This concludes our live coverage for tonight.
We will resume reporting tomorrow.
Tense exchanges between Ortagus and Lebanese officials
“The Trump administration today expressed support for Israel’s response to rocket fire from Lebanon and stressed the need for the Lebanese government to prevent any violations of the cease-fire,” Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported on X.
Quoting a senior U.S. official, Ravid said Morgan Ortagus, deputy to the U.S. president’s special envoy for Middle East peace, “had firm exchanges with high-ranking Lebanese officials, emphasizing that the cease-fire violation originated from Lebanon, not Israel.”
Ortagus also held talks with senior Israeli officials, reaffirming U.S. support for Israel while urging that further escalation on the northern border be avoided.
Israeli stun grenades on Kfar Kila
An Israeli drone dropped two stun grenades on Kfar Kila, in the Marjayoun district, reported the official National News Agency (NNA).
UN calls for restraint
“We are deeply concerned by the escalation along the Blue Line,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the U.N. Secretary-General, said during a press briefing.
“We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could worsen the situation and put civilians at risk,” he added.
Dujarric noted that the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL), General Aroldo Lázaro, “are in contact with all parties to de-escalate tensions and prevent further incidents, which pose serious threats on both sides of the Blue Line.”
Egypt expresses support for Lebanon
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reached out to Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, reaffirming Egypt’s support for Lebanon and condemning Israel's bombing of a building in Beirut earlier today, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Abdelatty stressed Cairo’s rejection of “any act that could undermine the security, safety, and stability of the Lebanese people.” He also emphasized the need for full implementation of the cease-fire agreement in southern Lebanon and the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The Egyptian minister expressed “deep concern” over the escalating situation in Lebanon and warned against a potential confrontation that could destabilize regional security. He called on the international community to “take responsibility and end the repeated Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty.”
Israel strikes "Hezbollah command posts in southern Lebanon," claims Adraee
Israeli army Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee commented on today’s strikes in Lebanon on X, stating that the Israeli military had “targeted Hezbollah command posts, military infrastructure, launch pads, and terrorist elements in southern Lebanon.”
As is customary, Adraee reiterated that the Israeli army “will continue its operations to eliminate any threats to the citizens of the State of Israel.”
Two injured by Israeli attack in Hadatha
The Israeli strike in Hadatha, in the Bint Jbeil district, injured two people, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
U.N.: Fully guaranteeing Lebanon's sovereignty
At a press briefing, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his longstanding call for international support for Lebanon’s government and army to fully guarantee the country’s sovereignty and Israel’s security.
“Our position is clear: we have always called for the full respect of the cease-fire,” Guterres said. “We have consistently urged Israel to withdraw from the areas where it still remains in Lebanon and to respect the country's territorial integrity.”
Lebanon Finance Minister: "Israel is not waiting for a pretext to continue its aggression."
Finance Minister Yassine Jaber condemned Israeli airstrikes on multiple regions of southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, despite Lebanon’s full commitment to the cease-fire agreement.
“Israel is not waiting for a pretext to continue its aggression,” Jaber said in a statement. “But, the party that provided it with the pretext by launching rockets can only be suspected, as it aims to harm Lebanon's interests.”
Jaber reiterated his confidence in the Lebanese Army and urged it to intensify efforts to clear the area of any presence aimed at destabilizing security and to hold accountable those responsible for the rocket attacks.
He also called on the sponsors of the cease-fire agreement to increase pressure on Israel to end its aggression and fully uphold the provisions of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
UNIFIL: "Without ... an end to the conflict, there is no hope for the future."
U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Sector West Commander General Nicola Mandolesi met with Imad Lallous, president of the municipal council of Ain Ebel (Bint Jbeil district), as part of ongoing institutional talks with local authorities in southern Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported, citing a UNIFIL statement.
Lallous outlined the main challenges facing the town, including extensive damage to homes caused by Israeli attacks. He emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Army’s presence and continued UNIFIL support, expressing hope that residents would soon return to normal life.
"Without order, legitimacy, and an end to the conflict, there is no hope for the future," he said.
Mandolesi reaffirmed UNIFIL's commitment to improving living conditions in the area and supporting the Lebanese Army’s redeployment in southern Lebanon, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Prefabricated home targeted in Yaroun
An Israeli drone bombed a prefabricated home in Yaroun, in southern Lebanon's Bint Jbeil district, causing extensive damage, reported our regional correspondent.
