Israel and Iran tensions escalate as IDF strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon

The Israeli military (IDF) has issued evacuation warnings in Lebanon and carried out airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions, while also raiding a rocket launching site and destroying a 100-foot tunnel. The operations come amid reports that an Iranian missile was intercepted by an Iron Dome battery in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — the first operational use of the system in a foreign country. Two IDF soldiers were wounded in clashes with Hezbollah, and at least 17 Lebanese have been killed in the past day.

The IDF says it is on high alert after the UAE reported Iranian missile attacks. Meanwhile, the military is planning to equip troops with shotguns to counter drone threats in Lebanon. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli attacks have killed dozens in Lebanon over recent days. The home front rules in Israel remain unchanged.