Iran will be looking on as it plans its riposte

ISRAEL'S massive air strikes on Beirut marked a major escalation amid repeated claims it has breached the Gaza ceasefire.

- BY CHRIS HUGHES, DEFENCE AND SECURITY EDITOR

The latest notch in this cycle of war marks three significant moves: Benjamin Netanyahu clinging on to power, a trimming back of Hezbollah and a stark warning to Iran.

All in apparent defiance of the ceasefire and the US, although it is hard to imagine the White House was not informed of the strike beforehand.

Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qmati said it crossed a “red line” and that a response was being considered.