<p>An Israeli man was arrested on charges of plotting the assassination of Israeli figures following orders from Iran, the Israel police and State Attorney's Office said on Wednesday (Oct 16).</p>

<p>Vladimir Verhovsky, 35, from central Israel, was charged with contact with a foreign agent, carrying and transporting a weapon, and conspiracy to commit a terrorist act.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Verhovsky contacted an entity in August&nbsp;that was operating on behalf of Iranian intelligence services, and portrayed himself as an Israeli citizen living in Canada, according to the indictment. The man called himself "Eli".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Verhovsky has been accused of carrying&nbsp;out a series of tasks ordered by "Eli", despite knowing he was hostile to the State of Israel, in exchange for transfers of between $30 and $200 to a cryptocurrency wallet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-surges-cyberattacks-in-israel-since-after-gaza-war-report-767778"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Iran increased cyberattacks on Israel after Gaza war broke out: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>"Eli" assigned these tasks in English over the Telegram app.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tasks included spray-painting graffiti reading “LEHI” in English and Hebrew, and “HITLER=NETANYAHU,” in different locations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, he also buried tracking devices behind a bus station and shot demonstrations in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Verhovsky also purchased a dedicated cell phone to communicate with "Eli", and paid for using money he received from “Eli” for that purpose, the indictment said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iranian Drones Smash Israeli Iron Dome: The Secret Behind Drone Power</strong></p>

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<p>In September, Verhovsky agreed to gather intelligence about a resident of Tel Aviv’s Borla Street and took photographs of the interior of the resident’s building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also showed a photograph of the resident to neighbours, asked whether they knew him, and knocked on the resident’s door.</p>

<p>Later, Verhovsky agreed to kill an Israeli scientist, in exchange for $100,000, according to the indictment.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Israeli man was arrested on charges of plotting the assassination of Israeli figures following orders from Iran, the Israel police and State Attorney's Office said on Wednesday (Oct 16).

An Israeli man was arrested on charges of plotting the assassination of Israeli figures following orders from Iran, the Israel police and State Attorney's Office said on Wednesday (Oct 16). Vladimir Verhovsky, 35, from central Israel, was charged with contact with a foreign agent, carrying and transporting a weapon, and conspiracy to commit a terrorist act. Verhovsky contacted an entity in August that was operating on behalf of Iranian intelligence services, and portrayed himself as an Israeli citizen living in Canada, according to the indictment. The man called himself "Eli". Verhovsky has been accused of carrying out a series of tasks ordered by "Eli", despite knowing he was hostile to the State of Israel, in exchange for transfers of between $30 and $200 to a cryptocurrency wallet. Also read: Iran increased cyberattacks on Israel after Gaza war broke out: Report "Eli" assigned these tasks in English over the Telegram app. The tasks included spray-painting graffiti reading “LEHI” in English and Hebrew, and “HITLER=NETANYAHU,” in different locations. Moreover, he also buried tracking devices behind a bus station and shot demonstrations in Tel Aviv. Verhovsky also purchased a dedicated cell phone to communicate with "Eli", and paid for using money he received from “Eli” for that purpose, the indictment said. Watch | Iranian Drones Smash Israeli Iron Dome: The Secret Behind Drone Power × In September, Verhovsky agreed to gather intelligence about a resident of Tel Aviv’s Borla Street and took photographs of the interior of the resident’s building. He also showed a photograph of the resident to neighbours, asked whether they knew him, and knocked on the resident’s door. Later, Verhovsky agreed to kill an Israeli scientist, in exchange for $100,000, according to the indictment. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli arrested for plotting assassination of local scientist on Iranian man's orders

<p>The US has been quite vocal about its continuous support for Israel following the Oct 7 attack. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been firm in supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while also expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US-Israel alliance&nbsp;has dwelled upon the fact that Israel must take action to protect its citizens. The Biden administration has been committed to continuous military support to ensure Israel’s right to security. However, even after a year now, the situation in Gaza still intensifies with rising civilian casualties on a daily basis.</p>

<p>But the question arises:&nbsp;Will this support affect the vote bank for Democrats among Arab Americans?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many feel that the Biden administration failed to make an agreement on both sides and call for a ceasefire. This has sparked protests all over the world, particularly amongst Muslim countries, who have expressed anger and believe that the administration should take a stronger stand on humanitarian aid for people in war-battered Gaza.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-hes-okay-harris-mocks-trump-after-town-hall-turns-into-impromptu-concert-767913"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Hope he's okay': Harris mocks Trump after Town Hall turns into impromptu concert</strong></a></p>

<p>In recent weeks, the US Vice President and Democrats have been meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders in Michigan. During her campaign rally in Michigan, Harris was even asked to take a step back from Biden’s Israel policy and urge for a ceasefire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past, Arab Americans were a majority voting bank for Democrats, especially after 9/11 and because of Trump’s anti-Muslim dialogues. Traditionally, the total voter turnout of Arab Americans has been over 80 per cent.&nbsp;However, this year only 63 per cent of the members of the Arab community are looking forward to the elections next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harris seems to be concerned about Arab voters in Michigan. Some community leaders have also mentioned that the majority of Arab Americans might withhold their support for Democrats in the 2024 elections unless some changes are made in the policies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Donald Trump Edges Out Kamala Harris in Betting Odds</strong></p>

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<p>According to Swing State Poll 2024- Muslims and Arabs in Michigan play an important role in changing the whole outcome of the US Presidential Elections. Their main concern revolves around the lack of administration decision-making in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the&nbsp;constant supply of military aid to Israel amid endless casualties. A recent poll by Arab Americans Institute shows that the Democrats are hitting an all-time low of 23 per cent after October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also, voters of the Arab community are preferring Republicans to take over the next Congress. This can have a huge impact, as the community played an important role in contributing to Biden’s victory in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harris is working towards connecting with the larger Muslim and Arab citizens. The effort, however, comes as tension between Israel and Lebanon has been rising.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many progressive Democrats have also criticised the administration over human rights issues and have been pressuring the Biden administration for de-escalation and ebsuring humanitarian aid supply to the people in&nbsp;Gaza. Many vocal figures, like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio&nbsp;Cortez, have questioned the policies on the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has created a divide within the party, with some supporting the stance while others being critical of&nbsp;it.&nbsp;&nbsp;With days passing by, the crisis in Gaza remains unresolved even as both Harris and Biden have been trying to strike a balance between the two sides.&nbsp;</p>


The US has been quite vocal about its continuous support for Israel following the Oct 7 attack. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been firm in supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while also expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The US has been quite vocal about its continuous support for Israel following the Oct 7 attack. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been firm in supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while also expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The US-Israel alliance has dwelled upon the fact that Israel must take action to protect its citizens. The Biden administration has been committed to continuous military support to ensure Israel’s right to security. However, even after a year now, the situation in Gaza still intensifies with rising civilian casualties on a daily basis. But the question arises: Will this support affect the vote bank for Democrats among Arab Americans? Many feel that the Biden administration failed to make an agreement on both sides and call for a ceasefire. This has sparked protests all over the world, particularly amongst Muslim countries, who have expressed anger and believe that the administration should take a stronger stand on humanitarian aid for people in war-battered Gaza. Also read: 'Hope he's okay': Harris mocks Trump after Town Hall turns into impromptu concert In recent weeks, the US Vice President and Democrats have been meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders in Michigan. During her campaign rally in Michigan, Harris was even asked to take a step back from Biden’s Israel policy and urge for a ceasefire. In the past, Arab Americans were a majority voting bank for Democrats, especially after 9/11 and because of Trump’s anti-Muslim dialogues. Traditionally, the total voter turnout of Arab Americans has been over 80 per cent. However, this year only 63 per cent of the members of the Arab community are looking forward to the elections next month. Harris seems to be concerned about Arab voters in Michigan. Some community leaders have also mentioned that the majority of Arab Americans might withhold their support for Democrats in the 2024 elections unless some changes are made in the policies. Watch | US Elections 2024: Donald Trump Edges Out Kamala Harris in Betting Odds × According to Swing State Poll 2024- Muslims and Arabs in Michigan play an important role in changing the whole outcome of the US Presidential Elections. Their main concern revolves around the lack of administration decision-making in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the constant supply of military aid to Israel amid endless casualties. A recent poll by Arab Americans Institute shows that the Democrats are hitting an all-time low of 23 per cent after October 7. Also, voters of the Arab community are preferring Republicans to take over the next Congress. This can have a huge impact, as the community played an important role in contributing to Biden’s victory in 2020. Harris is working towards connecting with the larger Muslim and Arab citizens. The effort, however, comes as tension between Israel and Lebanon has been rising. Many progressive Democrats have also criticised the administration over human rights issues and have been pressuring the Biden administration for de-escalation and ebsuring humanitarian aid supply to the people in Gaza. Many vocal figures, like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, have questioned the policies on the conflict. This has created a divide within the party, with some supporting the stance while others being critical of it. With days passing by, the crisis in Gaza remains unresolved even as both Harris and Biden have been trying to strike a balance between the two sides.

Is Kamala Harris losing Arab-American support in coming US elections? 

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:0,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1902}"><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrKy2gWqQyWYj" /></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:0,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1902}"><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrKy2gWqQyWYj" /></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1902}">The Israeli government said on Tuesday (Oct 15) that it would consider the United States (US) opinion on Iran but would act against an Iranian missile attack based on its "national interests," the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}">Earlier, US President Joe Biden had cautioned Israel against striking&nbsp;Iran's nuclear or oil facilities to avoid a further regional escalation and amid concerns over global energy prices.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:596,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:515,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-flashes-nuclear-card-as-israel-promises-to-target-only-military-sites-767517">Iran flashes nuclear card as Israel promises to target ‘only military sites’</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:164,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2051}">On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, "We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interest."</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:217,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2104}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:217,&quot;w&quot;:379,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2104}">A previous message to Washington</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:262,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2149}">The remarks of Netanyahu's office came after he told&nbsp;the Joe Biden-led US administration that he was willing to&nbsp;strike military rather than oil or nuclear facilities in Iran, the Washington Post reported on Monday citing sources.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:329,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2216}">The retaliatory action would be calibrated to avoid the perception of “political interference in the US&nbsp;elections,” a source&nbsp;familiar with the matter told The Washington Post signaling Netanyahu’s understanding that the scope of the Israeli strike has the potential to reshape the American presidential race.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:399,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2286}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:399,&quot;w&quot;:406,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2286}">Iran's massive missile attack on Israel</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:444,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2331}">On October 1, Iran launched about&nbsp;200 missiles at&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian general Abbas Nilforoushan.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:494,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2381}">Since then, Israel has&nbsp;vowed to retaliate,&nbsp;with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant saying the response would be "deadly, precise, and surprising."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:543,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2430}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:543,&quot;w&quot;:375,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2430}">Also watch |&nbsp;Will Israel defy Biden's red line on Iran?</strong></p>

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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:576,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2463}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:946,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2833}">Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Abbas Araqchi said last week that Tehran would not hesitate to take "strong defensive actions" if Israel retaliated for the October 1 missile attack.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:996,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2883}">Iran is "fully prepared to take stronger defensive actions, if necessary, in response to any further aggression, and will not hesitate to do so," Araqchi said in a letter to other foreign ministers, according to a ministry post on X.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1063,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2950}">Araqchi said in his letter that Iran’s missile attack on Israel had been by its right to self-defence under international law and followed much restraint as it sought a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1112,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2999}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1112,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2999}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli government said on Tuesday (Oct 15) that it would consider the United States (US) opinion on Iran but would act against an Iranian missile attack based on its "national interests," the news agency AFP reported.

