Israel Prepares for 'Surprising' Retaliation Against Iran Amid US Talks

October 9th, 2024

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has promised a "powerful, precise, and surprising" response to Iran's recent missile strike. This comes after a 30-minute phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking their first conversation in two months. While the White House emphasized ongoing discussions between US and Israeli officials regarding Israel's planned response, it has urged a “proportional” retaliation. The call underscores the widening gap between the two leaders over strategies for dealing with regional tensions.

Lebanon and Gaza Intensify Conflict

Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel’s ground incursions into southern Lebanon have expanded, leading to severe humanitarian consequences, with over 1.4 million people displaced and more than 1,400 killed in Lebanon. Israeli forces have reportedly "occupied" a Lebanese village, signaling an intensified offensive against Hezbollah. Simultaneously, Hezbollah’s rocket attacks have led to civilian casualties in northern Israel, heightening fears of a wider regional war. Calls for a ceasefire from Hezbollah have been met with silence from Israel, which remains focused on its military objectives.