‘There'll Be No Hezbollah': Israel's Katz Declares TOTAL WAR, Cites Nasrallah's Fate As Last Warning

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate as Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah's leadership that the country's patience has run out. Referring to the assassination of former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Katz cautioned current leader Sheikh Naim Qassem that any act of terror would trigger a decisive response. Qassem, in turn, issued a fiery statement condemning U.S. and Israeli "aggression" against Iran and pledging Hezbollah's full support for Tehran. He rejected claims that Iran's nuclear program poses a threat and framed Western hostility as a response to Iran's independence and support for resistance movements. The war of words signals a deepening regional confrontation as Hezbollah vows to 'act as it sees fit' in the growing Israel-Iran conflict.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

27 minutes ago

• Time of India

Israel's multi-layered defense and strategic counteroffensive highlighted amid intensifying conflict with Iran

The recent hostilities between Israel and Iran on Friday have escalated into a complex military confrontation that underscores Israel's advanced multi-tiered air defense capabilities alongside strategic precision strikes deep inside Iranian territory. Israel has successfully intercepted a significant number of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic missiles, while simultaneously conducting targeted airstrikes on Iranian missile launchers and nuclear-related infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force (IAF), supported by naval defense systems such as the Barak MX, intercepted over 15 Iranian UAVs in a single day, maintaining an overall interception rate exceeding 90% against hundreds of drones and missiles launched since the conflict's escalation. The lengthy flight time of Iranian drones—approximately nine hours—has allowed Israel to effectively deploy interceptors and scramble fighter jets to neutralize threats well before they reach populated areas. Despite the high interception rate, missile strikes caused injuries and damage in Haifa and Beersheba, with at least seven lightly wounded in Beersheba and two injured in Haifa, including a teenager in serious condition. In retaliation, Israel launched precision airstrikes involving over 60 aircraft targeting missile launch sites, storage facilities, and nuclear program-related sites across central and western Iran. Among the key targets was the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project , a critical component of Iran's advanced weapons development efforts. Israeli officials reported the elimination of key Iranian military commanders and disruption of planned missile barrages aimed at southern Israel. Live Events Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to intensify strikes against Iranian internal security institutions and regime symbols to destabilize the regime, with Iran continuing to expand its missile arsenal. However, Israel maintains sufficient interceptor missile stockpiles and is adapting its defense systems, including deploying new interceptors specifically designed to counter UAV threats. This conflict has evolved into a high-stakes tit-for-tat exchange, with both nations demonstrating advanced military technologies and a willingness to strike strategic targets beyond their borders. Recent intelligence has revealed covert Israeli drone manufacturing facilities inside Iran, while Iran's use of cluster warheads highlights the evolving and covert nature of this confrontation. Israel's ability to intercept the vast majority of Iranian UAVs and missiles while conducting deep strikes into Iranian territory reflects a blend of technological superiority and tactical planning that might shape this prolonged conflict. With current hostilities numbering at least 24 Israeli and over 600 Iranian deaths since June 13, with hundreds more wounded, authorities emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to safety protocols.

News18

29 minutes ago

• News18

Who Is Sajid Tarar, Pakistani-American Businessman Who Brokered Trump–Asim Munir White House Lunch?

