IDF renews strikes in Beirut; missile from Yemen aimed at Israel intercepted (2024)

President Biden and Vice President Harris convened a call with their national security team on Saturday "to receive an update on the situation in the Middle East, review the status of US military force posture in the region, and direct continued diplomatic efforts to coordinate with allies and partners and deescalate the ongoing conflicts," according to the White House.

"The President and Vice President will continue to receive regular updates," the White House added in a statement.

Al Jazeera reported Saturday that three explosions were heard in the Al Bukamal area on the Iraq-Syria border.

According to eyewitnesses, airstrikes caused the explosions.

Israeli officials told the Wall Street Journal that the intelligence establishment learned of the meeting in which Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah was killed hours before it took place.

The New York Times reported earlier Saturday that Israel knew where Nasrallah's hiding place was for months, and that the decision to assassinate him was made because Israel believed there was a short window of opportunity until he would move to a different location, according to officials.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said at the UN General Assembly on Saturday that "We categorically reject all crimes perpetrated by Israel against the kindred Palestinian people.

"The most recent crimes committed against defenseless civilians is just one chapter in the story of suffering who have been suffering for decades. These barbaric Israeli practices started last year cost the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians. We're seeing bombing, murder and destruction. This is a real humanitarian catastrophe. It is necessary to halt this aggression.

"We affirm the fact it is necessary to preserve the stability of Lebanon and respect its sovereignty in line with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions," Al-Saud continued. "We're aligning with international efforts to bring about an immediate cease-fire and find lasting diplomatic solution. We call upon all parties to show wisdom and restraint to avoid a true war from breaking out in the region."

Sky News in Arabic and MTV in Lebanon reported Saturday night that Israel attacked in the area of Choueifat in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh.

In response to a shouted question about whether an Israeli ground invasion into Lebanon was inevitable, Biden said: "It's time for a cease-fire."

Asked if he will respond to missile attacks on U.S. warships in the Red Sea he said: "We're responding."

The Israeli army believes that operations in Lebanon should continue, even endorsing a ground operation, as it believes this is the only way for residents of northern Israel to return to their homes.

According to the IDF, halting the fighting now would allow Iran to rehabilitate Hezbollah's capabilities, which have been significantly damaged over the past two weeks. Defense officials state there is a short window of opportunity for a ground operation that would be lost if Hezbollah manages to recover and regroup.

The army notes that ground forces have gained substantial experience over the last 11 months of fighting in Gaza and are confident in their ability to succeed in Lebanon as well. Additionally, the intelligence gathered on Lebanon in recent years is of much higher quality compared to what was available on Hamas forces in Gaza.

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