Salam leads talks after Israeli strikes
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke by phone with President Joseph Aoun, who is in Paris on an official visit, following Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon earlier today, according to the Cabinet’s official website.
Salam also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, Morgan Ortagus, the U.S.'s deputy special envoy for Middle East peace, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and other Arab and international officials.
Strike in Bint Jbeil district
Israeli air force carried out a strike between the towns of Hadatha and Tayri, in the Bint Jbeil district, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
New strike on the Jezzine district
Israeli army carried out a new strike on the heights of Mlita, in the Jezzine district in southern Lebanon.
Israel will strike 'anywhere in Lebanon'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns that Israel will strike "anywhere in Lebanon against any threat."
“Those who have not yet accepted the new situation in Lebanon received another example of our determination today,” Netanyahu said in a statement, following strikes that targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, amongst various other regions in southern Lebanon.
“We will continue to vigorously enforce the cease-fire,” Netanyahu threatened, “We will attack anywhere in Lebanon against any threat to Israel, and we will ensure that all of us in the north return to their homes safely.”
Health Ministry confirms the death of two people in Yohmor al-Shaqif
Lebanese Health Ministry has confirmed that two people were killed in an Israeli strike on Yohmor al-Shaqif, noting that this toll is still preliminary.
Israeli defense minister threatens further strikes on Beirut if cease-fire not upheld
In response to rockets fired at northern Israel, Katz said, "If there is no quiet in Kiryat Shmona and Galilee, there will be no quiet in Beirut. For any attempt to harm the Galilee, Beirut’s Dahieh district will shake." He added, "If Lebanon does not enforce the cease-fire, we will." This statement followed Israel's first airstrike on Beirut since the cease-fire.
Lebanese Army locates rocket launch site in Nabatieh
Lebanese Army announced it has located the position from which two rockets were launched toward Israel early this morning, stating it has “begun investigating” the incident that prompted a violent response from the Israeli military.
According to an army statement, the rockets were fired from the Qaaqaait al-Jisr area, in the Nabatieh district, north of the Litani River. The army "has begun investigating to determine the identity of the perpetrators" of the rocket fire.
Katz threatens to strike south Beirut in response to Galilee attacks
Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened to strike South Beirut, Hezbollah's stronghold, “with every attempt” to attack Galilee (Northern Israel), according to AFP.
"With every attempt to harm the towns of Galilee, the rooftops of the southern suburbs [of] Beirut will tremble," said Katz in a video published after an Israeli strike on a southern Beirut neighborhood in response to rocket fire towards Northern Israel. "I send a clear message to the Lebanese government: if you do not enforce the ceasefire agreement [with Hezbollah], we will enforce it," he added.
Two dead in drone strike near Yohmor al-Shaqif
A drone strike targeted Syrian workers working on a road near Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh), killing them, according to our correspondent’s reports.
Other Israeli airstrikes targeted the heights of Jabbour and the outskirts of Kfar Houneh (Jezzine).
Macron ready to meet Sharaa if Syrian government opens up to civil society
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed willingness to meet with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Shareh, provided the Syrian government opens up to civil society and commits to ensuring security for the safe return of Syrian refugees.
“A government that considers all components of Syrian civil society, a clear and firm fight against terrorism, and the return of refugees are three key elements on which the transition will be judged,” Macron said during a joint press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. “Depending on developments in the coming weeks, we are ready to continue this dialogue and to receive the transition president. The next few weeks will be crucial to verify this. But the discussions we’ve had so far are quite positive,” he added.
Hezbollah denies reports of its intention to 'respond firmly' to strike on Hadath
Sources from Hezbollah and the public channel Télé Liban have denied reports circulating earlier today that Hezbollah intends to "respond firmly" to the Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to statements relayed by the state-run National News Agency.
Hamas executes individuals suspected of espionage for Israel
Hamas has executed individuals suspected of Israeli espionage in areas of Gaza where several Hamas officials have been targeted since Israel resumed its bombing campaign on March 18, according to sources from Hamas cited by the Saudi media outlet al-Chark al-Awsat.
Speaking anonymously, these sources revealed that Hamas had organized what it referred to as "revolutionary trials" for these suspects. Some detainees accused of espionage have already been executed, while investigations into others are still ongoing. The sources did not disclose the number of executions and emphasized that in response to the intensification of Israeli operations, the group had implemented "tighter security measures."
Casualties from Israeli offensive on Gaza
The Health Ministry in Gaza reports 896 deaths since the resumption of Israeli airstrikes, according to AFP.
