Darkest Hour.

Bigger heart.

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1. Israel launched a ground operation in Lebanon, sharply escalating its offensive against the militant group Hezbollah days after killing its top leader in an airstrike in Beirut and heightening concerns of a wider war. Israel said Tuesday morning that it launched a limited operation in villages in southern Lebanon near the border to attack Hezbollah targets and infrastructure. Those targets “pose an immediate and real threat to Israeli settlements on the northern border,” the military said. The ground operation follows weeks of Israeli intelligence operations, targeted killings and heavy bombing aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s command structure, armaments and supply lines. Israel says the campaign is focused on ending nearly a year of rocket, drone and missile attacks by the Lebanese militia. (Source: wsj.com)

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2. Walter Mead:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had one of the best weeks in the history of modern politics. Just a few days ago, the streets of Israel were filled with protesters. Obstreperous coalition allies sought to tie his hands. Team Biden rebuked his lack of vision and courage. Diplomats from many countries boycotted Mr. Netanyahu’s United Nations appearance while Iran’s call for moderation and calm was widely praised.