A barrage of missiles and rockets stokes fears of an expanding conflict in the Middle East. Over the weekend, Israel targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, prompting the militant group to retaliate with rocket fire following the assassination of one of its leaders.

Joining the discussion:

• Ali Akbar Dareini is a Researcher and Writer at the Strategic Studies of Public Policy Journal. 
• Dan Arbell is a Scholar-in-Residence at the Center for Israeli Studies at American University.
• Khalil Jahshan is the Executive Director of the Arab Center. 
• Edmund Ghareeb is an Academic and Middle East Expert. 

The IDF has released black-and-white images showing a blast and smoke rising from what the Israeli military said was a 'pre-emptive' strike at a location given as southern Lebanon.

Read more: https://t.co/rhldlt2Pfo pic.twitter.com/8PvJ2hMrbx

— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 25, 2024

Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah exchanged fire over the weekend, with some casualties on both sides. Talks of a temporary cease-fire and hostage exchange adjourned Sunday without an agreement but are set to continue in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/EfePm3JffC

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) August 26, 2024

A car struck by an IDF shell burst into flames in the Lebanese town of Sidon as Israeli forces resumed strikes against Hezbollah pic.twitter.com/X1yGpLVkpo

— RT (@RT_com) August 27, 2024