The Israeli government said on Tuesday (Oct 15) that it would consider the United States (US) opinion on Iran but would act against an Iranian missile attack based on its "national interests," the news agency AFP reported. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had cautioned Israel against striking Iran's nuclear or oil facilities to avoid a further regional escalation and amid concerns over global energy prices. Also read | Iran flashes nuclear card as Israel promises to target ‘only military sites’ On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, "We listen to the opinions of the United States, but we will make our final decisions based on our national interest." A previous message to Washington The remarks of Netanyahu's office came after he told the Joe Biden-led US administration that he was willing to strike military rather than oil or nuclear facilities in Iran, the Washington Post reported on Monday citing sources. The retaliatory action would be calibrated to avoid the perception of “political interference in the US elections,” a source familiar with the matter told The Washington Post signaling Netanyahu’s understanding that the scope of the Israeli strike has the potential to reshape the American presidential race. Iran's massive missile attack on Israel On October 1, Iran launched about 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian general Abbas Nilforoushan. Since then, Israel has vowed to retaliate, with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant saying the response would be "deadly, precise, and surprising." Also watch | Will Israel defy Biden's red line on Iran? × Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said last week that Tehran would not hesitate to take "strong defensive actions" if Israel retaliated for the October 1 missile attack. Iran is "fully prepared to take stronger defensive actions, if necessary, in response to any further aggression, and will not hesitate to do so," Araqchi said in a letter to other foreign ministers, according to a ministry post on X. Araqchi said in his letter that Iran’s missile attack on Israel had been by its right to self-defence under international law and followed much restraint as it sought a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis | 'Will listen to opinions of US on Iran' but national interest comes first: Israel

<p>Author and journalist Bob Woodward in his new book “War” has now provided more insights into the level of distrust among US President Joe Biden and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu. According to excerpts from the book, Biden didn’t just call Netanyahu ‘fu**ing liar’ and ‘the son of a bi**h’ but also labelled close aides of Bibi as ‘liars.’</p>

<p>Biden reportedly said that “18 of the 19 people who work for Netanyahu are liars,” with Woodward saying there has been “total distrust.”</p>

<p>But the author adds that despite the glaring tensions between the two leaders, the geopolitical reality is that “We are allies of Israel, and Biden sticks to that.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjPnfC7r5KJAxWDh68BHbP5MwgQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-2024-what-key-issues-are-driving-the-polls-where-do-harris-and-trump-stand-on-them-767314" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-2024-what-key-issues-are-driving-the-polls-where-do-harris-and-trump-stand-on-them-767314&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPnfC7r5KJAxWDh68BHbP5MwgQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">US Presidential Election 2024: What key issues are driving the polls? Where do Harris and Trump stand on them?</a></strong></p>

<p>“But Biden’s policy really is pro-Israel,” the author writes.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli strikes in southern Beirut</strong></h2>

<p>After several days of break, Israeli forces on Wednesday (Oct 16) again pounded the southern parts of the Lebanese capital Beirut.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjPnfC7r5KJAxWDh68BHbP5MwgQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-stark-warning-to-iran-any-plot-against-trump-will-be-act-of-war-767580" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-stark-warning-to-iran-any-plot-against-trump-will-be-act-of-war-767580&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPnfC7r5KJAxWDh68BHbP5MwgQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">US issues stark warning to Iran: Any plot against Trump will be 'act of war'</a></strong></p>

<p>The IDF in a statement said that Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by intelligence operatives, struck a Hezbollah underground weapons storage depot in Dahiyeh.</p>

<h2><strong>Key Hamas operative killed in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>In a separate incident, the IDF said they eliminated the head of Hamas’&nbsp;drone operations in the northern Gaza Strip, naming him as Mahmoud al-Mabhouh.</p>

<p>Al-Mabhouh was responsible for directing drone attacks on Israel and Israeli troops in Gaza, the IDF added.</p>

<p>The Israeli military added that troops with the IDF’s 162nd Division have killed Hamas operatives in face-to-face combat as well as in airstrikes in Jabaliya.</p>

<h2><strong>Police arrest man plotting to kill Israeli scientist</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli police said they have arrested a resident of Petah Tikva for plotting to kill key figures in exchange for $100,000 from Iran. The 35-year-old suspect, Vladimir Verhovski, was detained after he “carried out different tasks” for Iranian agents, read a police statement.</p>

<p>The activities included gathering information for Iran, painting graffiti and hanging up flyers. Verhovski had also agreed to assassinate an Israeli scientist, police charged.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Author and journalist Bob Woodward in his new book “War” has now provided more insights into the level of distrust among US President Joe Biden and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

Author and journalist Bob Woodward in his new book “War” has now provided more insights into the level of distrust among US President Joe Biden and Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu. According to excerpts from the book, Biden didn’t just call Netanyahu ‘fu**ing liar’ and ‘the son of a bi**h’ but also labelled close aides of Bibi as ‘liars.’ Biden reportedly said that “18 of the 19 people who work for Netanyahu are liars,” with Woodward saying there has been “total distrust.” But the author adds that despite the glaring tensions between the two leaders, the geopolitical reality is that “We are allies of Israel, and Biden sticks to that.” Also read: US Presidential Election 2024: What key issues are driving the polls? Where do Harris and Trump stand on them? “But Biden’s policy really is pro-Israel,” the author writes. Israeli strikes in southern Beirut After several days of break, Israeli forces on Wednesday (Oct 16) again pounded the southern parts of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Also read: US issues stark warning to Iran: Any plot against Trump will be 'act of war' The IDF in a statement said that Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by intelligence operatives, struck a Hezbollah underground weapons storage depot in Dahiyeh. Key Hamas operative killed in Gaza In a separate incident, the IDF said they eliminated the head of Hamas’ drone operations in the northern Gaza Strip, naming him as Mahmoud al-Mabhouh. Al-Mabhouh was responsible for directing drone attacks on Israel and Israeli troops in Gaza, the IDF added. The Israeli military added that troops with the IDF’s 162nd Division have killed Hamas operatives in face-to-face combat as well as in airstrikes in Jabaliya. Police arrest man plotting to kill Israeli scientist Israeli police said they have arrested a resident of Petah Tikva for plotting to kill key figures in exchange for $100,000 from Iran. The 35-year-old suspect, Vladimir Verhovski, was detained after he “carried out different tasks” for Iranian agents, read a police statement. The activities included gathering information for Iran, painting graffiti and hanging up flyers. Verhovski had also agreed to assassinate an Israeli scientist, police charged. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden said ‘18 of the 19 people who work for Netanyahu are liars'

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations, French President Emmanuel Macron told cabinet on Tuesday, urging Israel to abide by UN decisions.</p>

<p>Tensions have increased between Netanyahu and Macron with the French leader last week insisting that stopping the export of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon was the only way to stop the conflicts.</p>

<p>France has also repeatedly denounced Israeli fire against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, who include a French contingent.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-macron-hold-phone-call-less-than-24-hours-after-france-calls-for-arms-embargo-on-israel-765019"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Netanyahu speaks to Macron less than 24 hours after France's call for arms embargo on Israel</strong></a></p>

<p>"Mr Netanyahu must not forget that his country was created by a decision of the UN," Macron told the weekly French cabinet meeting, referring to the resolution adopted in November 1947 by the United Nations General Assembly on the plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish state and an Arab state.</p>

<p>"Therefore this is not the time to disregard the decisions of the UN," he added, as Israel wages a ground offensive against the Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where the UN peacekeepers are deployed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France, Italy And Spain Condemn Targeting Of UNIFIL By IDF</strong></p>

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<p>His comments from the closed-door meeting at the Elysee Palace were quoted by a participant who spoke to AFP and asked not to be named.</p>

<p>UN Security Council Resolution 1701 states that only the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL should be deployed in southern Lebanon.</p>

<p>Netanyahu on Sunday called on the UN to move the 10,000-strong peacekeeping force, who include 700 French troops, deployed in south Lebanon out of "harm's way", saying Hezbollah was using them as "human shields".</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations, French President Emmanuel Macron told cabinet on Tuesday, urging Israel to abide by UN decisions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not forget his country was created as a result of a resolution adopted by the United Nations, French President Emmanuel Macron told cabinet on Tuesday, urging Israel to abide by UN decisions. Tensions have increased between Netanyahu and Macron with the French leader last week insisting that stopping the export of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon was the only way to stop the conflicts. France has also repeatedly denounced Israeli fire against UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, who include a French contingent. Also read: Netanyahu speaks to Macron less than 24 hours after France's call for arms embargo on Israel "Mr Netanyahu must not forget that his country was created by a decision of the UN," Macron told the weekly French cabinet meeting, referring to the resolution adopted in November 1947 by the United Nations General Assembly on the plan to partition Palestine into a Jewish state and an Arab state. "Therefore this is not the time to disregard the decisions of the UN," he added, as Israel wages a ground offensive against the Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where the UN peacekeepers are deployed. Watch | France, Italy And Spain Condemn Targeting Of UNIFIL By IDF × His comments from the closed-door meeting at the Elysee Palace were quoted by a participant who spoke to AFP and asked not to be named. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 states that only the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL should be deployed in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu on Sunday called on the UN to move the 10,000-strong peacekeeping force, who include 700 French troops, deployed in south Lebanon out of "harm's way", saying Hezbollah was using them as "human shields". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Netanyahu must not forget his country was created by UN decision,’ says French president Macron

<p>Israel, which began incursions into south Lebanon two weeks ago to battle Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, has issued military evacuation orders affecting more than a quarter of the country, the UN&nbsp;refugee agency said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The figures underscore the heavy price Lebanese are paying as Israel steps up its campaign to defeat Hezbollah and destroy its infrastructure in their one-year conflict.</p>

<p>The UN&nbsp;refugee agency's Middle East Director Rema Jamous Imseis told a press briefing in Geneva that new Israeli evacuation orders to 20 villages in southern Lebanon meant that over a quarter of the country was now affected.</p>

<p>"People are heeding these calls to evacuate, and they're fleeing with almost nothing."</p>

<p>Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,309 people over the last year, the Lebanese government said, and more than 1.2 million people have been displaced.</p>

<p>The majority have been killed since late September when Israel expanded its military campaign. The toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.</p>

<p>Around 50 Israelis, both soldiers and civilians, have been killed, according to Israel.</p>

<p>Israel says its operation in Lebanon aims to secure the return of tens of thousands of its residents forced to flee their homes in northern Israel due to Hezbollah attacks.</p>

<p>Israel expanded its bombing campaign in Lebanon on Monday, killing at least 22 people - most of them women - in an airstrike in the north on a house where displaced people were seeking refuge from Israeli strikes further south, health officials said.</p>

<p>"What we are hearing is that amongst the 22 people killed were 12 women and two children," UN&nbsp;human rights office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told the same press briefing in response to a question about Monday's strike on Christian-majority Aitou.</p>

<p>"We understand it was a four-story residential building that was struck. With these factors in mind, we have real concerns with respect to IHL (International Humanitarian Law), so the laws of war, and the principles of distinction proportion and proportionality," he said, calling for an investigation into the incident.</p>

<p>Rescue workers were still pulling bodies out of the rubble in Aitou on Tuesday, local media reported, following one of the deadliest strikes on displaced families in Lebanon, after strikes earlier this month on the southern Lebanese town of Ain Deleb that left more than 30 dead.</p>

<p>Israel has not commented on the Aitou strike, but has repeatedly said it takes all possible precautions to avoid civilian casualties.</p>

<h2><strong>UN concerned over peacekeeper attacks</strong></h2>

<p>So far the main focus of Israel's military operations in Lebanon has been in the Bekaa Valley in the east, the suburbs of Beirut, and in the south, where UN&nbsp;peacekeepers have said that Israeli fire has hit their bases on numerous occasions and wounded peacekeepers.</p>

<p>The UN&nbsp;Security Council on Monday expressed strong concern after several peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon again came under fire amid clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting a military base in central Israel where four soldiers were killed on Sunday by a Hezbollah drone strike, said Israel would continue to attack the movement "without mercy, everywhere in Lebanon – including Beirut".</p>

<p>The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah resumed a year ago when the militant group began firing rockets at Israel in support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Middle East remains on high alert for Israel to retaliate against Iran for an October&nbsp;1 barrage of missiles launched in response to Israel's assaults on Lebanon.</p>

<p>Netanyahu's office said Israel would listen to the United States but would decide its actions according to its own national interest.</p>

<p>The statement was attached to a Washington Post article which said Netanyahu had told President Joe Biden's administration that Israel would strike Iranian military, not nuclear or oil, targets - suggesting a more limited counterstrike aimed at preventing a full-scale war.</p>

<p>Qatar's emir accused Israel on Tuesday of exploiting "international inaction" on the Middle East crisis to move beyond its "aggression" in Gaza to build more illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and send troops into Lebanon.</p>

<p>"Israel deliberately chose to expand the aggression to implement pre-planned schemes in other locations such as the West Bank and Lebanon because it sees that the scope for that is available," Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in his annual speech to open Qatar's Shura Council.</p>

<p>Qatar, the United States and Egypt have repeatedly mediated in an attempt to end the war in Gaza, which broke out a year ago when fighters from the Palestinian militant group Hamas burst into Israel from Gaza and killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.</p>

<p>Israel's offensive has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza, turned the enclave into piles of cement and twisted metal and created severe shortages of food, water and fuel.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Israel, which began incursions into south Lebanon two weeks ago to battle Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, has issued military evacuation orders affecting more than a quarter of the country, the UN refugee agency said on Tuesday.

