UK ‘moving jets’ to Middle East as Israel warns ‘more severe’ strikes coming - Netanyahu claims to have set Iran’s nuclear program back ‘by years’

NEWS ANALYSIS. Faced with Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran can no longer count on its allies in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, which have been weakened since Hamas's attack on Israel, on October 7, 2023.

JERUSALEM/DUBAI - Iran and Israel traded missiles and airstrikes on Saturday, the day after Israel launched a sweeping air offensive against its old enemy, killing commanders and scientists and bombing nuclear sites in a stated bid to stop it building an atomic weapon.

Hezbollah has long been considered Iran’s first line of defense in case of a war with Israel. But since Israel launched its massive barrage against Iran this week, the Lebanese militant group has stayed out of the fray.

"Hezbollah is committed to the ceasefire agreement, even though Israel has not respected this commitment over the past period," the spokesperson said. "It continues to kill, assassinate, and attack areas, including entering border villages and remaining at the five points."

Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv has been closed to traffic since Israel attacked Iran’s military and nuclear facilities on Friday morning and Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes at Israel. Other countries in the region, including Lebanon and Jordan, said they were reopening their airspace Saturday.

France condemns Israel's most recent strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut and southern Lebanon, demanding an Israeli withdrawal and adherence to the November 2024 ceasefire. This is the latest criticism of Israel from France.

Israel strikes Iran after neutralizing Hezbollah as Tehran’s response falters, exposing deep regional shifts and vulnerabilities.