Israel-Iran latest updates: IDF threatens ‘significant retaliation’ to Iran’s missile barrage as ground operations intensify in Lebanon against Hezbollah sparking World War III fears
By James Reynolds and Chris Jewers
Published: | Updated:
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Israel has vowed a ‘significant retaliation’ to Iran’s attack last night which saw Tehran fire a barrage of missiles in revenge for Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the assassination of its leader.
A retaliation to the attack would come within days and could target oil production facilities inside Iran and other strategic sites, US news website Axios reported on Wednesday – citing Israeli officials.
As the missile assault unfolded, news also broke of a deadly shooting in Tel Aviv, leaving at least six people dead. Police said two suspects opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighbourhood, and were also killed in the attack.
Israel’s vow to retaliate came as the IDF said today that regular infantry and armoured units were joining ground operations in southern Lebanon, but said they would remain limited and localised in scope.
Israel said on Tuesday that commando and paratrooper units had crossed a short distance over the border in the first publicly announced ground operation in Lebanon, and subsequently said that special forces units had been carrying out ground raids against Hezbollah targets across the border for months.
During these missions, Israel said, its forces had uncovered tunnels and weapon caches under homes.
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Israeli forces ‘suffer casualties’ in renewed press on Lebanon
Israeli forces are believed to have suffered casualties amid a renewed press into Lebanon this morning.
Some 20 ambulances were reported to be stationed in northern Israel to receive soldiers being evacuated from the frontlines in Lebanon.
Israel continued to pound southern Lebanon with rockets this morning, claiming intense clashes with Hezbollah soldiers at the border.
Infantry and armoured units were expected to join the cross-border raids today, so far defined mostly by small commando raids.
Israel revealed yesterday its special forces had been working in Lebanon for months, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and destroying Iranian weapons.
Israel maintains that its military operations in Lebanon will be swift – but continues to face pressure from world leaders to de-escalate.
Hello and welcome to MailOnline’s live blog covering the ongoing conflict between Israel, Hezbollah and Iran on October 2. Here’s what you need to know this morning:
The IDF launched a ‘limited, localised and targeted’ invasion into Lebanon, claiming to be targeting Hezbollah strongholds, in the early hours of Monday morning;
Israel fended off attacks from Hezbollah and Houthi rebels in Yemen as thousands headed for emergency shelters during waves of rocket and drone attacks;
Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles into Israel, claiming to have targeted military positions with 90 per cent efficiency. One Palestinian was killed in Israel;
The US confirmed two naval destroyers were used to shoot down Iranian missiles, as British and Jordanian forces lent support;
Israeli rhetoric has turned to a response this morning as Iran urged de-escalation, while threatening anybody opening air space to Israel;
Israel announced renewed operations in Lebanon today, claiming infantry and armoured units would join the ground offensive, hitherto mainly defined by commando raids;
Israeli forces appeared to suffer casualties in their first close combat with Hezbollah in Lebanon, with some 20 ambulances waiting in northern Israel to receive the injured.
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Israel-Iran latest updates: IDF threatens ‘significant retaliation’ to Iran’s missile barrage as ground operations intensify in Lebanon against Hezbollah sparking World War III fears
