Israel launches strikes in Lebanon and Iran as conflict escalates

Israel carried out a series of military strikes in Lebanon and Iran. The attacks in Lebanon targeted infrastructure like a bridge and included warnings to Beirut of potential destruction on a scale similar to Gaza. Israeli forces also struck inside Iran, reportedly killing a commander of Iran's Quds Force.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a hard line against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group in Lebanon. The United States responded by deploying additional Marines to the Middle East. Lebanese authorities reported hundreds of casualties and said Israeli evacuation orders now cover a significant portion of southern Lebanon.

The situation represents a major escalation of long-standing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with direct strikes now extending into Iranian territory. The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation as both sides continue military operations.