Dan Williams

There has been some consternation and recrimination

Over Israel's continued offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, especially a series of bolt out of the blue strikes on Wednesday that caused a large casualty toll, including civilians.

Israel says it targeted hidden Hezbollah fighters.

a very consequential meeting tomorrow hosted by Pakistan.

For now, the precursor arrangement appears to be holding in terms of an official end to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

There's an open question, however, over Lebanon, where Israel has continued its offensive.

Iran says Lebanon should be included in the ceasefire.

The U.S.

and Israel say it is not included in the ceasefire.

However, it appears that the Israelis are dialing down their strikes

possibly at the request of the Americans, in order to keep those Pakistan talks on track.

It could be that he's trying to get the Iranians to let down their guard.

It could be that he's trying to confuse them.

It could be that he's trying to hector them.

into accommodating him through those talks that he says have been going on for several days now.

On the one hand, perhaps suggesting he might be leaving, bringing out the U.S., effectively ending the war.

and leaving um Arab nations Western nations other than the US to deal with the mess in Hormuz or suggesting in the other direction a doubling down of the US operation to include ground operations against energy assets held by the Iranians Phil

For many Muslims, this attack will be seen as a huge affront, not just because of the targets and the potential killing of the very top of the top of the Iranian echelon, also because it took place during the holy month of Ramadan, which is being marked with fasting and prayer by Muslims across the region.

For Jews, today's the Jewish Sabbath, and it's three days away from the festival of Purim, which historically has marked major turnarounds for the Jewish people.

For many Muslims, this attack will be seen as a huge affront, not just because of the targets and the potential killing of the very top of the top of the Iranian echelon, also because it took place during the holy month of Ramadan, which is being marked with fasting and prayer by Muslims across the region.