Israel Launches High-Stakes Strikes Against Iran in Retaliation

 

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people on Friday, according to a statement from Lebanon’s health ministry on Saturday. The attacks also left 108 individuals injured.

Since Israel intensified its operations against Hezbollah on September 16, the toll has risen to at least 1,972 fatalities and 10,042 injuries, based on CNN’s compilation of health ministry data.

**Biden Comments on Israeli Strikes on Iran**

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope on Saturday that Israel's strikes on Iran signify an end to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters in Philadelphia, he noted, “It looks like they didn’t hit anything other than military targets. My hope is this is the end.” He mentioned he had been briefed by intelligence officials earlier in the day.

While Biden stated he was informed prior to the strikes, administration officials clarified that the U.S. was not directly involved but had been in close consultation with Israel.

Biden also reacted to former President Donald Trump’s discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he was “not surprised” but concerned that Trump was not representing U.S. interests in those talks.

In a security briefing, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris conferred with their national security team on the latest developments in the region following the strikes. The White House confirmed that Biden emphasized the need to protect U.S. forces and assist Israel against any potential retaliatory actions from Iran and its allies.