Israel Iran war Live news: Stay updated with live developments on the Israel-Iran conflict as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former U.S. President Trump discuss the escalating ‘Iranian threat’ during a congratulatory phone call.
As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have engaged in a high-level conversation, focusing on the growing Iranian threat. This discussion comes amid a backdrop of intensifying hostilities in the region, and the phone call has captured global attention as the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to countering Iran’s military ambitions.
The Israeli military said that it had killed a commander of Hezbollah’s Nasser Brigade rocket unit in southern Lebanon, and that he had been responsible for several attacks on Israel. Earlier the Israeli military have deployed troops deep into northern Lebanon to take a senior Hezbollah operative captive since the conflict between the two sides escalated in late September.Israeli naval forces captured a senior Hezbollah operative in north Lebanon, an Israeli military official, as the conflict between the Iran-backed group and Israel showed few signs of easing.The death toll from recent Israeli airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip has risen to 25, hospital officials reported Friday, as more bodies continue to be recovered. The strikes targeted areas in the Nuseirat refugee camp on Thursday, initially killing 16 people. As search efforts intensified, officials at Al-Aqsa Hospital confirmed the discovery of more casualties, increasing the count to 21, some of whom were transferred from Awda Hospital.Among those killed were five children, including an 18-month-old boy and his 10-year-old sister. Their father had been killed in an airstrike four months ago, and their mother remains missing, family members told AP journalists.In separate strikes Friday, a targeted strike on a motorcycle in Zuwaida and an attack on a house in Deir al-Balah killed four more, officials reported, bringing the death toll to 25 in the latest escalation.The Israeli military has not commented on these specific incidents, though it confirmed operations against armed militants in central and southern Gaza on Thursday. Gaza health officials report over 43,000 Palestinian deaths in Israeli strikes since October 7, 2023, a toll that includes significant numbers of women and children, though no differentiation between civilians and combatants is available.This latest offensive follows the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and saw some 250 individuals taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli sources.
Netanyahu and Trump’s Call: What Was Discussed?
The congratulatory call, which was made to acknowledge Netanyahu’s recent political victory, quickly turned into a strategic discussion about Iran. Trump, who remains an influential figure in global politics, particularly within the Middle East, offered his support to Netanyahu, emphasizing the importance of a united front against Iran.
In a statement following the call, Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for Trump’s unwavering support during his tenure and noted that Israel’s security would continue to be a priority. Netanyahu also highlighted the critical role the U.S. plays in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump, for his part, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Iran would never achieve nuclear capabilities, signaling his approval of Israel’s military and intelligence actions against Iranian targets. The two leaders agreed that further cooperation between their countries would be essential in countering Iran’s expanding influence in the region.
Global Reactions and the U.S.-Israel Partnership
The call between Netanyahu and Trump has garnered significant attention worldwide, particularly among those closely monitoring the U.S.-Israel relationship. The two countries have long shared a strong alliance, with the U.S. providing military and diplomatic support to Israel, while also playing a central role in international negotiations regarding Iran.
The conversation is seen as a signal that despite the change in U.S. administration, Israel can count on continued support from the U.S. in its efforts to deal with the Iranian threat. While President Joe Biden’s administration has pursued diplomatic efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, Israel has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these negotiations and the possibility of reaching a new agreement that would curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.