Israel has been on the receiving end of scathing criticism from European leaders who are trying to restrain the Jewish state from pressing on with its wars in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

Israel says strikes are targeting a Lebanese financial institution that "directly funds Hezbollah's terror," as thousands of civilians flee their homes.

The Israeli military hit bank branches across Lebanon overnight to target Hezbollah‘s finances, expanding its offensive in an assault that sparked panic as the United States launched a new push for a diplomatic solution to the intensifying regional conflict.