Israel and Hezbollah Exchange Attacks
- Israeli military strikes hit Hezbollah weapons facilities.
- Hezbollah retaliates by targeting an Israeli base.
- Tit-for-tat strikes escalate tensions at the Lebanese border.
On Wednesday, Israel's military reported damage to two homes in the village of Katzrin and at least one injury following a barrage of projectiles from Lebanon. This incident coincides with intensified efforts by the Biden administration to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, aiming to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East. However, both Israeli and Hamas officials have shown reluctance towards the latest U.S. proposal, which includes discussions between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United Nations has indicated that over 150,000 displaced individuals are currently affected by new evacuation orders in the region. Amid these developments, aides to former President Donald Trump and Netanyahu have refuted claims that Trump recently contacted Netanyahu to discuss a cease-fire. Netanyahu's spokesman labeled these reports as false, while a journalist later clarified her earlier statements regarding the matter as a mistake. In a related protest, ultra-Orthodox demonstrators clashed with police and counterprotesters advocating for a military draft, highlighting concerns over the equitable distribution of military service during wartime. The proposed U.S. cease-fire plan suggests a six-week halt in hostilities, coupled with the exchange of hostages, while allowing some Israeli troops to maintain a presence in Gaza. At the Democratic National Convention, delegates advocating for a permanent cease-fire and an arms embargo on Israel are pushing for representation from Palestinian voices, reflecting a growing demand for a shift in U.S. policy towards the ongoing conflict.