1. Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem issued a defiant message that the group had entered a “new phase” in its confrontation with Israel. Qassem made the remarks after Israeli attacks on northern Lebanon that targeted Hezbollah strongholds and resulted in widespread damage and numerous casualties.

2. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated Israel’s commitment to the security of its residents in northern Israel, saying: “Military actions will continue until we reach a point where we can ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes.” As both sides hardened their stance, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi vowed that Israel would “hit anyone who threatens its citizens.”

3. The US, Israel’s biggest ally, urged restraint. President Joe Biden stressed that military escalation was not in Israel’s “best interest” and that the US was working tirelessly to prevent a larger conflict. “We will do everything in our power to prevent the outbreak of a larger war,” Biden said.

4. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed similar concerns, warning of the risk that Lebanon would become a “second Gaza” in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

5. Over the weekend, Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets that hit Kiryat Bialik near Haifa, Israel’s largest city in the north, damaging infrastructure and raising fears of further escalation. In retaliation, Israel attacked Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, including an air base and military production facilities. The exchange of fire prompted Israeli Civil Defense to order the closure of schools in the north.

6. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that three people were killed in Israeli attacks on southern areas, while Hezbollah confirmed that two of its fighters were killed. The Israeli army reported that over 150 rockets, missiles and drones were fired into its territory from Lebanon overnight.

7. Ibrahim Aqil, the head of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, was killed in recent Israeli airstrikes, including an attack on Beirut’s densely populated Dahiyeh district.

8. Hezbollah has signaled that it will not be deterred, with Qassem saying the group is ready to face “all military options.” This comes as Israel continues to target Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and seeks to prevent the group from expanding its influence along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

9. Despite mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt and the USA, there is no easing of the conflict in sight. Attempts to reach a ceasefire and facilitate the release of the hostages have stalled. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty pointed out that the situation between Israel and Hezbollah is negatively affecting efforts to stabilize the Gaza Strip.

10. The United Nations described the situation as “on the brink of imminent disaster.”

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