Delta Air Lines announced on Thursday that it will suspend its flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv until December 31 due to rising security risks in the Middle East. The airline has issued a travel waiver and advised passengers to anticipate potential changes to its Tel Aviv schedule, including the possibility of further cancellations. Growing fears of a broader conflict in the region have led many international airlines to halt flights and steer clear of impacted airspaces.

Lebanese media report that the IDF has initiated a fresh series of airstrikes in southern Lebanon, specifically targeting the Mahmoudiyeh area. According to the reports, over 50 sites have been struck in under an hour. These airstrikes coincide with a heavy rocket barrage hitting northern Israel.

PM Netanyahu is currently holding a security consultation with senior ministers and defense chiefs at the Kirya in Tel Aviv. During the meeting, Israeli military officials will present various plans for the northern front, focusing on the growing threat from Hezbollah.

Over the past month, the IDF’s 401st Brigade troops, under the 162nd Division, operated in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah, eliminating over 300 terrorists and most of the Tel al-Sultan Battalion’s leadership.

A long-range rocket cache in an enemy warehouse was located and destroyed by the IDF, along with weapons storage facilities containing sniper rifles, ammunition, anti-tank missiles, and grenades.

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.