08:31 Israel Warns Hezbollah: Annihilation Pending
Israel issues severe warning, threatens destruction of Hezbollah militant group
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning to the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, stating that if they dare attack Israel to support Iran, "there will be no Hezbollah." This threatening statement was shared on Twitter and reported by Israeli newspaper, Haaretz [1]. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem had earlier announced that the group is "not neutral" and will "act as it deems fit." Katz retaliated, "I suggest the Lebanese representative be cautious and understand that Israel has run out of patience with terrorists threatening it."
08:07 CDU lawmaker calls for sanctions against Israeli ministers
Despite Germany's reluctance thus far, CDU MEP Michael Gahler is urging EU sanctions against Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. He cited their extremist statements and stances as supporting radical settler movements in the West Bank, which he believes do not serve Israel’s long-term interests [2]. Possible measures may include a travel ban or asset freezing.
07:42 Frei: US intervention uncertain
German Chancellor's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei said that US intervention in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is uncertain, despite signs of consolidation. He emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomacy, especially ahead of Iran talks led by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Geneva [3].
07:20 Beersheba Under Attack – Israeli City Hit by Iranian Rocket Strike
According to the Israeli military, the city of Beersheba in southern Israel was hit by an Iranian rocket attack this morning. The impact caused damage to residential buildings, office buildings, and industrial facilities, with at least one residential complex suffering facade destruction [4]. Six people have reportedly been lightly injured. Video footage shows cars on fire, thick smoke from burned buildings, and broken windows in residential settlements [5].
07:16 Israeli Air Force targets Iranian military facilities
In another strike, the Israeli Air Force reports attacking over 60 targets in Iran, with a primary focus on rocket production facilities and the headquarters of a research institute for Iran's "nuclear weapons project." Damage was inflicted on the Tehran's industrial facilities for rocket production, which served as an essential hub for the Iranian Ministry of Defense [6].
07:11 Germany, Iran Meetings Amidst Tense Situation
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul acknowledges the critical nature of today's planned meeting with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, with tensions at an all-time high. "The situation is incredibly tense, it's hardly possible to predict how the next few days will unfold," he said [7]. Wadephul stressed the significance of discussing every diplomatic thread that exists, aiming to prevent escalation.
Other Developments
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz was praised by CDU foreign policy expert Armin Laschet for his "dirty work" remark, referring to Israel's military operation against Iran [8].
- Despite military escalation between Iran and Israel, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has expressed optimism about a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute with Iran being achievable [9].
- A grenade was reportedly thrown at the residence of the Norwegian ambassador in Israel, causing no injury to embassy staff, according to Norway's Foreign Ministry [10].
- Air raid sirens have sounded again in southern Israel following new Iranian missile launches, according to the Israeli army [11].
References
[1] Haaretz, Twitter (https://twitter.com/)
[2] Der Spiegel, https://www.spiegel.de
[3] ARD, https://www.ard.de
[4] Kan, https://www.kan.org.il
[5] CNN, https://www.cnn.com
[6] Army, https://www.idf.il
[7] Spiegel, https://www.spiegel.de
[8] Bild, https://www.bild.de
[9] British embassy in Washington, https://www.gov.uk
[10] Norwegian Foreign Ministry, https://www.regjeringen.no
[11] Israeli army, https://www.idf.il
Tags:
- Middle East Conflict
- Israel War
- Israel
- Iran
- Hezbollah
- Lebanon
- Nuclear Program
- Diplomacy
- Tensions
- Iran Attacks
- Rockets
- Military Operations
- Israeli Air Force
Enrichment Insights:- The current situation between Israel and Hezbollah is tense but limited to indirect hostilities.- Israel is conducting targeted strikes against Iran-backed sites that support Hezbollah's military capabilities.- Hezbollah's military capacity is still weakened following the confrontations last year, and the Lebanese Army has been dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure faster than expected.- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has confirmed Hezbollah's support for Iran in the ongoing conflict.- Analysts suggest Hezbollah is being cautious not to engage in direct conflict with Israel due to its weakened state and lack of public support in Lebanon for Iran's regional conflicts.
- Political cooperation to de-escalate the Middle East tensions is crucial, as the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah standoff threatens the region's peace and security.
- As the US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict remains uncertain, diplomatic discussions such as those between Germany and Iran become increasingly important to prevent further war-and-conflicts and maintain peace and security.
