Netanyahu offers condolences and aid to Beirut

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his condolences to the Lebanese people on Wednesday and repeated an offer to send humanitarian aid to the country in the aftermath of the devastating explosion in Beirut.

Netanyahu addressed lawmakers in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, and said the Israeli government stood ready to assist the Lebanese "as human beings to human beings."

Netanyahu on Tuesday reached out to the UN to offer aid through indirect channels.

Opposition lawmakers heckled the prime minister during his remarks, and several were ejected from the Knesset hall.

Israel and Lebanon remain officially in a state of war and do not have formal diplomatic relations.