Israel, which began incursions into south Lebanon two weeks ago to battle Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, has issued military evacuation orders affecting more than a quarter of the country, the UN refugee agency said on Tuesday. The figures underscore the heavy price Lebanese are paying as Israel steps up its campaign to defeat Hezbollah and destroy its infrastructure in their one-year conflict. The UN refugee agency's Middle East Director Rema Jamous Imseis told a press briefing in Geneva that new Israeli evacuation orders to 20 villages in southern Lebanon meant that over a quarter of the country was now affected. "People are heeding these calls to evacuate, and they're fleeing with almost nothing." Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,309 people over the last year, the Lebanese government said, and more than 1.2 million people have been displaced. The majority have been killed since late September when Israel expanded its military campaign. The toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Around 50 Israelis, both soldiers and civilians, have been killed, according to Israel. Israel says its operation in Lebanon aims to secure the return of tens of thousands of its residents forced to flee their homes in northern Israel due to Hezbollah attacks. Israel expanded its bombing campaign in Lebanon on Monday, killing at least 22 people - most of them women - in an airstrike in the north on a house where displaced people were seeking refuge from Israeli strikes further south, health officials said. "What we are hearing is that amongst the 22 people killed were 12 women and two children," UN human rights office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told the same press briefing in response to a question about Monday's strike on Christian-majority Aitou. "We understand it was a four-story residential building that was struck. With these factors in mind, we have real concerns with respect to IHL (International Humanitarian Law), so the laws of war, and the principles of distinction proportion and proportionality," he said, calling for an investigation into the incident. Rescue workers were still pulling bodies out of the rubble in Aitou on Tuesday, local media reported, following one of the deadliest strikes on displaced families in Lebanon, after strikes earlier this month on the southern Lebanese town of Ain Deleb that left more than 30 dead. Israel has not commented on the Aitou strike, but has repeatedly said it takes all possible precautions to avoid civilian casualties. UN concerned over peacekeeper attacks So far the main focus of Israel's military operations in Lebanon has been in the Bekaa Valley in the east, the suburbs of Beirut, and in the south, where UN peacekeepers have said that Israeli fire has hit their bases on numerous occasions and wounded peacekeepers. The UN Security Council on Monday expressed strong concern after several peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon again came under fire amid clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting a military base in central Israel where four soldiers were killed on Sunday by a Hezbollah drone strike, said Israel would continue to attack the movement "without mercy, everywhere in Lebanon – including Beirut". The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah resumed a year ago when the militant group began firing rockets at Israel in support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war. Meanwhile, the Middle East remains on high alert for Israel to retaliate against Iran for an October 1 barrage of missiles launched in response to Israel's assaults on Lebanon. Netanyahu's office said Israel would listen to the United States but would decide its actions according to its own national interest. The statement was attached to a Washington Post article which said Netanyahu had told President Joe Biden's administration that Israel would strike Iranian military, not nuclear or oil, targets - suggesting a more limited counterstrike aimed at preventing a full-scale war. Qatar's emir accused Israel on Tuesday of exploiting "international inaction" on the Middle East crisis to move beyond its "aggression" in Gaza to build more illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and send troops into Lebanon. "Israel deliberately chose to expand the aggression to implement pre-planned schemes in other locations such as the West Bank and Lebanon because it sees that the scope for that is available," Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said in his annual speech to open Qatar's Shura Council. Qatar, the United States and Egypt have repeatedly mediated in an attempt to end the war in Gaza, which broke out a year ago when fighters from the Palestinian militant group Hamas burst into Israel from Gaza and killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's offensive has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza, turned the enclave into piles of cement and twisted metal and created severe shortages of food, water and fuel. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

West Asia crisis: 25% of Lebanon under Israeli evacuation orders, says UN agency

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<p>An initial investigation of the Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli army base during&nbsp;the weekend revealed that the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group launched two drones that entered Israeli airspace from the sea, The Times of Israel reported on Monday (Oct 14).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drones were Mirsad. The model is Hezbollah’s main suicide drone, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the publication, the Alma Center (an Israeli research institute)&nbsp;said that the Hezbollah drone had a 120-kilometre assault range and a top speed of 370 kilometres per hour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-peacekeepers-refuse-to-evacuate-as-israeli-airstrike-kills-at-least-21-in-north-lebanon-767475">UN peacekeepers refuse to evacuate as Israeli airstrike kills at least 21 in North Lebanon</a></strong></p>

<p>The Alma Center said that the drone can carry up to 40 kilograms of explosives, and the ability to fly at&nbsp;altitudes of up to 3,000 meters.</p>

<h2><strong>Drones were tracked by Israeli radars</strong></h2>

<p>The report further said that the drones were tracked by Israeli radars, and one of them was shot down off the coast north of Haifa. Airforce planes and helicopters pursued the second drone, but it dropped off the radar and the military&nbsp;lost track of it, likely because it flew very close to the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This drone ended up striking the Golani Brigade training base&nbsp;near&nbsp;Binyamina on Sunday night. Four soldiers were killed and more than 60 others were injured in the attack.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli military chief visits army base</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday, Israeli military chief&nbsp;Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi visited the Golani Brigade training base&nbsp;and praised troops for how they handled the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are at war, and an attack on a training base on the home front is difficult and the results are painful," Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops.</p>

<p>The four soldiers who were killed were identified as&nbsp;Sgt. Omri Tamari, 19, from Mazkeret Batya;&nbsp;Sgt. Yosef Hieb, 19, from Tuba Zangariya;&nbsp;Sgt. Yoav Agmon, 19, from Binyamina-Giv’at Ada; and&nbsp;Sgt. Alon Amitay, 19, from Ramot Naftali.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An initial investigation of the Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli army base during the weekend revealed that the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group launched two drones that entered Israeli airspace from the sea, The Times of Israel reported on Monday (Oct 14).

An initial investigation of the Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli army base during the weekend revealed that the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group launched two drones that entered Israeli airspace from the sea, The Times of Israel reported on Monday (Oct 14). The drones were Mirsad. The model is Hezbollah’s main suicide drone, the report said. Speaking to the publication, the Alma Center (an Israeli research institute) said that the Hezbollah drone had a 120-kilometre assault range and a top speed of 370 kilometres per hour. Also read | UN peacekeepers refuse to evacuate as Israeli airstrike kills at least 21 in North Lebanon The Alma Center said that the drone can carry up to 40 kilograms of explosives, and the ability to fly at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. Drones were tracked by Israeli radars The report further said that the drones were tracked by Israeli radars, and one of them was shot down off the coast north of Haifa. Airforce planes and helicopters pursued the second drone, but it dropped off the radar and the military lost track of it, likely because it flew very close to the ground. This drone ended up striking the Golani Brigade training base near Binyamina on Sunday night. Four soldiers were killed and more than 60 others were injured in the attack. Israeli military chief visits army base On Monday, Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi visited the Golani Brigade training base and praised troops for how they handled the attack. "We are at war, and an attack on a training base on the home front is difficult and the results are painful," Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops. The four soldiers who were killed were identified as Sgt. Omri Tamari, 19, from Mazkeret Batya; Sgt. Yosef Hieb, 19, from Tuba Zangariya; Sgt. Yoav Agmon, 19, from Binyamina-Giv’at Ada; and Sgt. Alon Amitay, 19, from Ramot Naftali. (With inputs from agencies)

Attack on Israeli army base: Hezbollah drones entered Israeli airspace from sea, says report

<p>Iran has vowed to ‘make use of all its capacities’ to make Israel pay for the killing of senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan in Beirut last month. Iranian foreign ministry on Monday (Oct 14) termed the killing “an unlawful act and unforgivable crime”, adding that it will use all means to punish the ‘Zionist regime.’</p>

<p>Nilforoushan was declared dead following Sep 27 IDF strikes on southern Beirut alongside Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Funeral services for Nilforoushan were held on Monday in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala as well as in Iran’s northeastern city of Mashhad.</p>

<h2><strong>Nuclear threat</strong></h2>

<p>Analysts have feared that in the wake of military setbacks, a weakened Iran may look to harness its nuclear might to tame Israeli aggression.</p>

<p>Tehran has doubled down on enriching weapons-grade uranium for over three years now, reaching a staggering 60 per cent purity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjOjuPozo-JAxUIxTgGHXSIHNIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-iran-for-supplying-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-767339" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-sanctions-iran-for-supplying-ballistic-missiles-to-russia-767339&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOjuPozo-JAxUIxTgGHXSIHNIQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran today has enough fissile material to produce about three nuclear bombs within a matter of weeks if it chooses to do so.</p>

<p>However, the IAEA has so far maintained that Iran had no intentions to develop a bomb. However, that could change as Iranian proxies in the region get weaker and Tehran feels the need to develop a strong deterrence.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel to not attack Iran’s nuclear facilities</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, US media reported Monday Israel has assured the White House that it will not target Iranian oil or nuclear sites in a retaliatory attack to Iran’s Oct 1 missile attack.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjOjuPozo-JAxUIxTgGHXSIHNIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-new-us-oil-sanctions-calls-them-illegal-and-unjustified-767029" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-new-us-oil-sanctions-calls-them-illegal-and-unjustified-767029&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOjuPozo-JAxUIxTgGHXSIHNIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Iran slams new US oil sanctions, calls them ‘illegal and unjustified’</a></strong></p>

<p>Instead, the IDF may only strike Iran’s military sites, according to reports. The assurance "was met with relief in Washington," the Washington Post reported. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had warned the Jewish nation against striking Iran’s nuclear facilities to avoid expanding the war in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran has vowed to ‘make use of all its capacities’ to make Israel pay for the killing of senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan in Beirut last month.

Iran has vowed to ‘make use of all its capacities’ to make Israel pay for the killing of senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan in Beirut last month. Iranian foreign ministry on Monday (Oct 14) termed the killing “an unlawful act and unforgivable crime”, adding that it will use all means to punish the ‘Zionist regime.’ Nilforoushan was declared dead following Sep 27 IDF strikes on southern Beirut alongside Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Funeral services for Nilforoushan were held on Monday in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala as well as in Iran’s northeastern city of Mashhad. Nuclear threat Analysts have feared that in the wake of military setbacks, a weakened Iran may look to harness its nuclear might to tame Israeli aggression. Tehran has doubled down on enriching weapons-grade uranium for over three years now, reaching a staggering 60 per cent purity. Also read: EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran today has enough fissile material to produce about three nuclear bombs within a matter of weeks if it chooses to do so. However, the IAEA has so far maintained that Iran had no intentions to develop a bomb. However, that could change as Iranian proxies in the region get weaker and Tehran feels the need to develop a strong deterrence. Israel to not attack Iran’s nuclear facilities Meanwhile, US media reported Monday Israel has assured the White House that it will not target Iranian oil or nuclear sites in a retaliatory attack to Iran’s Oct 1 missile attack. Also read: Iran slams new US oil sanctions, calls them ‘illegal and unjustified’ Instead, the IDF may only strike Iran’s military sites, according to reports. The assurance "was met with relief in Washington," the Washington Post reported. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had warned the Jewish nation against striking Iran’s nuclear facilities to avoid expanding the war in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran flashes nuclear card as Israel promises to target ‘only military sites’

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<p>Israeli Army chief&nbsp;Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said on Monday (Oct 14) that a&nbsp;Hezbollah drone strike on a military training base that killed at least four soldiers at the weekend was "difficult and painful."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“We are at war, and an attack on a training base on the home front is difficult and the results are painful. You operated well to treat and evacuate the wounded and injured. Embrace the bereaved families, accompany the wounded, and strengthen the commanders and soldiers.”… <a href="https://t.co/iYJOLSP6m9">pic.twitter.com/iYJOLSP6m9</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1845719319449145830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We are at war, and an attack on a training base on the home front is difficult and the results are painful," Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told soldiers during a visit to the Golani Brigade training base that was hit Sunday night in the area of Binyamina, south of the city of Haifa, the news agency AFP reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened during the weekend?</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli military said that&nbsp;a drone attack carried out by&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;on an army base adjacent to Binyamina in northern Israel killed four soldiers and seven others were severely injured.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-attacks-on-un-peacekeepers-could-be-war-crime-whats-united-nations-interim-force-in-lebanon-767239">Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon?</a></strong></p>

<p>The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group&nbsp;said it attacked a camp of the Israeli military's Golani Brigade camp in Binyamina in northern Israel with a "swarm of drones."</p>

<p>The drone attack on Sunday wounded at least 60 people in Binyamina, according to the Israeli emergency services.</p>

<p>The four soldiers who were killed were identified as&nbsp;Sgt. Omri Tamari, 19, from Mazkeret Batya;&nbsp;Sgt. Yosef Hieb, 19, from Tuba Zangariya;&nbsp;Sgt. Yoav Agmon, 19, from Binyamina-Giv’at Ada; and&nbsp;Sgt. Alon Amitay, 19, from Ramot Naftali.</p>

<h2><strong>Attack under investigation</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Monday that the attack at the military base was being investigated.</p>

<p>"...at this point, there is complete operational control on the incident, all the casualties were evacuated to hospitals, we are now busy with notifying their families, all the troops in the base were asked to call home and inform their families that they are fine," Rear Admiral Hagari said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Four Israeli soldiers killed near Haifa</strong></p>

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<p>"We are managing the incident, we will study and investigate the incident and how a drone infiltrates without alerts and strikes the base. The threat of drones is a threat we have been dealing with since the beginning of the war, we are required to bring about better protection, we will investigate this incident, learn and improve, our mission is to better protect our soldiers and citizens of Israel," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said on Monday (Oct 14) that a Hezbollah drone strike on a military training base that killed at least four soldiers at the weekend was "difficult and painful.

