The Israel Defense Forces continued intense air and ground campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The uptick in offensive operations came days after Israel marked the anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 assault and as Israeli leaders planned their response to last week's Iranian ballistic missile attack.

The Biden administration has dropped its support for an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon and is openly supporting Israel’s ground offensive, a State Department spokesman said.

JERUSALEM: Israel's main international ally, the United States, warned on Wednesday (Oct 9) against Gaza-like military action in Lebanon after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened it with "des