Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant tells troops in the north they are prepared to use forces "from the air, sea, and land".

Despite US calls to avert a ground offensive in Lebanon, Israel has begun "targeted" raids on the country -- more proof that Washington has been unable to rein in its ally, amid fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

President Joe Biden stood behind Israel after it killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, calling his death a “measure of justice” and pledging renewed work toward peace in a region straining under the threat of wider war.