The Israeli strike in Beirut was the first sign of independence from Washington, but the real test will be whether it changes the reality over time. Iran is signaling that it will not continue firing if Israel does not respond, and the question is how and on what scale to hit back without being dragged into open war.
Following the Israeli Air Force strike in Dahiyeh in Beirut, the Home Front Command announced a shift to a reduced activity format, canceled classes and restricted gatherings nationwide.
Security tensions are raising concern among travelers, but for now there has been no change in preparations at the airport. The assessment is that even in the event of fire toward central Israel, Ben Gurion Airport will continue operating, except for brief pauses during sirens.
The IDF struck Hezbollah infrastructure site in Dahiyeh. Lebanon reports at least one fatality. Netanyahu at cabinet meeting: "We will not allow Hezbollah fire at our territory or our communities, and we will act accordingly." Iranian foreign minister threatens: "Any attack in Beirut will lead to renewed war."
Turkey’s interior minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, sparked an uproar at a gathering of the ruling party in Ankara. The minister claimed that Jerusalem would return to Turkish sovereignty and declared, "As in the past, these places will once again come under the authority of our government." In his speech, he invoked Ottoman symbols, described Erdoğan as a "global leader" and said Turkey was turning from a regional power into a world power.
