Tensions in the Middle East are rising sharply, particularly with the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reported conducting over 1,000 airstrikes on Hezbollah positions since the end of September. Local sources indicate that since the conflict erupted on October 8, more than 2,100 people in Lebanon have lost their lives. In a recent conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they explored the possibility of Israel retaliating against Iran. The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized that any actions taken against Iran would be “deadly, precise, and surprising.”

The IDF’s air operations against Hezbollah have been significant. As of October 9, the Israeli Air Force, working alongside ground forces, executed over 1,100 airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The IDF stated these missions employed fighter jets, attack helicopters, and drones, all coordinated by the Air Force’s 5620 Cooperation Unit. They targeted various locations, including Hezbollah bases, weapon depots, tunnels, observation posts, and sniper positions. Notably, the IDF claimed an impressive response time, asserting that airstrikes could be carried out within seven minutes of a request from ground troops, with the closest targets sometimes only 50 meters away.

On the same day, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that an airstrike struck a civilian defense center in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of five medical personnel and rescuers. Nasser Yasin, a coordinator for Lebanon’s emergency committee, noted that since the escalation began on October 8, Lebanon has endured 9,470 attacks, leading to 2,141 deaths and over 10,000 injuries.

In another key development, Netanyahu and Biden had a 30-minute phone call, marking their first dialogue since August and also including Vice President Kamala Harris. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the conversation as “direct and productive” while also acknowledging their differences. The call came as Israel sought to respond to a significant missile attack from Iran, and both leaders agreed to keep the lines of communication open in the following days. Biden urged Netanyahu to take measures to minimize civilian casualties in Lebanon.

The U.S. had previously indicated that while Israel should respond to threats, it should refrain from targeting Iranian energy and nuclear facilities. As of now, there has been no official disclosure from Israeli sources regarding the specific details of the call.

Lastly, during an inspection of the IDF’s intelligence unit, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserted that any retaliation against Iran would be “deadly, precise, and surprising,” claiming that Iran would be caught off guard. He also mentioned that the Israeli Air Force remained unscathed during a recent attack attributed to Iran, stating that all runways were operational with no damage to aircraft or personnel.

Tensions continue to escalate following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, with Netanyahu promising repercussions for Iran and hinting at potential strikes on Iranian oil facilities. Both sides have denied claims of damage to each other’s military installations, highlighting the deepening divisions in this ongoing conflict.