Rockets lit up the skies near Tel Aviv and Haifa early Tuesday as Lebanon’s Hezbollah claimed attacks on Israeli military bases – escalating tensions just hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Israel to revive stalled ceasefire talks.
Rockets and Retaliation
The armed group said it targeted intelligence and naval facilities, triggering sirens across Israel’s economic hub. While no casualties were reported, the strikes mark one of the boldest cross-border actions in months. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s health ministry reported 13 deaths from an Israeli attack near Beirut’s main hospital Monday night.
Blinken’s Diplomatic Tightrope
Blinken’s 11th Middle East trip since October 2023 comes amid fears of wider war. His agenda: pressing Israel to avoid retaliating against Iran for recent missile strikes while addressing postwar plans for Gaza. Allies warn Israeli counterattacks could spark regional chaos – especially if nuclear sites are targeted.
Iran’s Warning
Iranian officials doubled down on defense rhetoric, calling threats to its nuclear facilities “international crimes.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi claimed Tehran seeks de-escalation but is “prepared for any conflict,” signaling volatile days ahead.
As night falls, global eyes remain glued to whether diplomacy can cool this powder keg.
