Israeli fighter jets were seen flying over Beirut while Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was delivering his maor speech, according to reports.

Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), informed Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah that the “Axis of Resistance” will deliver a decisive response to Israel for its recent attacks. **IRGC Commander Salami Tells Hezbollah’s Nasrallah: ‘Axis of Resistance’ Will Deliver Decisive Response to Israel**

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel is entering a new phase in the war, presenting both “significant opportunities” and “heavy risks.” During a meeting with senior military and defense officials, Gallant emphasized that Hezbollah is under pressure and military operations will persist. He stressed the importance of ensuring the safe return of northern residents to their homes, warning that Hezbollah will face increasing consequences over time. Gallant also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to securing the release of hostages and dismantling Hamas.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of avoiding any actions that could heighten tensions in the Middle East. “France and the United States are united in calling for restraint and urging de-escalation when it comes to the Middle East in general and when it comes to Lebanon in particular,” Blinken said after talks in Paris with French counterpart Stephane Sejourne. “We don’t want to see any escalatory actions by any party” that would endanger the goal of a ceasefire to the Gaza conflict, he added.

REPORTER: “What’s the white House response to the exploding walkie-talkies in Lebanon today?” KIRBY: “What I can tell you is we were not involved in yesterday’s incidents or today’s in any way, and I don’t have anything more to share.”

NETANYHAU: “I already said it. We are going to return the residents of the North to their homes in safety. And this is exactly what we are doing”. (Makes no mention of two days of blowing up devices all over Lebanon, maiming THOUSANDS of Hezbollah terrorists.)

The Prime Minister’s Office, this evening (Wednesday, 18 September 2024) [translated from Hebrew]: The fact that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acceded to every American proposal for releasing the hostages despite the ultimatum from elements in the coalition completely refutes the claim that he has torpedoed any deal whatsoever due to political considerations. On April 27th, the Prime Minister conveyed to the mediator a framework for releasing the hostages, which Secretary of State Blinken defined as being a very generous proposal. On May 31st, the Prime Minister agreed to the US proposal, and on August 16th, he agreed to the American “final bridging proposal.” On June 12th, Secretary of State Blinken said that Israel had agreed to the proposal while Hamas had not.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel’s focus has moved to the northern front as a “new phase” of the war is beginning. Gallant made the comments while visiting the Ramat David airbase. Excerpts from the Minister’s remarks: “The ‘center of gravity’ is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources and energy for the northern arena.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, nine individuals have lost their lives and over 300 others have sustained injuries following a series of walkie-talkie explosions that occurred throughout the country this afternoon.