Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis join Iran in strike on Israel

Yemen's Houthi rebels announced they joined Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon in coordinated attacks against Israel on Monday, launching cruise missiles and drones targeting vital and military sites. The Houthis stated their involvement, which began in March, is in support of Iran and as a show of solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Israeli war on Gaza. Simultaneously, Israeli officials reported recovering bodies from a prior Iranian strike in Haifa. Israel continues to target Hezbollah in Lebanon, including strikes in Beirut and the south, claiming to target terror infrastructure and financial resources. Deadly strikes were also reported in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Sunday killed 11 people, including a child, and injured dozens more in Kfarhata and Beirut. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported the casualties, marking one of the most violent days since fighting escalated last month. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for Kfarhata prior to the strike and also warned about the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, alleging Hezbollah was using it for military purposes. The Lebanese army reported a soldier was killed in a separate Israeli strike in southern Lebanon earlier in the day. The strikes and sounds of military aircraft were reported throughout Beirut on Easter Sunday.

In April 2026, amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel struck an Iranian petrochemical plant located in a massive gas field. This attack occurred as mediators were reportedly proposing a ceasefire. The conflict has involved missile strikes from both sides, with Iranian missiles causing damage in Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israel has also conducted airstrikes in Iran, including one targeting a technology building at Tehran’s Sharif University. Associated Press reporters gained access to Iran to document the situation, revealing damage in various locations. The broader conflict has jolted the world economy.

Due to escalating Israeli military actions, including air attacks and a ground invasion, over one million people have been displaced across Lebanon as of April 2026. Many families fleeing the violence in southern Lebanon are seeking refuge in schools and public buildings in the mountains, such as in Qabr Chamoun. These locations have been converted into shelters providing temporary housing for those displaced. The Israeli military campaign intensified after Hezbollah launched an attack in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli air attack in February. This recent escalation follows repeated violations by Israel of a ceasefire agreement established in late November 2024 after more than a year of cross-border attacks.

Three Indonesian peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon last week were buried in their hometowns on Sunday. Farizal Rhomadhon died on March 29 from a projectile explosion, while Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Muhammad Nur Ichwan died on March 30 when an explosion struck a UNIFIL logistics convoy. The incidents occurred in an area where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since the start of the Middle East war. The Indonesian government has called for an investigation into the deaths and guarantees for the safety of peacekeeping forces. The soldiers were honored with military funerals, and family members mourned their loss at the burial sites.

Israeli media, citing military briefings, reports that Iran possesses over 1,000 missiles capable of reaching Israel, while Hezbollah in Lebanon holds an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 shorter-range rockets. An Israeli air force officer revealed the missile estimate, indicating a potentially prolonged conflict despite claims of achieving core objectives. Before the current conflict, Iran was believed to have around 2,000 intermediate-range missiles, with over 500 launched or destroyed since. At least 19 people have died in Israel during the conflict, including two in Haifa after a recent missile strike. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about continued attacks, as neither Iran nor Hezbollah show signs of de-escalation.

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least seven people, according to local media reports, as Israel's offensive against Hezbollah continues into its second month. The strikes targeted towns including Ramadiyeh and Kfarsir, destroying homes and resulting in civilian casualties. Israel claims to have killed 40 Hezbollah fighters in the past 24 hours, targeting weapons depots and launch sites. Since the offensive began on March 2, over 1,300 people have been killed in Lebanon. The conflict is part of a larger war that began on February 28, which includes the United States and Iran, and has resulted in casualties in Israel and among US soldiers. Lebanon's Prime Minister has stated the country is committed to stopping the war and condemns violations of its sovereignty.

Israel intensified its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Saturday, targeting infrastructure in Beirut and destroying a bridge in the east to impede Hezbollah reinforcements. Explosions were reported in Beirut's southern suburbs, a frequent target of Israeli strikes amid its ground invasion in southern Lebanon. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks on Israel in response to a US-Israeli action that killed an Iranian leader on March 2. UNIFIL reported that three peacekeepers were wounded in southern Lebanon near the border, marking the third such incident in recent days. The ongoing strikes and cross-border attacks highlight the continued tensions and violence between Israel and Hezbollah.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, Iran launched attacks in the Gulf region, hitting a tanker off the coast of Qatar and Kuwait International Airport. Simultaneously, Israel conducted an attack in Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in five fatalities. The attacks occurred amidst escalating tensions, with Iran acknowledging ongoing conflict with its Gulf Arab neighbors. The strikes in Beirut caused significant damage, requiring rescue operations and firefighting efforts. Sirens sounded in Bnei Brak, Israel, as rescue teams and residents sought shelter from Iranian missile strikes. The reasons behind the attacks remain unclear.

