GUWAHATI: Israel has reported that eight of its soldiers were killed in combat in Lebanon during intense clashes with Hezbollah militants.
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The country also signalled its intention to respond to a ballistic missile attack launched by Iran. According to Israeli authorities, approximately 180 missiles were fired by Iran, causing minor damage to dozens of homes, civilian infrastructure, and a few military bases.
While the U.S. has urged Israel to show restraint in its response to the Iranian attack, some current and former Israeli officials are advocating for a more forceful retaliation. Early Thursday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut resulted in the deaths of six people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, Hamas’s military wing claimed responsibility for the killing of seven Israelis in an attack on Jaffa earlier in the week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in discussions with military and security leaders regarding the situation.
Israel's air defense system, supported by U.S.-led coalition allies, intercepted most of Iran’s missiles, although a few managed to breach the defense. Despite this, Israeli health officials reported no fatalities and only minor injuries. Iran stated that its missile strike was in retaliation for the deaths of senior leaders from its allied militias, Hezbollah and Hamas.