BEIRUT, Lebanon — Israel accelerated its air attack on Lebanon on Saturday, blasting Hezbollah hideouts and hitting central Beirut for the first time. It accused Iran of helping fire a missile that damaged an Israeli warship in an ominous sign the showdown could spread. Despite worldwide alarm, there was little indication either Western or Arab nations could muster a quick diplomatic solution. Instead, France and the United States prepared to evacuate their citizens as the death toll in Lebanon rose.
In Israel, officials warned that Tel Aviv could be attacked as Hezbollah guerrillas lobbed more missiles deep into another of the country's main cities, Tiberias. Residents fled into bomb shelters as tourists scattered, but there were only light injuries.
