Israelis urged to shelter after reports of ‘hostile aircraft’ entering from Lebanon

International News | The Hill

Israeli authorities have urged residents to take shelter after a reports that a “hostile aircraft” entered the country’s north from neighboring Lebanon, the Associated Press reported.

“A report was received regarding a suspected infiltration from Lebanon into Israeli airspace,” the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) wrote in an X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter, at 11:26 a.m. EST on Wednesday.

It did not specify the kind of aircraft. Both Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group, and Palestinian militants use drones and gliders, the AP noted.

Hezbollah earlier on Wednesday claimed to have killed and wounded Israeli troops after firing anti-tank missiles at an Israel military position.

Israel’s military confirmed Hezbollah’s attack, and said it responded by shelling the area where the attack was launched. It didn’t comment on the possible causalities.

President Biden on Tuesday warned outside actors to stay out of the conflict, amid fears that groups like Hezbollah or its Iranian backers may try take advantage of the situation.

Israeli government officials on Wednesday announced the formation of an emergency unity government in the wake of the Hamas attack against the country.

The new government will also lead to the establishment of a security cabinet, that will consist of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior opposition party leader Benny Gantz, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and opposition party member Gadi Eizenkot.

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will serve as an observer in the war cabinet, while a spot will be open for opposition leader Yair Lapid to join the cabinet.

The agreement also states that no law should be passed in the country’s legislature throughout the duration of the war.

It has been five days since Hamas, a militant group that is the de facto authority in Gaza, launched its deadly attack against Israel on Saturday, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 Israelis.

More than 150 soldiers and civilians are being held hostage by the militant group, according to Israeli officials.

Israeli armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against the group, with Netanyahu saying that his country’s forces will exact a “huge price” against Hamas for the attack.

In a televised address Tuesday, Biden publicly condemned the terrorist attacks, confirming Americans are among the many people being held hostage by the militant group, and that 20 Americans remain unaccounted for in the country.