Israel has carried out new airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut just before midnight, with strong explosions heard in the area, according to local reports.
Prior to the new bombardment, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had issued an urgent evacuation notice for parts of Beirut, signalling the impending strikes.
In the early hours, Israeli forces launched 11 successive bombing raids on a southern suburb of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, a source close to the Lebanese Shiite movement told AFP.
AFP correspondents heard powerful explosions, with Israel reportedly targeting a potential successor to Nasrallah.
US President Joe Biden confirmed that discussions are underway with Israel regarding potential Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities following Tuesday’s attack. Biden clarified, “Nothing is going to happen today.”
Iran has warned the US that any country assisting an Israeli attack would be considered a “legitimate target”.
In a statement issued by Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York, Tehran cautioned: “Should any country assist the aggressor, it will be considered complicit and a legitimate target. We advise countries to avoid becoming involved in the conflict between the Israeli regime and Iran and to distance themselves from the dispute.”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu held a series of high-level security consultations tonight as Israel decides how and when to respond to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Tuesday, according to Channel 12.
The report cites ministerial sources saying Israel “will exact a heavy price” from Iran.
The expected “harsh response” is being closely coordinated with the Biden administration, the television report says, citing the possibility of an imminent phone call between Netanyahu and Biden.
Israel’s response is expected to occur “within days”, according to the report.
Meanwhile, US Defense Department spokesperson Sabrina Singh confirmed that discussions are taking place between American and Israeli officials regarding Israel’s potential retaliation for the missile attack it received from Iran, without providing specifics.
(information from iefimerifda.gr)
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