Israeli forces have launched an incursion into Lebanon, prompting a response from BBC's chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, along with security correspondent Frank Gardner.

The U.S. Defense Secretary has condemned Iran's recent attack as an "outrageous act of aggression" in a statement made alongside his Israeli counterpart. In a warning issued by Israel’s Arabic language military spokesperson, residents in Lebanon have been advised to refrain from moving their vehicles due to ongoing "heavy fighting" in the region. Avichay Adraee highlighted that Hezbollah forces are reportedly using the civilian environment and local population as human shields during their attacks. The military spokesperson urged individuals to prioritize their safety and avoid traveling from the northern areas to the southern region of the Litani River, stating that this warning will remain in effect until further notice.

**Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate: Netanyahu Promises Retaliation Amid Iranian Missile Strikes** In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to respond decisively following a series of missile attacks launched by Iran. The Iranian strikes, which targeted Israeli positions, concluded with a stern warning directed at the United States. UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has expressed grave concerns about the situation, indicating that the region is on the verge of a broader conflict. In response to the Iranian missile strikes, the UK government has confirmed that its troops have been deployed to the area to assist in the ongoing crisis. As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the developments, with calls for restraint and dialogue becoming increasingly urgent.

Israel's military actions in Lebanon have raised concerns about a potential escalation into a broader regional conflict, particularly involving Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made statements indicating that Israel has the capability to operate anywhere in the Middle East, which adds to the tension in the region. The situation stems from ongoing hostilities and security threats that Israel perceives from various groups in Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah, which has a history of conflict with Israel. The Israeli government has cited the need to protect its borders and citizens from attacks as a justification for its military operations. The possibility of a wider conflict looms, especially given Iran's support for Hezbollah and its influence in the region. If the situation escalates, it could draw in other nations and lead to a larger confrontation, raising fears of a regional war. As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the developments, hoping for a resolution that avoids further violence and instability in the Middle East.

Iran's President has accused Israel of attempting to provoke a broader conflict in the Middle East, claiming that the nation is setting "traps" to draw Iran into a larger war.