Israeli Army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said on Monday (Oct 14) that a Hezbollah drone strike on a military training base that killed at least four soldiers at the weekend was "difficult and painful." “We are at war, and an attack on a training base on the home front is difficult and the results are painful. You operated well to treat and evacuate the wounded and injured. Embrace the bereaved families, accompany the wounded, and strengthen the commanders and soldiers.”… pic.twitter.com/iYJOLSP6m9 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 14, 2024 × "We are at war, and an attack on a training base on the home front is difficult and the results are painful," Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told soldiers during a visit to the Golani Brigade training base that was hit Sunday night in the area of Binyamina, south of the city of Haifa, the news agency AFP reported. What happened during the weekend? The Israeli military said that a drone attack carried out by Hezbollah on an army base adjacent to Binyamina in northern Israel killed four soldiers and seven others were severely injured. Also read | Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon? The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group said it attacked a camp of the Israeli military's Golani Brigade camp in Binyamina in northern Israel with a "swarm of drones." The drone attack on Sunday wounded at least 60 people in Binyamina, according to the Israeli emergency services. The four soldiers who were killed were identified as Sgt. Omri Tamari, 19, from Mazkeret Batya; Sgt. Yosef Hieb, 19, from Tuba Zangariya; Sgt. Yoav Agmon, 19, from Binyamina-Giv’at Ada; and Sgt. Alon Amitay, 19, from Ramot Naftali. Attack under investigation Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said on Monday that the attack at the military base was being investigated. "...at this point, there is complete operational control on the incident, all the casualties were evacuated to hospitals, we are now busy with notifying their families, all the troops in the base were asked to call home and inform their families that they are fine," Rear Admiral Hagari said. Also watch | Four Israeli soldiers killed near Haifa × "We are managing the incident, we will study and investigate the incident and how a drone infiltrates without alerts and strikes the base. The threat of drones is a threat we have been dealing with since the beginning of the war, we are required to bring about better protection, we will investigate this incident, learn and improve, our mission is to better protect our soldiers and citizens of Israel," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis | It's painful: Israeli army chief reacts to Hezbollah strike on military base

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<p>Two flights of the Indian airline IndiGo, travelling from Mumbai to West Asia, received bomb threats, the news agency ANI reported on Monday (Oct 14). The flights were travelling to Saudi Arabia's Jeddah and Oman's Muscat respectively.</p>

<p>"IndiGo flight 6E 56 operating from Mumbai to Jeddah received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedures, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated," an IndiGo spokesperson told ANI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IndiGo flight 6E 56 operating from Mumbai to Jeddah received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedures, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated: Indigo Spokesperson <a href="https://t.co/okfUhrdQ63">https://t.co/okfUhrdQ63</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1845686423950876757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"IndiGo flight 6E 1275 operating from Mumbai to Muscat had received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedure, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated," the spokesperson added.</p>

<p>Further details were awaited.</p>

<h2><strong>Global flight operations impacted due to West Asia crisis</strong></h2>

<p>The ongoing conflict in West Asia&nbsp;between Israel and Hamas, Israel and Hezbollah, and Israel and Iran is escalating with each passing day. Several major airlines have either cancelled their flights to and from West Asia or are looking for diversions to other airspaces.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-sees-record-high-in-international-flights-passing-through-its-airspace-heres-why-764906">Afghanistan sees record high number of international flights passing through its airspace. Here's why</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently,&nbsp;the number of international flights passing through Afghan airspace saw a record high&nbsp;after Iran launched a massive&nbsp;missile attack against Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>Air India flight from Mumbai to New York receives bomb threat</strong></h2>

<p>These bomb&nbsp;threats came as an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to New Delhi&nbsp;following a security concern arising out of a bomb threat.</p>

<p>According to the Delhi Police,&nbsp;the aircraft was currently stationed at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport,&nbsp;and all standard safety protocols were being followed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew on board.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-flight-from-mumbai-to-new-york-diverted-to-delhi-due-to-bomb-threat-767144">Air India flight from Mumbai to New York diverted to Delhi due to bomb threat</a></strong></p>

<p>Air India, meanwhile, said in a statement that its flight&nbsp;AI119 operating from Mumbai to JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York) on Sunday&nbsp;received a specific security alert and, on instructions of the government's security regulatory committee, was diverted to Delhi.</p>

<p>"All passengers have disembarked and are at the Delhi airport terminal," the statement said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two flights of the Indian airline IndiGo, travelling from Mumbai to West Asia, received bomb threats, the news agency ANI reported on Monday (Oct 14). The flights were travelling to Saudi Arabia's Jeddah and Oman's Muscat respectively.

Two flights of the Indian airline IndiGo, travelling from Mumbai to West Asia, received bomb threats, the news agency ANI reported on Monday (Oct 14). The flights were travelling to Saudi Arabia's Jeddah and Oman's Muscat respectively. "IndiGo flight 6E 56 operating from Mumbai to Jeddah received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedures, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated," an IndiGo spokesperson told ANI. IndiGo flight 6E 56 operating from Mumbai to Jeddah received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedures, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated: Indigo Spokesperson https://t.co/okfUhrdQ63 — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2024 × "IndiGo flight 6E 1275 operating from Mumbai to Muscat had received a bomb threat. As per protocol, the aircraft was taken to an isolated bay, and following the standard operating procedure, mandatory security checks were promptly initiated," the spokesperson added. Further details were awaited. Global flight operations impacted due to West Asia crisis The ongoing conflict in West Asia between Israel and Hamas, Israel and Hezbollah, and Israel and Iran is escalating with each passing day. Several major airlines have either cancelled their flights to and from West Asia or are looking for diversions to other airspaces. Also read | Afghanistan sees record high number of international flights passing through its airspace. Here's why Recently, the number of international flights passing through Afghan airspace saw a record high after Iran launched a massive missile attack against Israel. Air India flight from Mumbai to New York receives bomb threat These bomb threats came as an Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to New Delhi following a security concern arising out of a bomb threat. According to the Delhi Police, the aircraft was currently stationed at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, and all standard safety protocols were being followed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew on board. Also read | Air India flight from Mumbai to New York diverted to Delhi due to bomb threat Air India, meanwhile, said in a statement that its flight AI119 operating from Mumbai to JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York) on Sunday received a specific security alert and, on instructions of the government's security regulatory committee, was diverted to Delhi. "All passengers have disembarked and are at the Delhi airport terminal," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Two IndiGo flights travelling from Mumbai to West Asia receive bomb threats

<p>The US will send the THAAD anti-missile system and 100 troops to Israel, which is widely thought to be preparing a response to Iran for its missile attacks on the Jewish country earlier this month, even as it fights Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.</p>

<p>The THAAD is a storied missile defence system known for its ability to intercept ballistic missiles. It will boost the already dominant Iron Dome missile defence system of Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorised the deployment of the THAAD battery at the direction of President Joe Biden, said Pentagon spokesperson Maj Gen Pat Ryder in a statement on Sunday (Oct 13). Biden said in Florida on Sunday that he agreed to the deployment “to defend Israel.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH: US To Send 'THAAD' Missile Battery To Israel</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What is THAAD? What are its capabilities? </strong></h2>

<p>THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.&nbsp;THAAD is one of the most advanced missile defence systems of the US.</p>

<p>It is an integrated air and missile defence system built for the US Army&nbsp;by Lockheed Martin, which describes THAAD as a 'highly effective, combat-proven defence against short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.'</p>

<p>THAAD is the only US defence system that can intercept incoming missiles from outside and inside the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US currently has seven THAAD batteries. An eighth system is being built and will be field-ready in 2025.</p>

<p>Each THAAD battery has&nbsp;six launchers mounted on trucks, 48 missile interceptors, as well as radio and radar systems. It takes 95 soldiers to operate one THAAD battery.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457/ukraine-sends-request-to-us-for-thaad-451451"><strong>Also read: Ukraine crisis: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</strong></a></p>

<p>THAAD can intercept targets up to 200 kilometres away. It mainly intercepts and destroys short-range, medium-range and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles.</p>

<p>THAAD is operated by the US Army, and the US&nbsp;Missile Defense Agency is responsible for the system.<br />
<br />
Highly mobile and deployable worldwide, THAAD can defend population centres and infrastructure in the area of operation. It is interoperable with&nbsp;<br />
other ballistic missile defence systems like the Patriot system of the US.</p>

<h2><strong>How will the war in Middle East change after THAAD deployment?</strong></h2>

<p>Israel, fighting a multifront war in the Middle East, will get a boost from THAAD as both Hamas and Hezbollah have been firing rockets and missiles across the border.</p>

<p>Israel&nbsp;had done a ground invasion of Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's rocket attacks. It&nbsp;is thought to be preparing a counterstrike against Iran which had dropped up to 180 missiles on October 1, soon after Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Iran-backed group Hezbollah, was killed by Israel in Lebanon.</p>

<p>The US has been pressing Israel to spare the nuclear and energy facilities of Iran, given the potential ramifications for the global economy.</p>

<p>Iran has already warned the US against sending its military to the region.</p>

<p>The presence of THAAD and the US troops will add more fire to the conflict and risk an all-out-war despite diplomatic efforts to contain the tensions.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-israels-iron-dome-missile-defence-system-intercepts-rockets-fired-by-hamas-384586">Also read: How Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system intercepts rockets fired by Hamas</a></strong><br />
<br />
Last year after the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, the US deployed a THAAD battery to the Middle East, in addition to the Patriot defence system to protect American military assets in the region.</p>

<p>In 2019, the US had sent a THAAD battery to Israel for training purposes, Ryder said.</p>

<p>Israel earlier had the American Patriot defence system for a decade, which has been retired recently.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US will send the THAAD anti-missile system and 100 troops to Israel, which is widely thought to be preparing a response to Iran for its missile attacks on the Jewish country earlier this month, even as it fights Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