The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to leave Lebanon due to targeted threats from Iran and its proxy militias against American universities in the Middle East. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut describes the security situation as volatile, citing airstrikes, drones, and rocket attacks throughout the country, particularly in the south, Beqaa, and parts of Beirut. Americans in southern Lebanon, near the Syrian border, in refugee settlements, and in Beirut's southern suburbs are strongly encouraged to depart immediately. Commercial flights are available from Beirut Rafic Hariri airport, and the U.S. Embassy is offering limited emergency passport services. Routine consular services, including visa operations, are suspended, and travel to Lebanon is not advised.

The deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have prompted calls for Indonesia to reassess its Middle East policy. Analysts and lawmakers are questioning the risks of overseas deployments in the region and the limits of diplomatic protection amid escalating conflict. The incidents, which also injured five other peacekeepers, have led to pressure on Indonesia to intensify diplomatic efforts and seek accountability from Israel. There are also calls to evaluate Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace, which includes Israel, and its plan to send troops to Gaza as part of a US-led stabilization force. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks on the UNIFIL, citing a deteriorating security environment due to Israeli military operations.

A memorial service was held on April 1, 2026, to honor Farizal Rhomadhon, an Indonesian UN peacekeeper. Rhomadhon was one of three Indonesian soldiers who died in Lebanon within a 24-hour period. The memorial was attended by family members and colleagues. The event served to remember and pay respects to Rhomadhon's service as a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon. The article does not specify the cause of death.

In Beirut, Lebanon, a Lebanese family has started a mobile aid initiative in response to the ongoing conflict. Launched on March 29, 2026, the initiative aims to provide support to individuals and families who have been displaced from their homes due to the crisis. The mobile nature of the aid allows the family to reach those in need directly, offering assistance to vulnerable populations affected by the conflict. The initiative seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced people in the Beirut area.

Amidst the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, a Hezbollah attack on Sunday killed at least one person in northern Israel, marking the first such death from Lebanese fire since the conflict began. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Israeli soldiers in Misgav Am with rockets. This attack occurred as Israel increased its troop presence in southern Lebanon, where the conflict has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced a million people. In response, the Israeli Defence Minister ordered the military to expedite the demolition of Lebanese homes and bridges in southern Lebanon, citing the need to eliminate threats to Israel. The escalating conflict was triggered by a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, following the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Facing a Monday deadline from US President Trump to end its partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is threatened with the obliteration of its power plants. Trump's ultimatum, issued due to rising fuel prices after Iran's retaliatory actions in the Gulf, demands the country open the crucial waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil flows. In response, Iran's military command has vowed to strike power plants and infrastructure in Israel and regional countries hosting US bases or companies with American shareholders if Trump follows through with his threat. The situation unfolds amidst escalating tensions, with Israel signaling a potential ground campaign into Lebanon to combat Hezbollah, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Tensions are escalating between Iran and Israel. Recently, Iranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel, injuring dozens and damaging buildings in Dimona and Arad. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the international community to join the US and Israel against Iran. Israel has also targeted infrastructure in Lebanon, destroying a bridge over the Litani River amidst renewed conflict with Hezbollah. Amidst these events, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz.

In March 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is "breaking boundaries in every sense of the word" and working to expand its buffer zone from Lebanon. This announcement follows intensified Israeli attacks on Lebanon that began earlier in March. The attacks were initiated after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israeli territory. These actions occurred in the context of the US-Israel war on Iran. The expansion of the buffer zone aims to create a larger security perimeter for Israel along its northern border with Lebanon.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of directing Hezbollah's military operations against Israel, including drone attacks on Cyprus. These accusations come amid already strained relations between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. Salam stated the IRGC is managing the military operation in Lebanon, with IRGC officials entering the country with false passports. This follows Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel in early March, claiming it was retaliation for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader and Israeli aggression. Since early March, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people and displaced over 1.2 million. Analysts suggest the IRGC has played a crucial role in Hezbollah's preparations for renewed conflict.

