no indication Israel will strike Iranian nuclear facilities or attempt assassinations.
Israel has repeatedly vowed to respond to Iran’s October 1 missile barrage, which was launched in retaliation for Israel’s military operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. The conflict erupted a year ago and has sharply escalated in recent weeks, with Israel intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon while Hezbollah fires rockets deeper into Israel.
Impact and Casualties
Israel’s expanded operations have displaced over 1.2 million people in Lebanon, with the government reporting more than 2,100 killed and 10,000 wounded, including many civilians, over a year of fighting. In Gaza, Israel’s campaign aimed at eliminating Hamas has killed over 42,000 Palestinians and devastated the enclave.
Concerns and Reactions
The escalating regional conflict, which involves Iran’s proxies like Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and Iraqi militias, has raised fears of the US and Iran getting pulled into a full-scale war. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed “deep concern” to Israel about reports of Israeli forces firing on UN peacekeeping positions in Lebanon, urging protection for peacekeepers and the Lebanese military. Five UN peacekeepers have been injured in three separate incidents recently.
While the exact timing and nature of Israel’s response remain unclear, US and Israeli officials suggest it could come during the current Yom Kippur holiday. The high-stakes situation has put the Middle East on high alert for further dangerous escalation between Israel and Iran.
Source: TBS News
