Israel-Hezbollah tensions flare up, Netanyahu's message for Lebanese people: 10 points

The latest Israeli strikes, termed "Operation Northern Arrows," have shifted violence from Gaza to Lebanon, with significant exchanges of fire occurring between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

At least 492 individuals, including 35 children, have died in a single day of relentless Israeli attacks on Lebanon, as reported by the country’s Health Ministry. Additionally, over 1,645 people have been injured. In retaliation, Lebanon's Hezbollah launched a barrage of missiles at Israeli air bases. Meanwhile, world leaders and the United Nations are urgently calling for de-escalation of the situation.

Hours after the Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Lebanese people, urging them not to become "human shields" for Hezbollah.

Here are the key takeaways on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict till now:

>> Netanyahu stated that Israel's conflict is not with the Lebanese people, but with Hezbollah, which he accused of using civilians as human shields by placing missiles in residential areas.

>> "Israel's war is not with you, it's with Hezbollah. For too long, Hezbollah has been using you as human shields. It placed rockets in your living rooms and missiles in your garage. Those rockets and missiles are aimed directly at our cities, directly at our citizens. To defend our people against Hezbollah strikes, we must take out those weapons".

>> Netanyahu stressed the necessity of eliminating these weapons to protect Israeli cities and citizens, urging the Lebanese population to heed evacuation warnings. He warned Lebanese citizens not to risk their lives for Hezbollah's cause, urging them to evacuate for their safety and promising they could return home after Israeli operations concluded.

>> "Don't let Hezbollah endanger your lives and the lives of your loved ones. Don't let Hezbollah endanger Lebanon. Please, get out of harm's way now. Once our operation is finished, you can come back safely to your homes," said the Israeli PM.

>> The latest Israeli strikes, termed "Operation Northern Arrows," have shifted violence from Gaza to Lebanon, with significant exchanges of fire occurring between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

>> Lebanon’s health ministry reported 492 deaths, including 35 children and 58 women, as well as over 1,000 wounded, marking one of the deadliest days of cross-border violence since the outbreak of the Gaza war.

>> The attacks have drawn condemnation from Arab states and global powers, calling for de-escalation from both Israel and Hezbollah.

>> The militant group has indicated a "new phase" of confrontation, retaliating against Israeli military sites and claiming responsibility for recent attacks that resulted in casualties.

>> US President Joe Biden stated that the United States is working to de-escalate the situation, ensuring safe conditions for Lebanese citizens to return home, following the latest air strikes that resulted in civilian casualties.

>> Lebanese officials reported receiving over 80,000 calls urging citizens to evacuate, highlighting the intensifying conflict and fears of an all-out war in the region.