In March 2026, Iranian missiles struck the Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona, near a nuclear research center, wounding at least 180 people. Iran stated the attack was retaliation for an Israeli strike on its Natanz nuclear facility. The incident marks a potentially more lethal phase in the ongoing Israeli-United States war on Iran, which began on February 28 and has already injured thousands in Israel. Analysts suggest the attack raises questions about whether Israel has underestimated Iran's military capabilities, particularly its extensive and varied missile program. Iran's missile arsenal includes short, medium, and long-range ballistic and cruise missiles.

Due to the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, over a million people have been displaced in Lebanon, particularly after Israel issued evacuation orders for southern regions. This displacement follows intensified Israeli campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon, triggered by rocket fire into northern Israel. Displaced families, many from Hezbollah-supported areas, are struggling with overwhelmed shelters and are forced to sleep in cars or makeshift tents. The BBC spoke with displaced families, including children and pregnant women, highlighting their difficult living conditions amid the conflict. The situation is particularly dire as families face extreme weather conditions and a lack of adequate shelter.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned that Lebanon faces a potential "humanitarian catastrophe" due to Israel's intensified bombardment and ground invasion, which began in early March. According to the UN, over 1.2 million people have been displaced across the country, including areas from southern Lebanon to Beirut. UNHCR's representative stated that Lebanon's shelter system is struggling to accommodate the increasing number of displaced families, who are living in constant fear due to the strikes. The attacks intensified after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The UNHCR expressed concern about the psychological impact on children.

On March 21, 2026, Iran struck the Israeli cities of Dimona, home to a key nuclear facility, and nearby Arad, wounding at least 180 people. The Iranian government stated the missile strikes were retaliation for an earlier attack on its Natanz nuclear enrichment complex. Israeli officials reported that air defense systems were activated but failed to intercept all missiles. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which has been ongoing for four weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue attacking Iran in response.

On Saturday, an Iranian missile struck Dimona, an Israeli town housing a nuclear facility, while a second missile hit Arad. The Israeli military confirmed a direct hit on a building in Dimona, despite the use of air defense interceptors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued strikes against Iran following what he described as a "very difficult evening," referencing the missile strikes that wounded scores of people. Iranian state television claimed the missile attack on Dimona was a retaliatory response to an earlier strike on Iran's nuclear site at Natanz. The extent of the damage in Dimona included a large crater, rubble, and damaged surrounding buildings.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US has temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea, aiming to stabilize rising oil prices caused by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The license permits the purchase of Iranian oil loaded onto vessels before 5:01 am GMT on Friday, with the exemption lasting until April 19th. This move coincides with reports of Israeli attacks on Tehran and Hezbollah targets in Beirut, as well as Iranian missile fire towards a US-UK military base in Diego Garcia. Meanwhile, Donald Trump indicated he is considering "winding down" the war with Iran, suggesting other nations should take responsibility for policing the Strait of Hormuz.

In March 2026, President Trump sent mixed signals regarding the ongoing U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. While suggesting he was considering winding down the conflict, his administration confirmed the deployment of additional troops to the Middle East. Simultaneously, the U.S. eased sanctions on some Iranian oil exports, a move intended to lessen the economic impact on global energy markets. These actions, taken within a few hours, created confusion about the administration's strategy and long-term goals for the war, which was in its fourth week. Critics suggest the contradictory messages highlight a lack of clear direction in the conflict.

The article discusses the international response to a war initiated by Donald Trump and Israel against Iran. It argues that Trump's actions have backfired, failing to garner support from allies and instead pushing them towards new alliances. Specifically, the Financial Times reported that allies rejected Trump's request for warships to open the Strait of Hormuz. The article suggests that Trump's approach, contrasting with advice from books like "How to Win Friends and Influence People," has alienated leaders and created incentives for major powers like China and Japan to unite against a potential global crisis. The war has strained US relations with these countries, particularly impacting Japan's relationship with both the US and China, as evidenced by the events surrounding Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Washington.