The US will send the THAAD anti-missile system and 100 troops to Israel, which is widely thought to be preparing a response to Iran for its missile attacks on the Jewish country earlier this month, even as it fights Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. The THAAD is a storied missile defence system known for its ability to intercept ballistic missiles. It will boost the already dominant Iron Dome missile defence system of Israel. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorised the deployment of the THAAD battery at the direction of President Joe Biden, said Pentagon spokesperson Maj Gen Pat Ryder in a statement on Sunday (Oct 13). Biden said in Florida on Sunday that he agreed to the deployment “to defend Israel.” WATCH: US To Send 'THAAD' Missile Battery To Israel × What is THAAD? What are its capabilities? THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. THAAD is one of the most advanced missile defence systems of the US. It is an integrated air and missile defence system built for the US Army by Lockheed Martin, which describes THAAD as a 'highly effective, combat-proven defence against short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.' THAAD is the only US defence system that can intercept incoming missiles from outside and inside the atmosphere. The US currently has seven THAAD batteries. An eighth system is being built and will be field-ready in 2025. Each THAAD battery has six launchers mounted on trucks, 48 missile interceptors, as well as radio and radar systems. It takes 95 soldiers to operate one THAAD battery. Also read: Ukraine crisis: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system THAAD can intercept targets up to 200 kilometres away. It mainly intercepts and destroys short-range, medium-range and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles. THAAD is operated by the US Army, and the US Missile Defense Agency is responsible for the system. Highly mobile and deployable worldwide, THAAD can defend population centres and infrastructure in the area of operation. It is interoperable with other ballistic missile defence systems like the Patriot system of the US. How will the war in Middle East change after THAAD deployment? Israel, fighting a multifront war in the Middle East, will get a boost from THAAD as both Hamas and Hezbollah have been firing rockets and missiles across the border. Israel had done a ground invasion of Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's rocket attacks. It is thought to be preparing a counterstrike against Iran which had dropped up to 180 missiles on October 1, soon after Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Iran-backed group Hezbollah, was killed by Israel in Lebanon. The US has been pressing Israel to spare the nuclear and energy facilities of Iran, given the potential ramifications for the global economy. Iran has already warned the US against sending its military to the region. The presence of THAAD and the US troops will add more fire to the conflict and risk an all-out-war despite diplomatic efforts to contain the tensions. Also read: How Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system intercepts rockets fired by Hamas Last year after the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, the US deployed a THAAD battery to the Middle East, in addition to the Patriot defence system to protect American military assets in the region. In 2019, the US had sent a THAAD battery to Israel for training purposes, Ryder said. Israel earlier had the American Patriot defence system for a decade, which has been retired recently. (With inputs from agencies)

US to send THAAD to Israel. What you should know about this powerful missile defence system

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<p>The Israeli military said on Sunday (Oct 13) that it intercepted&nbsp;about five projectiles fired from Lebanon shortly&nbsp;after air raid sirens blared in several northern areas of the country.</p>

<p>Sirens also sounded in and around the northern city of Haifa, a day after the army said the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah had fired around 320 projectiles from Lebanon into Israel during Yom Kippur.</p>

<p>The Israeli military's interception as Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli strike&nbsp;destroyed a mosque in the war-torn south.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the latest updates from the West Asia crisis:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Lebanon's National News Agency (NAA) reported on Sunday that at around 3.45 am local time, an Israeli military aircraft&nbsp;carried out an airstrike targeting the old mosque in the centre of the village of Kfar Tibnit, completely destroying it.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-kamala-harris-friendly-with-iranian-operative-and-supporter-of-hezbollah-elahi-new-report-reveals-767001">Is Kamala Harris friendly with Iranian operative and supporter of Hezbollah Elahi? New report reveals...</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>Hezbollah, meanwhile, said on Sunday that&nbsp;it clashed twice with Israeli troops who attempted to infiltrate near a Lebanese border village and claimed several other attacks on Israeli troops overnight&nbsp;in Lebanon and on the Israeli side of the border.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>In a statement, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group said that its fighters detonated explosive devices at Israeli soldiers and clashed with them as they attempted to infiltrate&nbsp;twice near the Lebanese village of Ramia. Fighting near the village, lasted for about an hour, Hezbollah added.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants erupted one year ago when the Iranian-backed group began launching rockets at northern Israel in support of Hamas&nbsp;at the start of the Gaza war.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Israel's expanded operation has displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to&nbsp;Lebanon's government, which says more than 2,100 people have been killed and 10,000 wounded in over a year of fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel ramps up military push in Lebanon</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt; </strong>On Saturday<strong>,&nbsp;</strong>the UN&nbsp;peacekeeping mission in&nbsp;Lebanon, said a third peacekeeper was wounded in an Israeli strike when he was hit by gunfire on Friday, adding that the man was stable after undergoing surgery to remove the bullet, the news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> The agency statement said its position in the southern Lebanese town of Ramyah had sustained significant damage due to explosions following nearby shelling but did not specify who was responsible for either attack.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> Two UN&nbsp;peacekeepers were wounded by an Israeli strike near their watchtower at the UNIFIL's main base in Naqoura in southern&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;on Friday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli military said on Sunday (Oct 13) that it intercepted about five projectiles fired from Lebanon shortly after air raid sirens blared in several northern areas of the country.

The Israeli military said on Sunday (Oct 13) that it intercepted about five projectiles fired from Lebanon shortly after air raid sirens blared in several northern areas of the country. Sirens also sounded in and around the northern city of Haifa, a day after the army said the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah had fired around 320 projectiles from Lebanon into Israel during Yom Kippur. The Israeli military's interception as Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli strike destroyed a mosque in the war-torn south. Here's a look at the latest updates from the West Asia crisis: > Lebanon's National News Agency (NAA) reported on Sunday that at around 3.45 am local time, an Israeli military aircraft carried out an airstrike targeting the old mosque in the centre of the village of Kfar Tibnit, completely destroying it. Also read | Is Kamala Harris friendly with Iranian operative and supporter of Hezbollah Elahi? New report reveals... > Hezbollah, meanwhile, said on Sunday that it clashed twice with Israeli troops who attempted to infiltrate near a Lebanese border village and claimed several other attacks on Israeli troops overnight in Lebanon and on the Israeli side of the border. > In a statement, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group said that its fighters detonated explosive devices at Israeli soldiers and clashed with them as they attempted to infiltrate twice near the Lebanese village of Ramia. Fighting near the village, lasted for about an hour, Hezbollah added. > The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants erupted one year ago when the Iranian-backed group began launching rockets at northern Israel in support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war. > Israel's expanded operation has displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to Lebanon's government, which says more than 2,100 people have been killed and 10,000 wounded in over a year of fighting. Also watch | Israel ramps up military push in Lebanon × > On Saturday, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, said a third peacekeeper was wounded in an Israeli strike when he was hit by gunfire on Friday, adding that the man was stable after undergoing surgery to remove the bullet, the news agency Reuters reported. > The agency statement said its position in the southern Lebanese town of Ramyah had sustained significant damage due to explosions following nearby shelling but did not specify who was responsible for either attack. > Two UN peacekeepers were wounded by an Israeli strike near their watchtower at the UNIFIL's main base in Naqoura in southern Lebanon on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Israel intercepts about five projectiles from Lebanon- Top updates

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<p>The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration has approved the sale of&nbsp;billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).</p>

<p>A report by Bloomberg said that this approval was a fresh support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE,&nbsp;who&nbsp;are crucial to the US pushback against Iran and its proxies as conflict escalates in West Asia.</p>

<p>The US Congress was notified about the sale approval.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The approvals to Saudi Arabia and the UAE</strong></h2>

<p>The report said that the US State Department&nbsp;notified Congress it approved the sale of&nbsp;Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, along with artillery, tank, and machine gun ammunition, to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at more than $1 billion.</p>

<p>The State Department also notified lawmakers that it has approved the potential sale of GMLRS guided-rocket systems, long-range ATACMS missiles, and training and support for both systems to the UAE in a deal valued at as much as $1.2 billion.</p>

<p>Unless Congress moved to block the proposed sales,&nbsp;the contractors and receiving countries could begin negotiations on contracts, which might&nbsp;fall short of the maximums approved.</p>

<p>In August this year, Washington&nbsp;lifted limits on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia as a way to pressure Riyadh to wind down its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen.</p>

<p>Since the Gaza war began in October last year, the Houthis&nbsp;have gone on the offensive, targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Will not recognise Israel without Palestinian state'</strong></h2>

<p>Last month,&nbsp;Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that his country&nbsp;would not recognise Israel without a Palestinian state and strongly condemned the "crimes of the Israeli occupation" against the Palestinian people.</p>

<p>"The kingdom will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that," Crown Prince Salman said on September 18.</p>

<p>Following the eruption of the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia put on ice US-backed plans for the kingdom to normalise ties with Israel, two sources familiar with Riyadh's thinking told the news agency Reuters earlier this year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration has approved the sale of billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A report by Bloomberg said that this approval was a fresh support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who are crucial to the US pushback against Iran and its proxies as conflict escalates in West Asia.

The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration has approved the sale of billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A report by Bloomberg said that this approval was a fresh support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who are crucial to the US pushback against Iran and its proxies as conflict escalates in West Asia. The US Congress was notified about the sale approval. The approvals to Saudi Arabia and the UAE The report said that the US State Department notified Congress it approved the sale of Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, along with artillery, tank, and machine gun ammunition, to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at more than $1 billion. The State Department also notified lawmakers that it has approved the potential sale of GMLRS guided-rocket systems, long-range ATACMS missiles, and training and support for both systems to the UAE in a deal valued at as much as $1.2 billion. Unless Congress moved to block the proposed sales, the contractors and receiving countries could begin negotiations on contracts, which might fall short of the maximums approved. In August this year, Washington lifted limits on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia as a way to pressure Riyadh to wind down its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since the Gaza war began in October last year, the Houthis have gone on the offensive, targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. 'Will not recognise Israel without Palestinian state' Last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that his country would not recognise Israel without a Palestinian state and strongly condemned the "crimes of the Israeli occupation" against the Palestinian people. "The kingdom will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that," Crown Prince Salman said on September 18. Following the eruption of the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia put on ice US-backed plans for the kingdom to normalise ties with Israel, two sources familiar with Riyadh's thinking told the news agency Reuters earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

US approves sale of weapons worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia and UAE

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<p>Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Friday (Oct 11) warned Israelis to stay away from Israeli army sites&nbsp;in residential areas in the north of the country.</p>

<p>In a statement, Hezbollah said that the "Israeli enemy&nbsp;army uses the homes of Israelis in north Israel, and has military bases inside residential neighbourhoods in major occupied cities such as Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further warned Israelis "from being near these military gatherings in order to preserve their lives."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-wants-solution-in-lebanon-not-broader-conflict-says-blinken-766579">West Asia crisis: US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken</a></strong></p>

<p>After almost a year of cross-border fire, Israel has increased its strikes on what it says are Lebanese militant group Hezbollah sites since September 23.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel steps up offensive in Lebanon</strong></h2>

<p>Hezbollah's warning to Israelis came as the Israeli military stepped up its offensive in Lebanon. On Thursday, two Israeli air strikes&nbsp;killed 22 people and wounded 117 in central Beirut, Lebanese health authorities said. The attacks targeted a Hezbollah official, but security sources said he had survived.</p>

<p>Wafiq Safa, who heads Hezbollah's liaison and coordination unit responsible for working with Lebanese security agencies, was targeted by&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;on Thursday night but survived, the news agency Reuters&nbsp;reported citing security sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | WION Pulse: US President Biden urges Israel to 'minimise harm' in Lebanon</strong></p>

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<p>Israel&nbsp;did not issue evacuation warnings ahead of the strikes and had not previously attacked the area, Reuters reported.</p>

<h2><strong>'Where do we go?'</strong></h2>

<p>Residents of the central Beirut area&nbsp;were still in shock on Friday amid the dust, rubble and broken glass, fearing that if their previously untargeted neighbourhood had been struck, nowhere in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;was safe.</p>

<p>"God alone knows what the next target will be. It is terrifying. In the north, it's scary. In the South, it's scary. In the East, it's scary. In the West, it's scary. Where do we go?" a resident named Hoda Adly told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amer El Halabi, 55, who lived in the same building as Adly, said many displaced people had moved into their neighbourhood and feared that Israel was using claims that Hezbollah members were among them as a pretext to expand its strikes.</p>

<p>"These are all residential buildings that people have been residing in for over 30 years. Where is their conscience when they kill 22 people? For what? There is no humanity left," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Friday (Oct 11) warned Israelis to stay away from Israeli army sites in residential areas in the north of the country.

Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Friday (Oct 11) warned Israelis to stay away from Israeli army sites in residential areas in the north of the country. In a statement, Hezbollah said that the "Israeli enemy army uses the homes of Israelis in north Israel, and has military bases inside residential neighbourhoods in major occupied cities such as Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre." It further warned Israelis "from being near these military gatherings in order to preserve their lives." Also read | West Asia crisis: US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken After almost a year of cross-border fire, Israel has increased its strikes on what it says are Lebanese militant group Hezbollah sites since September 23. Israel steps up offensive in Lebanon Hezbollah's warning to Israelis came as the Israeli military stepped up its offensive in Lebanon. On Thursday, two Israeli air strikes killed 22 people and wounded 117 in central Beirut, Lebanese health authorities said. The attacks targeted a Hezbollah official, but security sources said he had survived. Wafiq Safa, who heads Hezbollah's liaison and coordination unit responsible for working with Lebanese security agencies, was targeted by Israel on Thursday night but survived, the news agency Reuters reported citing security sources. Also watch | WION Pulse: US President Biden urges Israel to 'minimise harm' in Lebanon × Israel did not issue evacuation warnings ahead of the strikes and had not previously attacked the area, Reuters reported. 'Where do we go?' Residents of the central Beirut area were still in shock on Friday amid the dust, rubble and broken glass, fearing that if their previously untargeted neighbourhood had been struck, nowhere in Lebanon was safe. "God alone knows what the next target will be. It is terrifying. In the north, it's scary. In the South, it's scary. In the East, it's scary. In the West, it's scary. Where do we go?" a resident named Hoda Adly told Reuters. Amer El Halabi, 55, who lived in the same building as Adly, said many displaced people had moved into their neighbourhood and feared that Israel was using claims that Hezbollah members were among them as a pretext to expand its strikes. "These are all residential buildings that people have been residing in for over 30 years. Where is their conscience when they kill 22 people? For what? There is no humanity left," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Hezbollah warns Israelis to stay away from army sites in residential areas in nation's north

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<p>United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Oct 11) voiced hope for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and preventing a broader conflict in West Asia. Addressing a press conference following the East Asia summit in Vientiane, Laos, Blinken said that Washington backed efforts by Lebanon to&nbsp;assert itself against Hezbollah.</p>

<p>Blinken again said that Israel, which has been carrying out deadly strikes on Lebanon, "has a right to defend itself" against Hezbollah, but voiced alarm over the humanitarian situation.</p>

<p>"We continue to engage intensely to prevent broader conflict in the region," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'US would work to support fragile Lebanese state'</strong></h2>

<p>"We all have a strong interest in trying to help create an environment in which people can go back to their homes, their safety and security, kids can go back to school,"&nbsp;Blinken further told reporters on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-senior-hezbollah-official-eludes-israeli-assassination-attempt-in-beirut-766472">West Asia crisis: Senior Hezbollah official eludes Israeli assassination attempt in Beirut</a></strong></p>

<p>"So Israel has a clear and very legitimate interest in doing that. The people of Lebanon want the same thing. We believe that the best way to get there is through a diplomatic understanding, one that we've been working on for some time, and one that we focus on right now," he added.</p>

<p>The US secretary of state pointed out that Washington would work to support the fragile Lebanese state to build itself up after Hezbollah's long-held sway.</p>

<p>He also said that the US&nbsp;was voicing concern directly to Israel on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where Israel and Hamas have been fighting for more than a year.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli strikes kill&nbsp;22 in Beirut</strong></h2>

<p>Blinken's remarks on Friday came after&nbsp;strikes launched by the Israeli military killed 22 people and injured more than 100&nbsp;in central Beirut on Thursday, as a&nbsp;senior Hezbollah official evaded an&nbsp;Israeli assassination attempt in the city.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Newspoint: Israeli military running low on combat equipment, says report</strong></p>

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<p>The&nbsp;Israeli strikes hit a densely packed residential neighbourhood of apartment buildings and small shops in the heart of Beirut.</p>

<p>Wafiq Safa, who heads Hezbollah's liaison and coordination unit responsible for working with Lebanese security agencies, was targeted by&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;on Thursday night but survived, the news agency Reuters reported citing security sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel&nbsp;did not issue evacuation warnings ahead of the strikes and had not previously attacked the area, Reuters reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Oct 11) voiced hope for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and preventing a broader conflict in West Asia.

United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Oct 11) voiced hope for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and preventing a broader conflict in West Asia. Addressing a press conference following the East Asia summit in Vientiane, Laos, Blinken said that Washington backed efforts by Lebanon to assert itself against Hezbollah. Blinken again said that Israel, which has been carrying out deadly strikes on Lebanon, "has a right to defend itself" against Hezbollah, but voiced alarm over the humanitarian situation. "We continue to engage intensely to prevent broader conflict in the region," he added. 'US would work to support fragile Lebanese state' "We all have a strong interest in trying to help create an environment in which people can go back to their homes, their safety and security, kids can go back to school," Blinken further told reporters on Friday. Also read | West Asia crisis: Senior Hezbollah official eludes Israeli assassination attempt in Beirut "So Israel has a clear and very legitimate interest in doing that. The people of Lebanon want the same thing. We believe that the best way to get there is through a diplomatic understanding, one that we've been working on for some time, and one that we focus on right now," he added. The US secretary of state pointed out that Washington would work to support the fragile Lebanese state to build itself up after Hezbollah's long-held sway. He also said that the US was voicing concern directly to Israel on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where Israel and Hamas have been fighting for more than a year. Israeli strikes kill 22 in Beirut Blinken's remarks on Friday came after strikes launched by the Israeli military killed 22 people and injured more than 100 in central Beirut on Thursday, as a senior Hezbollah official evaded an Israeli assassination attempt in the city. Also watch | Newspoint: Israeli military running low on combat equipment, says report × The Israeli strikes hit a densely packed residential neighbourhood of apartment buildings and small shops in the heart of Beirut. Wafiq Safa, who heads Hezbollah's liaison and coordination unit responsible for working with Lebanese security agencies, was targeted by Israel on Thursday night but survived, the news agency Reuters reported citing security sources. Israel did not issue evacuation warnings ahead of the strikes and had not previously attacked the area, Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken

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<p>Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday (Oct 12) that it launched a salvo of missiles at an Israeli military base south of the coastal city of Haifa, as Israelis marked the Yom Kippur holiday.</p>

<p>In a statement, Hezbollah said that its fighters&nbsp;struck a base "south of the city of Haifa, targeting the explosives factory there with a salvo of... missiles." Earlier in the day, Hezbollah warned Israelis&nbsp;to stay away from Israeli army sites in residential areas in the north of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hezbollah said that the "Israeli enemy&nbsp;army uses the homes of Israelis in north Israel, and has military bases inside residential neighbourhoods in major occupied cities such as Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>No sirens sound in Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Despite Hezbollah's claims that it launched missiles in Haifa, a report by The Times of Israel said that there were no sirens in Israel and there had been no news of any attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that there had been no IDF (Israel Defense Forces)&nbsp;Command alerts in Israel since shortly before 4 am local time.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-wants-solution-in-lebanon-not-broader-conflict-says-blinken-766579">West Asia crisis: US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken</a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-wants-solution-in-lebanon-not-broader-conflict-says-blinken-766579">&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday, residents in Haifa&nbsp;rushed for cover&nbsp;as air raid sirens sounded and blasts were heard overhead in the city.&nbsp;Ballistic missiles arrived just minutes after the alarms first went off, leading to people quickly heading for the nearest shelters, a report by the news agency Reuters said.</p>

<p>Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire for almost a year, with the group saying it is acting in support of Palestinian ally Hamas over the Gaza war.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's UN ambassador's message to Hezbollah</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations (UN)&nbsp;Danny Danon gave&nbsp;a message&nbsp;to Hezbollah.</p>

<p>"If Hezbollah wants this situation to de-escalate, it is very simple. They have to do two things," he said. "First, they must immediately stop shelling our civilian communities. Second, Hezbollah must withdraw to the north of the Litani River in accordance with the UN&nbsp;Resolution 1701, which was adopted here in the Security Council in 2006," Danon said.</p>

<p>"Until that happens, Israel will continue our operations to degrade Hezbollah’s terror network. We found a lot of weapons in the bunkers next to our border, and we will do whatever it takes to secure our people and enable the 70,000 displaced Israelis to return home safely," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>US-made munition used in Israeli strike on central Beirut</strong></h2>

<p>A day after Danon's remarks,&nbsp;two Israeli air strikes&nbsp;killed 22 people and wounded 117 in central Beirut, Lebanese health authorities said. The attacks targeted a Hezbollah official, but security sources said he had survived.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | World DNA: Israel marks Yom Kippur amid global criticism of its Lebanon offensive</strong></p>

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<p>This was the deadliest strike on Lebanon's capital city since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah started about a year ago.</p>

<p>A report by The Guardian on Saturday said that a US-made munition was used in the Israeli strike on central Beirut.</p>

<p>The report said that it found remnants of a US-manufactured joint direct attack munition (JDAM) in the rubble of the collapsed apartment building on Friday afternoon. Jdams are guidance kits built by the American&nbsp;aerospace company Boeing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday (Oct 12) that it launched a salvo of missiles at an Israeli military base south of the coastal city of Haifa, as Israelis marked the Yom Kippur holiday.

Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday (Oct 12) that it launched a salvo of missiles at an Israeli military base south of the coastal city of Haifa, as Israelis marked the Yom Kippur holiday. In a statement, Hezbollah said that its fighters struck a base "south of the city of Haifa, targeting the explosives factory there with a salvo of... missiles." Earlier in the day, Hezbollah warned Israelis to stay away from Israeli army sites in residential areas in the north of the country. Hezbollah said that the "Israeli enemy army uses the homes of Israelis in north Israel, and has military bases inside residential neighbourhoods in major occupied cities such as Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre." No sirens sound in Israel Despite Hezbollah's claims that it launched missiles in Haifa, a report by The Times of Israel said that there were no sirens in Israel and there had been no news of any attack. The report said that there had been no IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Command alerts in Israel since shortly before 4 am local time. Also read | West Asia crisis: US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken On Wednesday, residents in Haifa rushed for cover as air raid sirens sounded and blasts were heard overhead in the city. Ballistic missiles arrived just minutes after the alarms first went off, leading to people quickly heading for the nearest shelters, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire for almost a year, with the group saying it is acting in support of Palestinian ally Hamas over the Gaza war. Israel's UN ambassador's message to Hezbollah On Wednesday, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon gave a message to Hezbollah. "If Hezbollah wants this situation to de-escalate, it is very simple. They have to do two things," he said. "First, they must immediately stop shelling our civilian communities. Second, Hezbollah must withdraw to the north of the Litani River in accordance with the UN Resolution 1701, which was adopted here in the Security Council in 2006," Danon said. "Until that happens, Israel will continue our operations to degrade Hezbollah’s terror network. We found a lot of weapons in the bunkers next to our border, and we will do whatever it takes to secure our people and enable the 70,000 displaced Israelis to return home safely," he added. US-made munition used in Israeli strike on central Beirut A day after Danon's remarks, two Israeli air strikes killed 22 people and wounded 117 in central Beirut, Lebanese health authorities said. The attacks targeted a Hezbollah official, but security sources said he had survived. Also watch | World DNA: Israel marks Yom Kippur amid global criticism of its Lebanon offensive × This was the deadliest strike on Lebanon's capital city since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah started about a year ago. A report by The Guardian on Saturday said that a US-made munition was used in the Israeli strike on central Beirut. The report said that it found remnants of a US-manufactured joint direct attack munition (JDAM) in the rubble of the collapsed apartment building on Friday afternoon. Jdams are guidance kits built by the American aerospace company Boeing. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Hezbollah launches missiles on Israeli military bases near Haifa

Tehran has reportedly threatened to target Arab States including the US allies in West Asia if their airspace or territories are used in any attack on Iran. Watch in for more details!

