Israel-Iran live updates: Intense fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli troops near Lebanon border
Keir Starmer warns region on brink as UK confirms its troops responded to Iranian missile strikes on Israel
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Intense fighting has continued between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, with clashes reported close to the border.
Hezbollah said it had clashed with Israeli troops in the border town of Maroun el-Ras after pushing back fores near another border town, adding that these battles were only “the first round”.
The Israeli military, meanwhile, says it has destroyed over 150 elements of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. Israel also renewed its bombardment of Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday.
Nearly 1,900 people have been killed and more than 9,000 wounded in Lebanon in the past year, with the majority of casualties coming in the last week.
It comes as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows revenge on Iran after its military fired around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening in response to the invasion of Lebanon.
Netanyahu warned Tehran would “pay a price” after millions of Israelis rushed to shelters before explosions caused by Israel’s iron dome air defence system intercepting Iranian missiles lit up the night skies above Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Iran has said it considered the matter concluded and will respond if Israel retaliates.
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Israeli military calls Iran’s attack ‘a severe and dangerous escalation’ and vowed consequences
The Israeli military has called Iran’s attack a “severe and dangerous escalation” and vowed consequences.
Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said: “There were a small number of hits in the center of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel. The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.
“Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.
“Iran and its proxies have been attacking Israel since the 7th of October on 7 fronts. Iran and its proxies seek the destruction of Israel.
“The Israel Defense Forces will continue doing everything necessary to defend the State of Israel and protect the people of Israel.”
Defence Secretary confirms British forces ‘played their part’ in ‘attempts to prevent Middle East escalation'
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed British forces "played their part" on Tuesday evening in "attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East".
In a statement, Mr Healey said: "I completely condemn Iran's attack against Israel.
"British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
"I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
"The UK stands fully behind Israel's right to defend its country and its people against threats."
Israel's Netanyahu says Iran made a big mistake and will pay
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran's missile attack on Israel failed and vowed retaliation.
"Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it," he said at the outset of a political-security meeting. "The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies."
Starmer says he and German Chancellor condemn Iran’s attack on Israel
Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday evening.
"The Prime Minister and Chancellor condemned Iran's attack on Israel this evening, underscoring the importance of Israel's security," a spokesperson said.
"The leaders agreed that further escalation was in nobody's interest and that all sides should show restraint.
"On Lebanon, the Prime Minister underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.
"They agreed to speak soon."
Watch: Harris says Iran ‘dangerous and de-stabling influence in Middle East’
Biden says consequences for Iran remain to be seen after Israel attack
US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that there was an active discussion ongoing over how Israel would respond to an Iranian ballistic missile attack, and that the consequences for Tehran remain to be seen.
Biden, speaking at the White House, said he would be speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said Iran's attack appeared to have been ineffective.
Starmer says Iran has ‘menaced the Middle East for far too long'
Sir Keir Starmer said Iran has "menaced the Middle East for far too long" as he condemned the attack on Israel.
"We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self defence in the face of this aggression," he said in a statement in Downing Street.
"Iran must stop these attacks. Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond.
"Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people."
Iran’s armed forces warn Israel against response and its allies against direct intervention
Iran's armed forces said on Tuesday they would target the "bases and interests" of Israel's backers in the region if they directly intervene against Tehran, adding that any Israeli response to its missile attack would be met with "vast destruction" of Israeli infrastructure.
Iraq reopens airspace after closure due to Iranian strikes on Israel
Iraq's transport ministry announced the reopening of Iraqi airspace to incoming and outgoing civilian flights at Iraqi airports, state media reported on Tuesday, after a brief closure due to Iranian strikes on Israel.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon kill 55 on Tuesday, health ministry says
Fifty-five people were killed and 156 wounded in Israeli attacks across Lebanon on Tuesday, the Lebanese health ministry said in a statement.
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