Israel launches strikes in Lebanon ‘to remove threats’ as Hezbollah fires hundreds of rockets in major escalation – live

IDF follows ‘pre-emptive’ airstrikes with new attack in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah launches rocket response to killing of Fuad Shukr

• What we know so far
• Israel launches ‘pre-emptive’ strikes on Lebanon

Circling back to Lloyd Austin and Yoav Gallant speaking, the Pentagon said the US defence secretary reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Israel’s defence.

Reuters reports that a Pentagon readout of the call said Austin spoke with the Israeli defence minister “to discuss Israel’s defence against Lebanese [Hezbollah] attacks”.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s defence against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies.

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