Israeli PM vows to continue military operations amid escalating tensions in Gaza, Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will persist with its military operations until its objectives are fully achieved, as hostilities intensify on both the Gaza and Lebanon fronts.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Iran, declaring, “If you strike us, we will strike you.”

He emphasized Israel’s far-reaching military capabilities, stating, “There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that’s true of the entire Middle East.”

The speech was met with protests from delegates representing Lebanon and Palestinian territories, who walked out in response.

Meanwhile, protests outside Netanyahu’s New York hotel called for an end to the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, amid continued cross-border exchanges between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

Despite a truce proposal from the United States and France calling for a 21-day ceasefire, Netanyahu reiterated his stance against halting operations, with his office confirming he had not formally responded to the proposal.

Israeli airstrikes have intensified, particularly in Lebanon, where the death toll has risen dramatically, with over 1,500 casualties reported following nearly a year of clashes.

The UN has declared this period Lebanon’s deadliest in a generation.