Israel: 2 dead in rocket attack; Netanyahu warns Lebanon of 'destruction like Gaza'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the Lebanese population about "destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza" if they don't throw out Hezbollah.

"You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza. I say to you, the people of Lebanon: Free your country from Hezbollah so that this war can end," he said in a video address to the people of Lebanon on Tuesday (October 8).

Israel reports 2 fatalities

On Wednesday (October 9), Israeli emergency services reported two fatalities in Kiryat Shmona due to a rocket attack amid clashes with Hezbollah. Israel's National Emergency Pre-Hospital Medical and Blood Services Organisation Magen David Adom stated that a man and woman, both around 40 years old, were found with serious shrapnel wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

Biden to call on Netanyahu

As the Middle East conflict deepens, US President Joe Biden is set to call Netanyahu to discuss Israel's response to Iran’s missile strikes. This will be their first conversation in 49 days. Biden aims to encourage a measured response and opposes attacks on Iran's nuclear sites and oil reserves.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has postponed his US trip on Netanyahu's orders, as the Cabinet is set to vote on Israel's response to Iran. Gallant was scheduled to meet US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Also Read: 1 year of Hamas attack: Israel bombs Beirut, Gaza; 10 injured as Hezbollah strikes Haifa

Iran intensifies parleys

Meanwhile, Iran has intensified its diplomatic efforts, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visiting Saudi Arabia after meetings in Beirut and Damascus, following a recent engagement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Also Read:Netanyahu claims Israel has eliminated Hezbollah chief Nasrallah’s successors  

Gaza hospitals ordered to evacuate

In northern Gaza, healthcare workers ordered to evacuate hospitals claim there is “no safe way” to leave. Dr. Hussam Abu Saifiya from Kamal Adwan Hospital said the IDF issued a 24-hour evacuation notice, threatening danger if compliance was not met. The Israeli military has mandated evacuations at three hospitals: Kamal Adwan, Al-Awda, and the Indonesian Hospital.

Israel's offensive has led to over 41,900 fatalities in Gaza and displaced nearly 1.9 million people — around 90% of the population. Militant group Hezbollah has now publicly endorsed a ceasefire in Lebanon for the first time without linking it to Gaza.

In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces raised their flag at the ruins of Iran Garden and strikes on the Dahiyeh district in Beirut caused significant damage, including the collapse of four buildings.

Also Read: Hezbollah launches missiles into Tel Aviv, Haifa as Israel fights battles on multiple fronts

Hezbollah leader ‘eliminated’, claims Israel

Netanyahu claimed Israel has “eliminated” potential Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine, although the military is still assessing the impact of a strike on Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut.

In northern Gaza, evacuees report being shot at while fleeing military operations. The only functioning hospital in the area received an evacuation order within 24 hours. Additionally, an Israeli attack in Damascus, Syria, resulted in at least seven fatalities and 11 injuries, according to Syrian state media.