This morning, escalating violence across the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah ramp up their

back and forth attacks. We'll have the very latest on the growing tensions overseas.

Plus, with now just six weeks to go until Election Day, we're digging into brand new NBC

news polling on the state of the 2024 presidential

race.

And also ahead, the very latest on the fallout for North Carolina's embattled Republican gubernatorial

candidate Mark Robinson.

We'll show you what Donald Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, is saying about the allegations that Robinson is facing.

Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Monday, September 23rd.

I'm Jonathan Lemire. Thanks for starting your day and week with us. And we'll begin this morning with breaking news out of the Middle East.

The Israeli military has started launching a new wave of strikes against Hezbollah.

Overnight, the IDF urged civilians in Lebanon to evacuate villages that the

Iran-backed militia uses for military purposes. This warning comes as both sides have escalated

their attacks. On Friday, Israel struck an eight-story building in a densely populated neighborhood in Beirut,

killing several Hezbollah officials, including the head of the group's operations unit.

Authorities in Lebanon say that at least 45 people died in that strike.

In retaliation, Hezbollah fired 150 missiles and drones at Israel yesterday. Most of the

rockets were intercepted by the Israeli military, but at least one hit a residential neighborhood.

Fortunately, most people evacuated the area in time, and only three people were taken to the

hospital. This new barrage of attacks are raising real fears that this could lead to a bigger conflict

as Israel continues to battle Hamas in the south.

World leaders, including the U.S., are now urging both sides to show restraint.

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