“The ongoing escalation of the Arab-Israeli conflict is of serious concern to Russia,” Alexey Malinin, founder of the Center for International Interaction and Cooperation and member of the Digoria Expert Club think tank, told Al Jazeera, noting Russia’s repeated calls for a diplomatic solution.

Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah intensified in Lebanon, with blasts reported in Beirut and near the airport, as the offensive also expanded to northern Lebanon.

An Israeli attack on Beirut is thought to have targeted the heir apparent to Tehran-backed Hezbollah's slain secretary general.