Israel authorizes strikes in Lebanon and Iran as cross-border fighting escalates

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Katz have reportedly authorized the Israeli military to target senior Iranian and Hezbollah officials without the usual prior approval. This comes as Israel has carried out strikes in Beirut and Tehran, while Hezbollah has fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel.

The escalation has led to warnings from five countries against an Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon, citing fears of a wider war and a potential collapse in Lebanon. The fighting has also resulted in injuries to Lebanese soldiers and a growing number of displaced people.