Well, howdy there internet people, it's Bell again. So today we're going to talk about the recent developments and risk of further escalation over there.

We'll start with a quick recap of events from over the last week

and then talk about the most recent developments. The possibility of

further responses and reactions from various actors in the region,

and what they might look like, and how all of this factors into the possibility of wider escalation

across the region.

Okay, so in recent weeks, a series of operations that were conducted by the Israeli military

in Lebanon and have landed devastating blows on one of the most powerful

non-state actors in the region, Hezbollah. The operations have disrupted the

leadership structure of the organization.

That organization is heavily influenced, advised, and financed by Iran.

During the operation that took out the organization's top leader, Nasrala, an Iranian general was also killed.

There are reports of other low-ranking Iranian advisors being injured or lost during the various operations conducted by the

Israeli military.

A few days ago, we talked about how Iran is likely to respond in some way and some fashion,

but unlikely to press to a full confrontation.

That response has occurred.

Iran launched a number of ballistic missiles towards Israel.

Estimates of the number of missiles range from quote dozens to almost 200.

Our best information says the number is closer to 200 than the other estimates available.

The U.S. Navy acted to help intercept the missiles.

Best information at time of recording says the missile barrage was largely ineffective. But right now the reports indicate some injuries that were described as light in Israel.

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