Israel has launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon, ordering residents of over 20 towns to evacuate immediately due to escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) warned civilians near Hezbollah members or equipment to move north of the Awali River to avoid airstrikes. IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee stated that any home used by Hezbollah for military purposes would be targeted. In response to the ongoing conflict since the October 7 Hamas attacks, Israel has also called up four extra reserve brigades. The IDF aims to continue operational activities against Hezbollah while ensuring northern Israel's safety.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned home after meeting U.S. leaders, including Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. The Biden administration promised over $8 billion in support, ensuring military aid for Ukraine. Zelenskyy aimed to gain backing for a victory plan against Russia but faced political tensions. Some Republicans criticized his Pennsylvania visit, calling it partisan. While seeking long-range weapons from the U.S., Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine's future aid relies on the next U.S. administration. The upcoming defense meeting in Germany may reveal further support for Ukraine’s goals.

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has revealed that the head of Iran's secret unit countering Israeli espionage was an Israeli agent. "The man who was in charge of the unit in Iran against Israel was an Israeli agent," Ahmadinejad told CNN Turk. He claimed the Mossad had infiltrated Iran’s intelligence by 2021, allowing them to gather crucial information. Ahmadinejad also alleged that 20 more Iranian agents worked for Mossad, stating, "They could easily obtain information." These agents were linked to the theft of nuclear documents and the assassination of Iranian scientists.

The Israeli military has reported intense fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, alleging the militant group planned an “October 7-style invasion” into Israeli territory. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed Hezbollah intended to use border villages as staging grounds for attacks. Israeli forces launched targeted ground raids and airstrikes against Hezbollah positions, emphasizing that military action will continue. Following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike, Israeli officials warned citizens to avoid movement between northern and southern areas of the Litani River. Hezbollah’s deputy leader vowed to persist in the fight against Israel, asserting that their struggle continues.

Hezbollah has refuted Israel's claims that its forces entered Lebanon, stating that no direct clashes occurred between their fighters and Israeli forces. The group, however, warned they are "ready for a direct confrontation." Earlier, Israeli sources said their ground forces were within walking distance of the Lebanese border. Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for launching "Fadi-4" rockets at Mossad and Unit 8200 headquarters in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon urged restraint, warning that any Israeli incursion into Lebanon would violate the country's sovereignty and UN Resolution 1701, which calls for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Israel has ordered the evacuation of 25 villages in southern Lebanon, warning residents to head north of the Awali River for safety. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that homes used by Hezbollah for military purposes will be targeted. Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched "Fadi-4" rockets at Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, with no confirmed damage. An Israeli airstrike also hit the Ain Al Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, southern Lebanon, prompting search and rescue efforts.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged adulteration of Tirupati Laddus has been temporarily halted following a Supreme Court order, Andhra Pradesh DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao confirmed. The SIT was investigating the quality of ghee used in making the famous laddus when the court intervened. The Supreme Court criticized public statements linking animal fat to the case, urging that "gods should be kept out of politics." The case remains under judicial review.

A school bus carrying 44 students and teachers from Wat Khao Phraya school caught fire on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, with 25 feared dead. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul based the death toll on the number of survivors, as 16 students and three teachers were hospitalized. The fire reportedly started after a tire exploded and the vehicle scraped a road barrier. Rescue operations are ongoing, but the intense heat has delayed recovery. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the victims' families on X.

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, warned Iran of "serious consequences" if Tehran directly attacks Israel. Austin reaffirmed America's support for Israel's right to self-defense in a discussion with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The Pentagon Chief emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to defend its personnel, allies, and partners, and prevent the conflict from escalating. Austin also stressed the need for a diplomatic solution to ensure civilians can return safely to their homes, following recent Israeli strikes and the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel has initiated "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids" in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, escalating its ongoing offensive. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the operations aim to dismantle the Iran-backed group's infrastructure threatening Israeli communities. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the military's readiness to act from all fronts, assuring that "everything that needs to be done - will be done." As airstrikes continue, over 1,000 people have reportedly died in recent weeks, and nearly a million are displaced. The U.S. and EU have called for a ceasefire amid rising tensions in the region.