The commander of the Israeli Air Force has announced that the Israeli Air Force is in the highest possible - great readiness against the background of increased tension with "Hezbollah", reports The Times of Israel, quoted by FOCUS.
"We continue to maintain the highest possible level of readiness in aviation. Especially in defense, but it's been a while," commented Major General Tomer Barr during a meeting with commanders.
"All Air Force forces are on standby. Everything is ready. Now, in accordance with the development of events, we make decisions that are most appropriate for the situation at the moment," he added.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that 37 people died in yesterday's Israeli air strike on Beirut, Sky News reported.
Previously, 31 people were reported dead in the strike, which also killed a high-ranking commander of "Hezbollah" Ibrahim Akil.
According to the ministry, three children and seven women also died, and 68 were injured.
The risk of escalation between Israel and "Hezbollah" is "higher" after this week's cross-border attacks, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.
"It is quite logical that the capabilities of the Lebanese "Hezbollah" have suffered," commented Sullivan.
"How significant the strike is and how that affects their ability to pose a threat to Israel, I think we still need more time to assess to reach more commitments," he added.
"The risk of escalation is real. It has been in existence since October 7. There are times when he is sharper than others. I think we are in one of those moments.
For its part, Germany called for "concrete steps" to help de-escalate tensions in the region
Germany's foreign ministry says that "concrete steps" on how to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
In a post on X, the ministry said Foreign Minister Analena Berbock was in contact with her counterparts in Israel and Lebanon about the "necessary next steps".