Israel executed a series of airstrikes across Lebanon during the night, targeting locations including Beirut, with the stated objective of disrupting the financial activities of the Iranian-supported militant organization Hezbollah. Concurrently, Israeli forces were engaged in "localized" ground operations in the southern region to eliminate militant threats, as reported by the Israel Defense Forces.
As of Monday, the full extent of the damage and casualties resulting from the Israeli airstrikes had not been determined. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a warning, stating, "We will continue to strike the Iranian proxy until it is dismantled." Following Israel's warning on Sunday night for civilians to steer clear of the Hezbollah-affiliated financial institution al-Qard al-Hasan Association, smoke was observed rising from the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Al-Qard al-Hasan operates numerous branches throughout Lebanon, particularly in the densely populated areas of Beirut, and offers services similar to those of conventional banks. However, U.S. and Israeli authorities have alleged that it functions as the unofficial banking institution for Hezbollah. The economic crisis that has plagued Lebanon in recent years has severely impacted the traditional banking sector within the country.
In light of escalating tensions in the region, the United States is actively seeking to mitigate potential conflicts, especially in anticipation of Israel's expected response to Iran following a ballistic missile strike earlier this month. To facilitate dialogue, White House envoy Amos Hochstein has made a visit to Lebanon, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to commence a multi-stop journey to the Middle East, which includes Israel, aimed at negotiating a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza after the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
The geopolitical landscape remains fraught with challenges as the U.S. endeavors to stabilize the situation amidst rising hostilities. The actions taken by American officials reflect a broader strategy to address the complexities of regional security and to foster diplomatic solutions that could lead to a cessation of violence and a more stable environment in the Middle East.
Key developments
• Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the THAAD air defense system of the United States has been deployed in Israel and can be activated "very quickly."
•The extent of Israel's anticipated response to Iran will be determined solely by Israel, Austin informed reporters on Sunday, while also indicating his efforts to reduce tensions.
•Hochstein, during discussions with officials from the Lebanese government, reaffirmed the Biden administration's dedication to addressing the conflict in Lebanon by implementing a 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at ceasing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
•At least 42,603 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza as a result of the ongoing conflict, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. Additionally, the Health Ministry of Lebanon has confirmed that a minimum of 2,464 individuals have been killed in that country. Both reports do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
•Israel estimates that approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which includes over 300 soldiers. Additionally, it reports that 356 soldiers have died in its military operations in Gaza.
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