Mayor of Hadath dismayed after Israeli strike
"Every time we take one step forward, we take ten steps back," said Georges Aoun, mayor of Hadath, the municipality in Beirut's southern suburbs that was targeted by Israel this afternoon. "The residents displaced during the war had started to repair their homes and return. With today's strike, they took their children and left again," he told L'Orient Today.
Aoun confirms from Paris that Hezbollah 'is not responsible' for rocket fire on Israel
President Joseph Aoun stated from Paris, "everything indicates" that "Hezbollah is not responsible" for the two rockets fired toward Israel, which led to new retaliatory strikes on Lebanon.
"There will be an investigation into the origin of these fires," said Aoun during a press conference at the Élysée with Emmanuel Macron, but "everything indicates that it is not Hezbollah and that Hezbollah is not responsible."
Salam warns "dangerous escalation" after strikes on Hadath
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned these attacks against "civilians and residential areas that house schools and universities," stressing "the need to end Israel's continuous violations of cease-fire agreements, and the urgent need for a total withdrawal of Israeli positions still occupied in south Lebanon."
Hezbollah cancels ceremony in southern Beirut suburbs
After the strikes on Hadath, Hezbollah announced the cancellation of a ceremony scheduled for "Jerusalem Day" in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Tehran threatens US bases in the Middle East
Tehran will not hesitate to strike U.S. bases in the region if Washington follows through on its warning of military consequences in the absence of a new nuclear deal, said the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Qalibaf, as quoted by Reuters.
U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier this month sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning that "there are two ways to deal with Iran: militarily or by reaching an agreement." "If the U.S. attacks (Iran), the entire region will explode; it will be like a spark in an ammunition depot," said Mohammad Qalibaf. "Their bases and those of their allies will not be safe," he added in a speech broadcast live during the annual Al-Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, celebrated on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
Civil Defense on the ground after Israeli strikes in south Lebanon and Hadath
Lebanese Civil Defense confirmed its deployment in several areas affected by Israeli strikes since this morning, particularly in Kfar Tebnit, south Lebanon, as well as in the southern suburbs of Beirut, following directives from the Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar.
It reported having found a body and "human remains" at the site of the strike in Kfar Tebnit, which left three dead according to the Health Ministry, and continues its operations clearing debris and providing assistance. The Civil Defense has also helped evacuate residents from residential buildings in Hadath, including those with mobility impairments.
Macron condemns 'unacceptable' Israeli strikes in Lebanon
French President Emmanuel Macron described the Israeli strikes in Lebanon today as "a violation of the cease-fire," in a statement given while hosting his Lebanese counterpart Joseph Aoun in Paris.
"These strikes are unilateral actions that betray a promise made and play into the hands of Hezbollah," Macron said as Israel bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut and southern Lebanon in response to the firing of two rockets toward its territory — one of which fell short and landed in on the Lebanese side of the border, and the other which was intercepted in the air.
Aoun, for his part, condemned "any vile attempt to drag Lebanon back into a spiral of violence."
Little impact on flights at Beirut airport, following strikes on southern suburbs
Today's Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, the first since the cease-fire came into effect, have so far had little impact on the flight schedule of airlines serving Beirut's international airport, according to information published on its website, along with details from two travel agency sources.
Only two airlines, the German carriers Eurowings and Condor, diverted their Düsseldorf-Beirut flights to Cyprus.
New Israeli strike on the Rihan Heights in south Lebanon
A new Israeli strike targeted the Rihan Heights in the Jezzine district of southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the region.
Three killed in Israeli strike on Kfar Tebnit
The Health Ministry released an updated toll from the Israeli airstrike on Kfar Tebnit, in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh district. According to the ministry, the Israeli air force killed three people in the attack, including one woman, and injured 18 others, including six children and eight women.
Geagea demands to see state's conclusions from the investigation of last Saturday's rocket fire
Lebanese Forces (LF) leader, Samir Geagea, asked the government for the findings from the investigation into the rocket fire launched toward Israel last Saturday.
"Apart from the traditional narrative, which has become tiresome about the brutal Israeli aggression, which doesn't feed anyone nor calm anger, we are questioning the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Interior about the outcome of the investigations that should have been completed regarding the rocket-launching incident from Lebanon on March 22," Geagea wrote in a post on X. "What were the conclusions of these investigations? And who is responsible for the rocket fire?"
