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Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: Large blast seen in southern Beirut

Israeli strikes have largely been focused on Beirut's southern suburbs.

ByNadine El-Bawab, Emily Shapiro, David Brennan, Julia Reinstein, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: October 3, 2024, 5:19 PM EDT

Israel continued its intense airstrike campaign across Lebanon, which included several strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs and one in the center of the city.

Israel's Lebanon operation continues as leaders consider their response to Iran's long-range attack on Tuesday, in which hundreds of missiles were fired into the country, according to Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

Iran said the unprecedented attack was retaliation for a wave of assassinations carried out by Israel over the last several weeks targeting Hezbollah, including leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Sirens sounded across Israel and some citizens were urged to seek shelter in protected areas. Most of the missiles were intercepted, but "several hits were identified, and the damage is being assessed," an Israeli security official said.

The U.S. fired missiles to help Israel defend itself against the missile attack, according to the Pentagon's Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 01, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT

US says it launched missiles to intercept Iranian barrage

The U.S. was involved in the effort to intercept some of the Iranian missiles launched against Israel, an official told ABC News.

A rocket flies in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024.
Ammar Awad/Reuters

"In accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, U.S. forces in the region are currently defending against Iranian-launched missiles targeting Israel," the official said. "Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region."

-ABC News' Matthew Seyler

Oct 01, 2024, 1:34 PM EDT

Biden says US prepared to help Israel defend against Iranian attack

President Joe Biden said Tuesday the U.S. is prepared to help Israel defend against the Iranian missile attack.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team. Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles.

Before the attack began, he posted on X that he and Vice President Kamala Harris had convened their national security team.

He said as well that the U.S. was ready to protect American personnel in the region.

Read more on the response from the Biden administration.

Oct 01, 2024, 1:29 PM EDT

Lindsey Graham calls Iran's missile attack 'breaking point'

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel, calling it a "breaking point" on Tuesday and urging President Joe Biden's administration to respond.

“This missile attack against Israel should be the breaking point and I would urge the Biden Administration to coordinate an overwhelming response with Israel, starting with Iran’s ability to refine oil," Graham said in a statement.

Graham called for oil refineries to be "hit and hit hard" and said his prayers are "with the people of Israel."

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

Oct 01, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT

Iran confirms responsibility, says launches retaliation for assassinations

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said moments ago the missile attack was a retaliation for different assassinations carried out by Israel, Mehr News Agency reported.

The IRGC said the operation will continue if Israel does not stop, Mehr News Agency reported.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024.
Amir Cohen/Reuters

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran, was killed in a strike in Beirut last week, while a top member of the IRGC was also killed.

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