BBC News Briefing

2 October, 2024

Stephen Mulvey

Hello. After Iran's missile attack on Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a strong retaliation, while also sending further troops into southern Lebanon. Our international editor Jeremy Bowen says he would not rule out Israeli attacks on anything in Iran, including its nuclear sites. We also bring you reactions to an unusually polite vice-presidential debate in the US, and report on a death knell sounding for Kolkata's trams.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Netanyahu says Iran made 'big mistake'

Smoke rises above Beirut after new Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital. Credit: Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Iran's barrage of missiles on Tuesday, saying its leaders "made a big mistake tonight, and will pay for it". Jeremy Bowen reports that he would not rule out attacks by Israel on Iran's nuclear sites. On Wednesday the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also said additional forces would join raids on Iran's ally, Hezbollah, in southern Lebanon.

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Gloves off: Israel now feels more free to retaliate aggressively, following its major blow to Hezbollah, Jeremy Bowen reports.

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On the street: Beirut's emergency centres cannot cope with all the refugees from the south - "We risk dying from the cold," one man tells BBC Arabic.

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New warning: Israel has told residents of about 25 southern Lebanese villages to evacuate "to save your lives".

WORLD HEADLINES

Diddy accused: More than 100 people are to sue rap musician Sean 'Diddy' Combs for sexual assault, rape and sexual exploitation, a US lawyer has said.

Ukraine city falls: After many costly failed attacks on the front-line city of Vuhledar, Russia has now taken almost complete control.

Migrants drown: At least 45 people have died after two migrant boats which left Yemen with 310 people on board capsized off the coast of Djibouti.

No imminent threat: Nato's new secretary general, Mark Rutte, says he does not see any immediate threat of Russia using nuclear weapons.

Defector held: South Korean police seized a North Korean defector who tried to drive back across the heavily guarded Unification Bridge in a stolen bus.

FROM THE SCENE

New York

A polite debate, but who won?

JD Vance and Tim Walz on the CBS News stage

Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz repeatedly said they agreed with each other. Credit: EPA

US vice-presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz spent more time attacking each other's running mate than one another in last night's debate, writes Anthony Zurcher. The civil discussion contrasted with this year's tense presidential debates - and voters seemed to like it.

Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

Walz had a shaky start but hit his stride when talking about abortion and the Capitol riot. But the even-tempered, policy-focused debate, with few political body blows, probably served Vance - a polished public speaker - best in the end.

Keep reading

Watch: Politeness, policy and a few tense moments.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Iconic trams to ride into Kolkata sunset

Kolkata's trams once ran on 52 routes, now only three remain. Credit: AFP

Trams have trundled through the Indian city of Kolkata since 1873, but last week authorities announced plans to scrap them, retaining only a small heritage loop. Tram enthusiasts are fighting back, Sandip Roy reports, arguing that many cities which dismantled their tramways years ago are now rebuilding them at great expense.

Read now

Two small whales are approaching a small boat.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Whale, hello there

In Mexico's Laguna San Ignacio, whales come to watch you.

Here's why

And finally...

A woman who married herself in a £10,000 ($13,000) unofficial ceremony in front of 40 friends has celebrated her one-year anniversary. Sarah Wilkinson toasted the occasion with fizz, flowers and a steak dinner for one. The 43-year-old said she has managed to avoid any marital spats – but did admit to breaking a "couple of vows". Find out which ones here.

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– Stephen

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