Iran-Israel War: US Allies In West Asia Warned By Tehran, 'Close Airspace For Israeli Attack'

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday (Oct 10) they struck and killed two Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the commanders is identified as Ahmad Mustaga Alhaj Ali, who was responsible for the firing of hundreds of rockets and anti-tank missiles at the city of Kiryat Shmona.</p>

<p>The other commander was Muhammad Ali Hamdan, commander of the anti-tank corps in Meiss Ej Jabal. Hamdan, as per IDF claims, played a key role in several attacks on northern communities in Israel.</p>

<p>IDF added they also targeted a massive weapons cache in Oct 9 strikes on southern Lebanon and the capital Beirut. The Israeli Army said it took several steps to limit harm to civilians.</p>

<h2><strong>12th Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon offensive</strong></h2>

<p>The IDF announced Thursday the death of 12th soldier in the ongoing offensive in Lebanon.&nbsp;Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ronny Ganizate, of the Alon Brigade’s 5030th Battalion, was killed during fighting with the Hezbollah-based group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiO0PGRpIOJAxW6xzgGHTPaE0IQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-arab-allies-in-covert-talks-with-iran-for-ceasefire-on-all-fronts-765765" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-arab-allies-in-covert-talks-with-iran-for-ceasefire-on-all-fronts-765765&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiO0PGRpIOJAxW6xzgGHTPaE0IQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">West Asia crisis: US, Arab allies in covert talks with Iran for ceasefire on 'all fronts'</a></strong></p>

<p>Another reserve soldier from the 5030th Battalion was seriously wounded in the same incident, Times of Israel reported.</p>

<h2><strong>US sees opportunity in Lebanon</strong></h2>

<p>Amid Israel's offensive against Hezbollah, the US is looking for opportunities to push the group completely out of the country's politics, reported Wall Street Journal.</p>

<p>According to the report,&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in touch with Arab allies to appoint a new president in the country</p>

<p>It must be noted that Lebanon has been without a president since 2022 amid a failure by the country’s factions to reach an agreement on a candidate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday (Oct 10) they struck and killed two Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon. One of the commanders is identified as Ahmad Mustaga Alhaj Ali, who was responsible for the firing of hundreds of rockets and anti-tank missiles at the city of Kiryat Shmona.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday (Oct 10) they struck and killed two Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon. One of the commanders is identified as Ahmad Mustaga Alhaj Ali, who was responsible for the firing of hundreds of rockets and anti-tank missiles at the city of Kiryat Shmona. The other commander was Muhammad Ali Hamdan, commander of the anti-tank corps in Meiss Ej Jabal. Hamdan, as per IDF claims, played a key role in several attacks on northern communities in Israel. IDF added they also targeted a massive weapons cache in Oct 9 strikes on southern Lebanon and the capital Beirut. The Israeli Army said it took several steps to limit harm to civilians. 12th Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon offensive The IDF announced Thursday the death of 12th soldier in the ongoing offensive in Lebanon. Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ronny Ganizate, of the Alon Brigade’s 5030th Battalion, was killed during fighting with the Hezbollah-based group. Also read: West Asia crisis: US, Arab allies in covert talks with Iran for ceasefire on 'all fronts' Another reserve soldier from the 5030th Battalion was seriously wounded in the same incident, Times of Israel reported. US sees opportunity in Lebanon Amid Israel's offensive against Hezbollah, the US is looking for opportunities to push the group completely out of the country's politics, reported Wall Street Journal. According to the report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in touch with Arab allies to appoint a new president in the country It must be noted that Lebanon has been without a president since 2022 amid a failure by the country’s factions to reach an agreement on a candidate. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: IDF kills two Hezbollah commanders, targets weapons cache in Lebanon strikes

<p>The US and its allies in the Gulf have launched covert talks with Iran to defuse tensions in West Asia, amid a looming threat of retaliatory Israeli strikes on the Shi'ite nation. Israel's Channel 12 news reported that the US and Arab states are in talks with Tehran to reach a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts, including Gaza and Lebanon. According to the channel, Israel is not involved in the talks but senior Israeli officials have been informed. The report added Israel has not reacted to the initiative yet, without even making clear its position on the question of a ceasefire, especially in Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjIqNXTnICJAxWqxTgGHSkAH0YQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-americans-should-never-forget-hamas-oct-7-attack-on-israel-says-trump-765411" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-americans-should-never-forget-hamas-oct-7-attack-on-israel-says-trump-765411&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIqNXTnICJAxWqxTgGHSkAH0YQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Gaza war: Americans should never forget Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel, says Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>“We are currently in a position of power, a ceasefire will be on our terms, including a [Hezbollah] withdrawal beyond the Litani [River] and the dismantling of all military Hezbollah sites in areas near the border,” a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah drops major condition for ceasefire</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the militant group seems to have dropped a key demand for a ceasefire in Lebanon.&nbsp;Hezbollah has so far maintained it won't agree to a truce until peace is reached in the Gaza Strip. But on Tuesday (Oct 8),&nbsp;Naim Qassem, the deputy leader of Hezbollah, took a step backwards. He said he would support peace efforts by&nbsp;Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri.</p>

<p>“We support the political activity being led by Berri under the title of a ceasefire,” Qassem said. “If the enemy (Israel) continues its war, then the battlefield will decide.” Gaza was nowhere mentioned, signalling Hezbollah is not interested in tying its fate with Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>IDF destroys major Hezbollah tunnel</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli Defence Forces said Tuesday that have destroyed a major Hezbollah tunnel&nbsp;that crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanon.</p>

<p>The Israeli military said the 20-meter-long tunnel never threatened any town or village in the Jewish country. IDF said Hezbollah started constructing the tunnel two years ago and it was immediately identified by Israeli forces.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US and its allies in the Gulf have launched covert talks with Iran to defuse tensions in West Asia, amid a looming threat of retaliatory Israeli strikes on the Shi'ite nation.

The US and its allies in the Gulf have launched covert talks with Iran to defuse tensions in West Asia, amid a looming threat of retaliatory Israeli strikes on the Shi'ite nation. Israel's Channel 12 news reported that the US and Arab states are in talks with Tehran to reach a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts, including Gaza and Lebanon. According to the channel, Israel is not involved in the talks but senior Israeli officials have been informed. The report added Israel has not reacted to the initiative yet, without even making clear its position on the question of a ceasefire, especially in Gaza. Also read: Gaza war: Americans should never forget Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel, says Trump “We are currently in a position of power, a ceasefire will be on our terms, including a [Hezbollah] withdrawal beyond the Litani [River] and the dismantling of all military Hezbollah sites in areas near the border,” a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying. Hezbollah drops major condition for ceasefire Meanwhile, the militant group seems to have dropped a key demand for a ceasefire in Lebanon. Hezbollah has so far maintained it won't agree to a truce until peace is reached in the Gaza Strip. But on Tuesday (Oct 8), Naim Qassem, the deputy leader of Hezbollah, took a step backwards. He said he would support peace efforts by Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri. “We support the political activity being led by Berri under the title of a ceasefire,” Qassem said. “If the enemy (Israel) continues its war, then the battlefield will decide.” Gaza was nowhere mentioned, signalling Hezbollah is not interested in tying its fate with Gaza. IDF destroys major Hezbollah tunnel The Israeli Defence Forces said Tuesday that have destroyed a major Hezbollah tunnel that crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanon. The Israeli military said the 20-meter-long tunnel never threatened any town or village in the Jewish country. IDF said Hezbollah started constructing the tunnel two years ago and it was immediately identified by Israeli forces. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US, Arab allies in covert talks with Iran for ceasefire on 'all fronts'

<p>An assailant stabbed six people in four different locations in Israel's Hadera and fled on a moped. In the incident, all the people were wounded, with some of them in critical condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli police alleged that the Hadera stabbing was a "terror attack".&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the security sources, the accused was identified as Ahmad Jabareen, 36, an Israeli citizen from the nearby Arab city of Umm al-Fahm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said the suspect has been located and “neutralized,” without elaborating.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-at-least-1-killed-9-wounded-in-terror-attack-at-beersheba-central-bus-station-764977"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel: Woman killed, 10 wounded in terror attack at Beersheba central bus station; attacker shot dead</strong></a></p>

<p>They say he stabbed people in four different locations and fled on a moped. He was reportedly on a motorcycle when he stabbed passersby and fled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hillel Yaffe Medical Center stated that six people have been injured and brought for treatment, including two in critical condition, three in serious condition, and one in moderate condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New police chief Daniel Levy implied that the Israeli police are currently unable to adequately prevent terror attacks, the Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Gaza War: Yahya Sinwar Has Reportedly Reestalished Contacts With Qatar | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>“I want to stress that the Israel Police, these days, as you understand, is stretched to the limit,” he said. “My heart is with the injured, but it seems like this is what we’ll have to face in this period and we need to be strong.”</p>

<p>The attack comes as tensions in West Asia have heightened. Last week, seven people were killed in a shooting attack in Tel Aviv. The shooting attack happened just before Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An assailant stabbed six people in four different locations in Israel's Hadera and fled on a moped. In the incident, all the people were wounded, with some of them in critical condition.

An assailant stabbed six people in four different locations in Israel's Hadera and fled on a moped. In the incident, all the people were wounded, with some of them in critical condition. The Israeli police alleged that the Hadera stabbing was a "terror attack". According to the security sources, the accused was identified as Ahmad Jabareen, 36, an Israeli citizen from the nearby Arab city of Umm al-Fahm. The police said the suspect has been located and “neutralized,” without elaborating. Also read: Israel: Woman killed, 10 wounded in terror attack at Beersheba central bus station; attacker shot dead They say he stabbed people in four different locations and fled on a moped. He was reportedly on a motorcycle when he stabbed passersby and fled. Hillel Yaffe Medical Center stated that six people have been injured and brought for treatment, including two in critical condition, three in serious condition, and one in moderate condition. New police chief Daniel Levy implied that the Israeli police are currently unable to adequately prevent terror attacks, the Times of Israel reported. Watch | Israel-Gaza War: Yahya Sinwar Has Reportedly Reestalished Contacts With Qatar | WION Originals × “I want to stress that the Israel Police, these days, as you understand, is stretched to the limit,” he said. “My heart is with the injured, but it seems like this is what we’ll have to face in this period and we need to be strong.” The attack comes as tensions in West Asia have heightened. Last week, seven people were killed in a shooting attack in Tel Aviv. The shooting attack happened just before Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Stabbing in Israel's Hadera: 6 stabbed, two critically wounded; police alleged 'terror attack'

<p>The Israeli military launched intense air strikes on southern Lebanon on Monday (Oct 7) as it pounded over 120 sites using more than 100 aircraft within an hour. The strikes came shortly after Israeli forces issued a fresh warning for civilians to immediately vacate the area near specific buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israel also warned Lebanese civilians against being on the beach or on boats on the coast from the Awali River southward.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes targeted units of “Hezbollah terrorist organisation, including regional units of Hezbollah’s southern front, the Radwan Forces.”</p>

<p>“This operation follows a series of strikes aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s command, control, and firing capabilities, as well as assisting ground forces in achieving their operational goals,” the IDF said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjh9u6t4_2IAxVYavUHHViJDqoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-conflict-series-of-explosions-heard-over-southern-beirut-764643" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-conflict-series-of-explosions-heard-over-southern-beirut-764643&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh9u6t4_2IAxVYavUHHViJDqoQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Series of explosions heard over southern Beirut</a></strong></p>

<p>The raids prompted a warning from the US, asking the IDF to avoid hitting Beirut international airport so that American citizens can leave Lebanon safely.</p>

<p>“We think it’s very important that not only the airport be open, but that the roads to the airport be open, so that American citizens who want to leave can get out, but also citizens of other countries,” the US state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US since last week has arranged several flights for stranded Americans and their immediate relatives in Lebanon as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated. The State Department said Monday over 900 US citizens have left the country since late September.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjh9u6t4_2IAxVYavUHHViJDqoQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallahs-presumed-successor-safieddine-unreachable-since-fridays-israeli-strike-on-bunker-report-764777" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallahs-presumed-successor-safieddine-unreachable-since-fridays-israeli-strike-on-bunker-report-764777&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjh9u6t4_2IAxVYavUHHViJDqoQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Contact 'lost' with Hezbollah chief Nasrallah's presumed successor Hashem Safieddine: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, warning alarms were also set ringing in central Israel Monday as Hezbollah launched over 190 rockets.</p>

<p>IDF in a statement said “about five launches were detected that crossed from Lebanon, some of them were intercepted by the Air Force and the rest fell in an open area.” Later, the militant organisation also confirmed it had launched a “barrage” of rockets at Israel intelligence base in Tel Aviv.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


The Israeli military launched intense air strikes on southern Lebanon on Monday (Oct 7) as it pounded over 120 sites using more than 100 aircraft within an hour.

