During a recent funeral in Tehran, Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Ali Fadavi issued a stark warning to “obliterate” Zionists, reflecting heightened tensions in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. This statement comes as Iran anticipates possible Israeli retaliation following a significant missile attack on Israel, where hundreds of missiles were fired on October 1.
At the funeral for a general who died alongside Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Fadavi remarked on the relatively small size of Israel, asserting, “If we will, we can obliterate all the Zionists.” It’s common for Iranian officials to use the term “Zionists” when referring to Israelis.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate. An Israeli airstrike in northern Lebanon killed at least 21 people, including women and children, according to the Lebanese Red Cross. The strike occurred in Aito, a predominantly Christian area, far from Hezbollah’s southern strongholds, and left the Israeli military silent on specifics regarding the target.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes overnight reportedly killed 15 more people, including six children. Ongoing military actions have trapped many residents, particularly in Jabaliya, where conflict has intensified for over a week. This follows a devastating attack by Iran-backed Hamas last year, which led to the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. Israeli response has resulted in significant casualties on the Palestinian side, with Gaza health officials estimating around 42,000 fatalities, primarily among women and children.
With Hezbollah actively engaging in cross-border skirmishes, the situation is increasingly unstable. Iran’s recent missile barrage on Israel marks a significant escalation, as both parties continue retaliatory exchanges along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Sirens Sound in Northern Israel Amid Escalating Rocket Fire
Early Tuesday morning, sirens blaring in northern Israel signaled incoming rocket threats from Lebanon. The Israeli military reported two projectiles fired from Lebanon were intercepted, part of a series of escalating attacks from Hezbollah aimed at areas like Haifa, amplifying regional tensions further.
Growing Criticism Over Attacks on U.N. Peacekeepers
Recent violence against U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon has drawn criticism, especially following incidents that left five peacekeepers injured amid Israel’s ground campaign against Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has urged peacekeepers to leave the area, while the European Union condemned the attacks, countering Israeli claims that U.N. operations hinder military efforts. In response to a drone assault that killed four Israeli soldiers, Israel’s defense minister promised a strong retaliation against Hezbollah.
Netanyahu’s Determination to Strike Hezbollah
In the wake of recent violence, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to “strike Hezbollah without mercy,” including operations in Beirut. He made these remarks during a visit to the site of the drone attack, which caused injuries to 60 individuals, reinforcing Israel’s commitment to responding decisively to threats.
As the nation braves significant challenges, Netanyahu expressed solidarity with the injured, assuring that Israel continues to fight while achieving significant military successes in the ongoing conflict.