There are Reports Tonight that a us official says israel intends to launch a Ground Offensive in lebanon, which could begin as soon as today. Israeli tanks are gathering by the countrys northern border. Israels Defence Minister, who was visiting troops today, told them the next phase of the war will begin soon. Hezbollah has said its prepared for all out war. Lets go straight to lebanon and the capital beirut, anna foster. There is a realfeeling of momentum in the Middle East tonight, after the israeli Defence Minister told his troops on the board at that the military would use force by air, Sea And Land to achieve the aim of returning displaced israelis back to their homes. They said the killing in beirut of the hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah was not the final step. There have been reports that israeli Special Forces had launched some raids inside lebanon but that has not been confirmed. Lucy williamson has been to northern israel and sent this report. Israels army is moving close
Displaced israelis to return to their homes in the north. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of hezbollah, naim qaissem, said the groups fighters are ready to confront an invasion. He acknowledged that the assassination of leader Hassan Nasrallah was a big blow, but said all fallen commanders would soon be replaced. President Joe Biden maintained his call for an end to fighting. Weve also heard from the us department of defense. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh spoke to the bbc about the conflict in the last hour. What theyre doing along the northern border is conducting limited operations to dismantle hezbollah infrastructure, but again its really for the israelis to speak to in their own operations. What the secretary continues to urge for is to seek a diplomatic solution. We certainly want to see regional tensions cool, we want to see. We see the best path forward is through diplomatic means, and so that is what we are continuing to push for. Officials in lebanon say more than
Disasters and tragedies when they happen to immediately help the families never get that process put its enormous i really hope that all of those people who were involved in this are really proud of what theyve achieved tonight. Nick, last week, in terms theyve achieved tonight. Nick, last week, in terms of theyve achieved tonight. Nick, last week, in terms of labour, theyve achieved tonight. Nick, last week, in terms of labour, it theyve achieved tonight. Nick, last week, in terms of labour, it was i week, in terms of labour, it was dominated by conversations about freebies and tickets and Dissent And Pay in numberio freebies and tickets and Dissent And Pay in number 10 so where are we particularly with the latter issues . Where we are with those political staff if they were very happy with the speech today, they think it went down really well and they think the Prime Minister did a really good job and theyre really loyal to him on the wider point about the dysfunctionality in Downing
Exploding pagers and now Walkie Talkies across lebanon. Israel says theyre opening a new phase in the war. Whats their strategy . And more leaks from whitehall, with a Bbc Story on Sue Grays pay. Whats going on behind the door of number 10 . Welcome to newsnight, live each night with insight and interviews. Our panel David Yelland, the presenter of the Hit Podcast about crIsIs management, when it hits the fan. Davids a former editor of the sun. Also political commentator Tom Harwood. And it wouldnt be newsnight without nick watt, our political editor. Tonight, hes got fresh intelligence on divIsions in the number 10 operation. But first, were going to look at Israels Strategy following the exploding Walkie Talkies In Lebanon. Yesterday, we covered the story about the exploding pagers. Multiple sources say mossad, the Israeli spy agency, was targeting hezbollah fighters. Daniel levy Is a former official negotiator for the Israeli government in Peace Talks with the palestinians hes now c
Chief political correspondent henry zeffman. Can we start with that leaked letter from Simon Case which you have seen, what does it say . Well the last time we saw Rachel Reeves and Jeremy Hunt facing off, was when Rachel Reeves declared that shed got into office, looked at the bot books and discover there was a £22 billion Black Hole in public spending this year. Simon cayce says he would note. Let me translate the civil service speak. Hes basically that the previous Governments Decision not to revise. Was a big reason for uncertainty in public finances. Thats quite a claim from the cabinet, i suspect they wanted it to stay private but it got leaked to me do it to stay private but it got leaked to m it to stay private but it got leaked to m. , ~. , leaked to me do you think that is likely to leaked to me do you think that is likely to come leaked to me do you think that is likely to come up leaked to me do you think that is likely to come up with leaked to me do you think that is lik