The Israeli military launched intense air strikes on southern Lebanon on Monday (Oct 7) as it pounded over 120 sites using more than 100 aircraft within an hour. The strikes came shortly after Israeli forces issued a fresh warning for civilians to immediately vacate the area near specific buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israel also warned Lebanese civilians against being on the beach or on boats on the coast from the Awali River southward. A spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes targeted units of “Hezbollah terrorist organisation, including regional units of Hezbollah’s southern front, the Radwan Forces.” “This operation follows a series of strikes aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s command, control, and firing capabilities, as well as assisting ground forces in achieving their operational goals,” the IDF said. Also read: Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Series of explosions heard over southern Beirut The raids prompted a warning from the US, asking the IDF to avoid hitting Beirut international airport so that American citizens can leave Lebanon safely. “We think it’s very important that not only the airport be open, but that the roads to the airport be open, so that American citizens who want to leave can get out, but also citizens of other countries,” the US state department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said. The US since last week has arranged several flights for stranded Americans and their immediate relatives in Lebanon as the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated. The State Department said Monday over 900 US citizens have left the country since late September. Also read: Contact 'lost' with Hezbollah chief Nasrallah's presumed successor Hashem Safieddine: Reports On the other hand, warning alarms were also set ringing in central Israel Monday as Hezbollah launched over 190 rockets. IDF in a statement said “about five launches were detected that crossed from Lebanon, some of them were intercepted by the Air Force and the rest fell in an open area.” Later, the militant organisation also confirmed it had launched a “barrage” of rockets at Israel intelligence base in Tel Aviv. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US warns against strikes on Beirut airport as IDF pounds 120 sites in Lebanon

<p>The Israeli Army said Tuesday (Oct 8) it killed another senior Hezbollah commander in strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said&nbsp;it took out&nbsp;the commander of Hezbollah’s headquarters, Suhail Hussein Husseini.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement comes a day after the IDF launched strikes on over 100 targets in southern Lebanon on Monday, using over 100 aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Husseini played a “crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah and was responsible for distributing the advanced weaponry among Hezbollah’s units”, the statement said. He was also a member of the Jihad Council, Hezbollah’s senior military leadership council, the Israeli statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwieje3Flv6IAxWIsVYBHbu4OegQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-conflict-series-of-explosions-heard-over-southern-beirut-764643" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-conflict-series-of-explosions-heard-over-southern-beirut-764643&amp;ved=2ahUKEwieje3Flv6IAxWIsVYBHbu4OegQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Series of explosions heard over southern Beirut</a></strong></p>

<p>Husseini’s death, if confirmed,&nbsp;would be another major setback for the Lebanon-based group, which has already lost its topmost leader Hassan Nasrallah on a strike on Hezbollah's headquarters on Sep 27.</p>

<p>Israel's strategy is to&nbsp;inflict&nbsp;major blows by assassinating leaders and commanders of Hezbollah and its ally Hamas, which has been fighting Israel in Gaza for a year.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran drops new warning</strong></h2>

<p>News agency Reuters quoted&nbsp;Iran’s Foreign Minister&nbsp;Abbas Araghchi as saying Tuesday morning that his nation was fully prepared to retaliate to any Israeli attack in response to the Iranian missile attack on the Jewish nation.</p>

<p>Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran’s military had prepared at least ten scenarios preparing for an expected Israeli attack.&nbsp;Araghchi said any attack on Iran's infrastructure will be met with strong retaliation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Iran’s response will not be necessarily reciprocation at the same level of the Israelis’ action, but it may be harsher and aim for different targets that would intensify the effectiveness of the response,” Iranian state media quoted a senior official as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli Army said Tuesday (Oct 8) it killed another senior Hezbollah commander in strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it took out the commander of Hezbollah’s headquarters, Suhail Hussein Husseini.

The Israeli Army said Tuesday (Oct 8) it killed another senior Hezbollah commander in strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it took out the commander of Hezbollah’s headquarters, Suhail Hussein Husseini. The statement comes a day after the IDF launched strikes on over 100 targets in southern Lebanon on Monday, using over 100 aircraft. Husseini played a “crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah and was responsible for distributing the advanced weaponry among Hezbollah’s units”, the statement said. He was also a member of the Jihad Council, Hezbollah’s senior military leadership council, the Israeli statement added. Also read: Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Series of explosions heard over southern Beirut Husseini’s death, if confirmed, would be another major setback for the Lebanon-based group, which has already lost its topmost leader Hassan Nasrallah on a strike on Hezbollah's headquarters on Sep 27. Israel's strategy is to inflict major blows by assassinating leaders and commanders of Hezbollah and its ally Hamas, which has been fighting Israel in Gaza for a year. Iran drops new warning News agency Reuters quoted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying Tuesday morning that his nation was fully prepared to retaliate to any Israeli attack in response to the Iranian missile attack on the Jewish nation. Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran’s military had prepared at least ten scenarios preparing for an expected Israeli attack. Araghchi said any attack on Iran's infrastructure will be met with strong retaliation. "Iran’s response will not be necessarily reciprocation at the same level of the Israelis’ action, but it may be harsher and aim for different targets that would intensify the effectiveness of the response,” Iranian state media quoted a senior official as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF

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<p>The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said on Monday (Oct 7) that there was no evidence that Iran decided to build a nuclear weapon, and if it did, the United States (US) and its allies would most likely be able to detect such a step soon after it was taken.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the Cipher Brief security conference in Sea Island, CIA Director William Burns said that Iran advanced its nuclear program by stockpiling&nbsp;uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-should-strike-irans-nuclear-facilities-says-trump-764656">West Asia crisis: Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities, says Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>Iran could quickly secure enough fissile material for an atomic bomb if it chose to and there would be less time for the outside world to respond, Burns added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'No evidence that&nbsp;Khamenei reversed his 2003 decision'</strong></h2>

<p>During Monday's security conference,&nbsp;Burns said there was no evidence that Iran's supreme leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reversed the decision that he took in late 2003 to suspend the weaponisation program.</p>

<p>Citing the American intelligence community, a report by NBC News on Monday said that Iran suspended this program at Khamenei's behest in 2023.</p>

<p>The CIA director pointed out that Tehran has developed the means of delivery for a potential nuclear weapon by building up its missile arsenal.</p>

<p>Since the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and major powers known as the&nbsp;JCPOA in 2018, Tehran was in a "much closer&nbsp;position to produce a bomb’s worth of ... enriched material for a single weapon," Burns further said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;How will Israel respond to Iran's missile attack?</strong></p>

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<p>He added that when the JCPOA was in effect,&nbsp;it would have taken Iran more than a year to amass enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb. “Now it’s probably more like a week or a little more to produce one bomb’s worth of weapons-grade material. So the risks have increased," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Iran warns Israel against any attack</strong></h2>

<p>A day after Burns' remarks, Iran warned Israel against any attack on the Islamic Republic a week after&nbsp;Tehran fired a barrage of missiles on it, putting West Asia on the edge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister&nbsp;Abbas Araghchi said that any attack on his country's infrastructure would be met with retaliation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said on Monday (Oct 7) that there was no evidence that Iran decided to build a nuclear weapon, and if it did, the United States (US) and its allies would most likely be able to detect such a step soon after it was taken.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said on Monday (Oct 7) that there was no evidence that Iran decided to build a nuclear weapon, and if it did, the United States (US) and its allies would most likely be able to detect such a step soon after it was taken. Addressing the Cipher Brief security conference in Sea Island, CIA Director William Burns said that Iran advanced its nuclear program by stockpiling uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities, says Trump Iran could quickly secure enough fissile material for an atomic bomb if it chose to and there would be less time for the outside world to respond, Burns added. 'No evidence that Khamenei reversed his 2003 decision' During Monday's security conference, Burns said there was no evidence that Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reversed the decision that he took in late 2003 to suspend the weaponisation program. Citing the American intelligence community, a report by NBC News on Monday said that Iran suspended this program at Khamenei's behest in 2023. The CIA director pointed out that Tehran has developed the means of delivery for a potential nuclear weapon by building up its missile arsenal. Since the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and major powers known as the JCPOA in 2018, Tehran was in a "much closer position to produce a bomb’s worth of ... enriched material for a single weapon," Burns further said. Also watch | How will Israel respond to Iran's missile attack? × He added that when the JCPOA was in effect, it would have taken Iran more than a year to amass enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear bomb. “Now it’s probably more like a week or a little more to produce one bomb’s worth of weapons-grade material. So the risks have increased," he said. Iran warns Israel against any attack A day after Burns' remarks, Iran warned Israel against any attack on the Islamic Republic a week after Tehran fired a barrage of missiles on it, putting West Asia on the edge. On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that any attack on his country's infrastructure would be met with retaliation. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: No evidence that Iran has decided to build a nuclear weapon, says CIA

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<p>As the crisis in West Asia is intensifying, the number of international flights passing through Afghan airspace saw a record high this week after Iran launched a massive&nbsp;missile attack against Israel, according to a report by The Independent on Saturday (Oct 5).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that on Thursday (Oct 3), a record 191 flights passed over Afghanistan, with airlines paying&nbsp;the country’s civil aviation ministry $700 per flight for the privilege. It added that these payments showed a growing revenue stream for the cash-strapped Taliban that rule Afghanistan.</p>

<h2><strong>Which airlines have returned to Afghan airspace?</strong></h2>

<p>The Independent report said that the international airlines which&nbsp;returned to Afghan airspace included British Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air.</p>

<p>Citing data from&nbsp;FlightRadar24, the publication reported that an average of&nbsp;147 flights per day travelled through Afghan airspace between September 19 and 30, not including journeys that started or finished in Afghanistan itself.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-places-its-forces-on-alert-ahead-of-first-anniversary-of-conflict-764854">Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>The number went up to 171 on Tuesday when Iran launched 180 missiles against Israel. And on Friday, this number went up to 191, the report added.</p>

<p>Speaking to the publication,&nbsp;FlightRadar24’s spokesperson Ian Petchenik said, "We’re seeing aircraft that would normally transit through Iran make use of Afghanistan airspace now."</p>

<p>"As we start to see more and more airspace restrictions (in West Asia), airlines are making a trade-off or a calculated decision on risk – is this a safe method of operation? And is it safer than the alternative that still allows us to operate these flights?” Petchenik added.</p>

<h2><strong>Afghan airspace largely avoided by international flights after Taliban takeover</strong></h2>

<p>The Afghan airspace has been largely avoided by international flights since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021.</p>

<p>But the number of flights has steadily gone up since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 last year and the escalating conflict in the rest of West Asia.</p>

<h2><strong>The aftermath of Iran's missile attack on Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Following Iran's missile attack on Israel on Tuesday,&nbsp;Israel’s neighbours closed airspace and airline crews, with many looking for diversions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | World DNA:&nbsp;Netanyahu promises that response to Iranian attacks is coming</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a spokesperson from&nbsp;FlightRadar24 said that international flights&nbsp;diverted “anywhere they could,” and a snapshot of traffic in the region showed&nbsp;flights&nbsp;spreading in wide arcs to the north and south, with many converging on Cairo and Istanbul.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, about 80 flights, operated by the likes of Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways and bound for major Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, were diverted to places such as Cairo and European cities, its data showed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the crisis in West Asia is intensifying, the number of international flights passing through Afghan airspace saw a record high this week after Iran launched a massive missile attack against Israel, according to a report by The Independent on Saturday (Oct 5).

As the crisis in West Asia is intensifying, the number of international flights passing through Afghan airspace saw a record high this week after Iran launched a massive missile attack against Israel, according to a report by The Independent on Saturday (Oct 5). The report said that on Thursday (Oct 3), a record 191 flights passed over Afghanistan, with airlines paying the country’s civil aviation ministry $700 per flight for the privilege. It added that these payments showed a growing revenue stream for the cash-strapped Taliban that rule Afghanistan. Which airlines have returned to Afghan airspace? The Independent report said that the international airlines which returned to Afghan airspace included British Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air. Citing data from FlightRadar24, the publication reported that an average of 147 flights per day travelled through Afghan airspace between September 19 and 30, not including journeys that started or finished in Afghanistan itself. Also read | Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict The number went up to 171 on Tuesday when Iran launched 180 missiles against Israel. And on Friday, this number went up to 191, the report added. Speaking to the publication, FlightRadar24’s spokesperson Ian Petchenik said, "We’re seeing aircraft that would normally transit through Iran make use of Afghanistan airspace now." "As we start to see more and more airspace restrictions (in West Asia), airlines are making a trade-off or a calculated decision on risk – is this a safe method of operation? And is it safer than the alternative that still allows us to operate these flights?” Petchenik added. Afghan airspace largely avoided by international flights after Taliban takeover The Afghan airspace has been largely avoided by international flights since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021. But the number of flights has steadily gone up since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 last year and the escalating conflict in the rest of West Asia. The aftermath of Iran's missile attack on Israel Following Iran's missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, Israel’s neighbours closed airspace and airline crews, with many looking for diversions. Also watch | World DNA: Netanyahu promises that response to Iranian attacks is coming × Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a spokesperson from FlightRadar24 said that international flights diverted “anywhere they could,” and a snapshot of traffic in the region showed flights spreading in wide arcs to the north and south, with many converging on Cairo and Istanbul. On Tuesday, about 80 flights, operated by the likes of Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways and bound for major Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, were diverted to places such as Cairo and European cities, its data showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan sees record high number of international flights passing through its airspace. Here's why

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