Israel Resumes Strikes on Hezbollah, U.S. Urges Gaza Aid, and Netanyahu Rebukes Macron

On Wednesday morning, Israel resumed airstrikes on Beirut after a five-day lull, targeting a Hezbollah weapons cache in the southern Dahiyeh district, a Hezbollah stronghold. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stressing that efforts were made to minimize civilian casualties. Lt. Col. Avichay Adraee, IDF Spokesperson for Arab Media, issued warnings to residents living near Hezbollah sites, urging them to evacuate before the attack.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to continue targeting Hezbollah in Beirut, despite previous reports suggesting a halt in strikes on the city. Tensions with Hezbollah have been rising since an Israeli airstrike on October 10 in western Beirut, which drew criticism from the United States.

In addition to the Dahiyeh strike, Israeli forces reported over 140 strikes on Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including weapons depots and missile launchers. Ground forces dismantled a Hezbollah tunnel network in southern Lebanon, seizing weaponry, including rocket and mortar launchers. Israeli naval forces also supported the offensive, dubbed “Northern Arrows,” attacking Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

White House Pressures Israel on Gaza Aid Amid Decrease

As Israeli forces continue their operations, the White House has urged Israel to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In an October 13 letter addressed to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, U.S. Secretaries Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin called for an increase in aid, warning that failure to do so could risk Israel’s access to U.S. military resources.

The letter followed reports of a 50% decrease in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Advisor, emphasized that the request aligns with U.S. legal requirements under the Leahy Laws, which govern arms transfers, and stressed that the letter was not intended as a threat. He also reiterated the need for Israel to ensure the safety of civilians and U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, amid concerns that Israel’s airstrikes could jeopardize international efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Netanyahu Challenges Macron Over Israel’s Founding

In a separate development, Prime Minister Netanyahu rebuked French President Emmanuel Macron over comments suggesting that Israel’s creation was the result of U.N. resolutions. During a phone call, Netanyahu reminded Macron that Israel’s establishment was secured through the sacrifices of its soldiers during the 1948 War of Independence, many of whom were Holocaust survivors.

Macron’s remarks referred to the U.N.’s 1947 partition plan, which proposed the creation of both Jewish and Arab states. Netanyahu argued that Israel’s sovereignty was not granted by the U.N., but rather won on the battlefield. He also criticized the U.N.’s history of passing resolutions critical of Israel, accusing the international body of undermining the Jewish state’s right to exist.

Netanyahu also rejected Macron’s proposal for a ceasefire in Lebanon, arguing that such a move would allow Hezbollah to rearm. Macron has faced criticism for advocating a partial arms embargo on Israel, a suggestion Netanyahu strongly opposed, asserting that Israel would defend itself with or without international support.

As Israel continues its operations against Hezbollah and navigates diplomatic tensions, it faces growing pressure from both the United States and Europe to balance military objectives with humanitarian and diplomatic considerations.

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