Last Updated: A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, Tarar founded The American Muslims for Trump, and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim-American community A rare private lunch between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, in the prestigious White House Cabinet Room dominated global headlines this week. According to Firstpost, this was only the second time in over two decades that a Pakistani military chief was hosted at such a level in Washington—the first being General Pervez Musharraf after the 9/11 attacks. As Trump discussed regional politics, the Isarel-Iran conflict and defence technology with Munir, there was buzz over who had been able to broker the high-level luncheon. Reports now suggest that it was Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman, who orchestrated Munir's invitation during the latter's five-day US visit to strengthen bilateral ties. WHO IS SAJID TARAR? The businessman is a lawyer, activist, and Republican political figure based in Baltimore. Born in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan, Tarar immigrated to the US in the 1980s–90s, studied law at the University of Baltimore, and became a US citizen. He runs multiple business interests and serves as President of Maximus Investment Group, dealing in finance and real estate. He's also the CEO of the Center for Social Change, a Baltimore-based non-profit focused on community programmes and social services. A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, he founded The American Muslims for Trump, and has spoken at Republican National Conventions and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim American community. He served as an advisor to Trump on Muslim‑American engagement and frequently appeared in conservative media defending the administration's policies. According to Times of India and Firstpost, Tarar's influence in Republican circles extends beyond political rhetoric. His son reportedly worked at the US State Department during Trump's first term, further signaling his integration into Washington's conservative establishment. He also advocates for improved India–Pakistan relations and has, in the past, praised PM Narendra Modi and encouraged regional peace initiatives. While the meeting made headlines for its setting, it also stirred controversy in Pakistan. As Moneycontrol and Economic Times point out, there was no official representation from Pakistan's civilian government. This raises concerns about the military conducting parallel diplomacy—a long-standing criticism in Pakistan's power structure. The fact that a private individual like Tarar could facilitate such a high-level engagement without the Foreign Office being involved has unsettled parts of Islamabad's civilian leadership. WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MEETING? According to top diplomatic sources in Washington, Trump laid out a series of sweeping demands and bold offers aimed at reshaping the regional power balance during the lunch meeting. Trump has reportedly asked Pakistan for unconditional military and strategic support, including access to air bases, ground logistics, and potentially sea routes—making Pakistan a critical player in any upcoming military theatre. In return, Trump has promised Pakistan unprecedented access to American defence technology—including 5th-generation stealth jets and advanced missile systems—along with significant financial aid. Trump reportedly urged Munir to 'distance Pakistan from Eastern blocs," including BRICS, and instead re-join the US-led security framework. The Trump–Munir meeting comes amid shifting global alliances, ongoing unrest in West Asia, and a changing power dynamic in South Asia. As reported by Moneycontrol, this private diplomacy could signal a future alignment where military figures bypass diplomats. With his increasing involvement in geopolitical dialogues, Sajid Tarar may be shaping a new model of diaspora-driven diplomacy—one that sidesteps traditional gatekeepers in both Washington and Islamabad. First Published:

Indian Express

33 minutes ago

• Indian Express

NATO leaders to meet amid Israel-Iran conflict: What's on the table?

NATO leaders will gather in The Hague, Netherlands, from June 24 to 25, for a summit aimed at strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defense posture amid mounting global threats. Heads of State and Government from all 32 member countries, including US President Donald Trump, are expected to attend. The meeting comes at a time when West Asia has seen escalating tensions owing to the Israel-Iran conflict. The two-day meeting will focus on strengthening collective defense, increasing military spending, and maintaining unity within the Alliance. According to NATO, a central agenda item is ensuring the Alliance has the necessary resources, forces and capabilities to face any threat. The summit is expected to produce a commitment from European allies to increase defense spending—a key demand from Trump, who has previously criticised NATO members for not meeting the 2% GDP target. However, ahead of the 2025 Hague Summit, he escalated his demand, urging European allies to boost spending to 5% of GDP—including 3.5% for core military and 1.5% for defense-related infrastructure and cybersecurity. Ahead of the summit, Trump clarified that the United States should not be required to meet the same 5% GDP defence-spending target he demands of NATO allies, as per reports by Politico. Despite the push for increased budgets, many NATO states still fall short of fulfilling capability commitments. Rutte has also warned, as per BBC, that Russia could attack a NATO country within five years. The BBC reports that the summit has been carefully tailored to avoid confrontation with President Trump. The final communiqué has been shortened to five paragraphs and the main discussions limited to three hours—moves interpreted by some analysts as efforts to accommodate Trump's preferences and preserve Alliance cohesion. Mark Rutte, seen as having a cordial relationship with Trump, is reportedly seeking to give the US President a win on defense spending while avoiding deeper rifts over trade, Russia, and Middle East conflicts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the summit dinner but will not participate in the main North Atlantic Council discussions. Though Russia's war in Ukraine remains one of the gravest threats to European security, discussions on Ukraine and Russia have reportedly been excluded to avoid tensions with the US delegation. Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO, told the BBC: The US 'does not see Ukrainian security as essential to European security, but our European allies do.' Dutch authorities have launched the largest security operation in the country's history, as per BBC, for what will be NATO's most expensive summit to date, with a reported budget of €183.4 million ($210 million). (With inputs from NATO official website, BBC, Politico)