"In any case, it is absolutely unacceptable to expose the residents of the South or those of the southern suburbs of Beirut to what they are currently enduring," Geagea continued, adding that the rocket fire "gives Israel further pretexts to continue its ongoing strikes against Lebanon."
From Paris, Aoun calls for the international community to end "Israeli violations" of the cease-fire
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed French President Emmanuel Macron, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a meeting in Paris that the Israeli strike on Hadath is part of the "ongoing violations of the cease-fire by Israel." "The international community must put an end to these attacks and force Israel to respect the agreement, as Lebanon has committed to," Aoun added, according to the Lebanese presidency's X account.
Strike on Hadath: At least one severe injury hospitalized
At least one person has been seriously injured in the strike on Hadath, southern suburbs of Beirut, and is on their way to the Sainte Thérèse hospital, located less than a kilometer from the site of the raid, according to the director, Elie Hachem, who was contacted by L'Orient Today.
Mock raids over south Lebanon
The Israeli air force also carried out a series of mock raids over Nabatieh and Iqlim al-Touffah in south Lebanon, where warplanes conducted several flyovers in the early afternoon, according to our correspondent.
Israeli army says it attacked a drone warehouse in Hadath
The Israeli army claimed in a post on X that its strike in Hadath, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeted a "drone storage facility of the Hezbollah Air Unit 127."
The morning's rocket fire on northern Israel "constitutes a blatant violation" of the cease-fire agreement, the army further accused, reiterating that "the Lebanese state has the responsibility to enforce the agreement."
Israeli strike on Hadath, southern suburb of Beirut
After several warning shots fired by drones, the Israeli air force struck a building in Hadath, southern suburbs of Beirut, which had been called for evacuation over an hour earlier. The explosion was heard in several neighborhoods of Beirut and its surroundings, thick black smoke rose above the targeted location.
Testimony from southern suburbs of Beirut
Wissam Mehanna, a resident of the Sainte Thérèse neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut, told L'Orient Today that he was unable to get his car out of the parking lot of his building due to traffic in the area. One of his friends came to pick him up on a motorbike to help him evacuate the area. "It was chaos, people were fighting, side mirrors were crashing between vehicles, and motorbikes were getting knocked over," he testified.
Israeli drones are flying over the southern suburbs of Beirut and its surroundings
Images circulating online show three Israeli drones simultaneously flying over the southern suburbs of Beirut. Drones are also observed above the Baabda region.
Joseph Aoun "monitoring the situation minute by minute" from Paris
President Joseph Aoun, currently on a diplomatic visit to the Élysée, was briefed during a meeting with the French, Syrian, Cypriot presidents, and the Greek Prime Minister about the Israeli threat targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to the Lebanese presidency’s statement on its X account.
🔴 Israel strikes southern suburb of Beirut for the first time since cease-fire
An Israeli drone carried out two strikes on the Hadath neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut, following an evacuation order issued an hour earlier, causing panic. This marks the first Israeli strike on the southern suburbs since the cease-fire came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024. During the war, strikes on the southern suburbs were primarily carried out by fighter jets, not drones.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon calls on "all parties" to exercise restraint
U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has called on "all parties" to exercise "restraint" in a statement issued by the UN, as the Israeli army threatens an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. "Today's exchange of fire across the Blue Line, the second such incident in less than a week, is deeply concerning," she commented.
"This is a critical time for Lebanon and the broader region. Any exchange of fire is already one too many. A return to a larger conflict in Lebanon would be devastating for civilians on both sides of the Blue Line and must be avoided at all costs. Restraint from all parties is therefore absolutely necessary," she continued. In this context, she reaffirmed her commitment to the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), "which provides the framework for ending recurring cycles of violence."
Salam warns against "resumption of military operations"
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has once again warned against the resumption of military operations along the southern border and has summoned Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal for an update on the situation in South Lebanon, according to a statement from the Grand Serail. He also instructed Haykal to quickly investigate and identify those responsible for today's rocket fire from Lebanon towards Israel, calling these actions "irresponsible and a threat to Lebanon's security and stability." Additionally, Salam reiterated his call for all weapons held by militias and militant groups to be handed over to the Lebanese army.
Saint Therese Hospital in Hadath not evacuating, but some patients relocated
"The area called to evacuate in Hadath is about 600 meters from our hospital," Elie Hachem, director of the Saint Therese Medical Center in Hadath, told L'Orient Today. "Therefore, we have moved the patients to the east [wing], but we are not evacuating. We hope not to have to do so, but we are prepared to care for any injured,"
Education Ministry suspends classes in Beirut's southern suburbs
The Education Ministry issued a statement calling on the directors of all schools and universities in the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Hadath area, including Rafik Hariri University campus, to suspend classes and evacuate students, faculty, and staff. In its statement, the ministry urged "caution in transporting children to ensure everyone's safety."
