Today, the Middle East still bracing for war a day
after Israel launched what it called a pre emptive strike
against Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, and Hezbollah launched a pre
dawn volley of missiles and drones at military installations across
Israel.
But at least for now, that crisis appears to have
been averted.
Both Hezbollah and Israel declared victory.
While Israeli authorities reported no civilian casualties and only minimal
damage, they didn't necessarily strike particularly hard.
Do you think this was a face saving climb down
by Hezbollah?
Part of this attack looking not as big was our
self-defense attack in the morning.
Before their attack, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged whoever
harms us, we harm him and warned that yesterday's attacks
are not the end of the story.
But American Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered 2 aircraft
carrier strike groups to remain in the Middle East.
Tensions have been mounting since last month when Israel assassinated
a senior Hezbollah commander near Beirut, sparking fears of region
wide war that could even drag in the United States.
Our hope is that the events of last night do
not spill out into an escalation that leads to regional
war.
It comes as sirens sounded in Tel Aviv after Hamas
targeted the city with a rocket, which didn't result in
any deaths or serious injuries.
The Middle East is breathing a sigh of relief, but
a lasting peace will depend on peace talks that have
so far seen little success.
We are feverishly working in Cairo as we speak with
our team and the teams of the other mediators, as
well as with the Israelis to get to a ceasefire
and hostage deal.
And Craig, even though there's so much pessimism around those
peace talks, AUS official told NBC News yesterday that the
talks have been constructive and they will continue.
Craig, some good news there.
Matt Bradley for us there in Israel.
Matt, thank you.