Israel Targets Hezbollah’s New Leader: Situation in the Middle East
According to The New York Times, the Israeli army has struck a location where Hezbollah’s new leader meets with other senior officials.
There have been no official statements from either Israel or Hezbollah regarding whether Hashem Safieddine was harmed in the attack.
Lebanon’s Minister of Health has reported explosions in Beirut overnight, resulting in the deaths of 37 people and injuries to 151 others. At least 9 people have died due to attacks in the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to lead the Friday prayer, a significant Islamic ritual. Khamenei last conducted the Friday prayer in January 2020 when Iran launched missiles at an American military base in Iraq in retaliation for the strike that killed Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guards.
In Iran, this ceremony takes place in mosques. Political important announcements are often made during the sermons of Friday prayers.
Israeli military officials have also ordered residents of 20 southern Lebanese towns to evacuate immediately, signaling a possible ground incursion.
Amid rising tensions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has arrived in Lebanon. He is set to meet with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Leaders of the G7 have called for restraint in the Middle East:
The dangerous cycle of attacks and counteractions could lead to uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is undesirable for anyone. Therefore, we urge all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint. We encourage all parties to engage constructively to de-escalate the current tensions. International humanitarian law must be respected.