Israeli warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes on targets in southern Lebanon early this morning, according to military officials. The strikes, which reportedly hit Hezbollah positions, came hours after former US President Donald Trump publicly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. White House sources confirmed that Trump telephoned Netanyahu late last night, urging ‘immediate de-escalation’ and warning that ‘continued aggression could destabilise the region.
’ In London, the Foreign Office issued a statement expressing ‘deep concern’ and calling for ‘restraint from all parties.’ The UK government urged Israel to ‘exercise proportionality’ and Hezbollah to ‘cease all rocket attacks.’ The airstrikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing border tensions.
Diplomatic sources indicate that both the US and UK are exploring a joint mediation initiative, though no formal proposal has been tabled.
