The Times of Israel is liveblogging Thursday’s events as they happen.
Israel prefers diplomacy but ready to ‘use all means’ against Hezbollah if talks fail — UN envoy
Israel says it’s open to a diplomatic solution on Lebanon but vowed to use “all means” in its goal of degrading Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
“We are grateful for all those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid escalation, to avoid a full war,” Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon says, but adds that if talks failed: “We will use all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our aims.”
IDF troops open fire after spotting suspicious movement near Lebanon border kibbutz
The IDF says troops identified suspicious movement near Kibbutz Manara along the Lebanon border a short while ago, and opened fire.
Soldiers are scanning the area, the military adds.
Iran threatens to back Hezbollah ‘with all means’ if fighting with Israel escalates
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Middle East is facing a “full-scale catastrophe” and warns Tehran will back Lebanon by “all means” if fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah escalates.
“The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe. If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences,” he tells reporters at the United Nations, adding that Iran would “stand with the people of Lebanon with all means.”
Araqchi also claims Israel has crossed “all red lines” and says the UN Security Council must intervene to restore peace and stability.
US says Biden, Macron discussed push to secure Israel-Hezbollah truce at UN meeting
UNITED NATIONS — US President Joe Biden met French President Emmanuel Macron at the UN General Assembly in New York for talks on negotiating a truce between Israel and Hezbollah, the White House saiys.
The leaders met on the sidelines of the gathering in New York “to discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah and prevent a wider war,” it says in a statement.
Lebanese health ministry reports 72 killed, 392 wounded in Israeli strikes on Wednesday
The Lebanese health ministry says 72 people were killed and another 392 were wounded in IDF airstrikes strikes across Lebanon today.
The IDF says it targeted Hezbollah sites, including homes where the terror group stored munitions. It warned civilians ahead of carrying out the strikes.