Israel and Iran exchange threats as combat surges in southern Lebanon
LA TimesSmoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, on Wednesday. As war in the Middle East widens, Iran and Israel on Wednesday traded threats of destruction following the Islamic Republic’s missile barrage against Israel, while the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israel reported the first “close-quarter” combat between their forces in southern Lebanon. The U.S. described the attack as a major escalation but “ineffective.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran “made a big mistake” by attacking and “will pay for it.” Lerner, the army spokesman, praised air defense by Israel and the U.S. that he said prevented major damage. “One ballistic missile is an unacceptable reality for any sovereign state; 180 means there will be consequences.” President Biden said he “fully, fully” supported Israel’s right to its “defense.” Asked Wednesday if he would support an Israeli strike on components of Iran’s nuclear program, Biden told reporters, “The answer is no.” “We will be discussing with the Israelis what they are going to do,” he added. They “unequivocally condemned” Iran’s missile attack on Israel, the White House said, expressing solidarity with Israel while also urging restraint.