Casualties from Israeli strike on Kfar Tebnit
According to a preliminary report from the Lebanese Health Ministry, the Israeli strike on a house in Kfar Tebnit has left six people injured, including three children.
Panic in Beirut southern suburbs following Israeli army evacuation call
The Israeli army's evacuation call has sparked panic in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Guns were fired into the air as a warning to residents to evacuate. Locals are fleeing the area near the marked building, which is less than 100 meters from two schools.
One evacuee from Shatila tells L'Orient Today that while there is chaos and confusion, the situation on the streets has not spiralled out of control. "The turn around was super quick from seeing the threats this morning to evacuating. There seemed to be a bit of confusion on the ground in terms of whether strikes had already happened yet or just the evacuations. When I was in the street, people were trying to get my attention to tell me about Israeli war planes."
Despite that, she said that there was no "mad panic or crazy traffic," likely due to the fact that she left with her colleagues immediately after the evacuation order and Shatila is not located in the evacuation circle.
Situation in south Lebanon
The Israeli air force killed one person and injured three in its strike on Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh district) this morning, according to information gathered by our correspondent.
In Kfar Tebnit, three people were transported to the government hospital in Nabatieh by ambulances belonging to the Islamic Mission Scouts Association (affiliated with Amal).
🔴 Israeli army calls for evacuation of a building in Hadath in Beirut's southern suburbs
The Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, has issued a call to evacuate a building in Hadath, in Beirut's southern suburbs, ahead of a strike. The building, identified on a map, is less than 100 meters from Saint Georges middle school and the Lycée des Arts.
"Urgent appeal, to anyone in and around the building identified on the map: you are near Hezbollah installations. For your safety and that of your family, you must evacuate immediately and move at least 300 meters away," the accompanying text reads.
These warnings were issued almost daily during Israel's all-out war against Hezbollah between September and November 2024 and were condemned by human rights lawyers as ineffective, designed to "instill terror," and in violation of international law.
🔴Israeli army calls for evacuation of building in Hadath, southern suburbs of Beirut.
Continued Israeli strikes on south Lebanon
According to initial information from our correspondent, the strike on Kfar Tebnit left two people injured, both Syrian children. The raid targeted a house near the municipal headquarters.
In addition, the Israeli airforce carried out two more strikes on Jabbour and in the Jezzine area.
Meeting Aoun-Macron-Shareh
Joseph Aoun and Emmanuel Macron began their meeting at the Élysée with an anticipated conversation with Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Shareh, who joined via videoconference, the Lebanese presidency reported on X. The meeting is expected to address "security on the Syrian-Lebanese border," where "tensions have led to clashes," the Élysée explained to AFP yesterday.
Lebanese and Syrian Defense Ministers concluded an agreement on Thursday regarding their shared border, emphasizing the importance of "addressing security and military threats" along it, the official Saudi press agency announced this morning.
Israeli strikes on Jezzine and Iklim al-Touffah
Israeli military continues strikes on south Lebanon, targeting the Nabaa al-Tasseh water source in Jezzine, and Iklim el-Touffah.
New Israeli strike in south Lebanon
In retaliation for unclaimed rocket fire, the Israeli airforce has carried out an airstrike on Kfar Tebnit, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent. Ambulances are en route to the village.
Local sources have reported that earlier strikes on Yohmor el-Chakif destroyed two houses, though no casualties have been reported so far.
Israeli airforce flies over Bekaa
According to our local correspondent, Israeli fighter jets are flying at low altitude over West Bekaa.
Continued Israeli strikes on south Lebanon
According to initial information from our correspondent, the strike on Kfar Tebnit left two people injured, both Syrian children. The raid targeted a house near the municipal headquarters.
In addition, the Israeli airforce carried out two more strikes on Jabbour and in the Jezzine area.
New Israeli strike on south Lebanon
In retaliation for the firing of two rockets toward northern Israel — a yet unclaimed attack — the Israeli air force bombed Kfar Tebnit, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent. Ambulances are en route to the village.
Local sources have reported that earlier strikes on Yohmor al-Shaqif destroyed two houses, though no casualties have been reported so far.
President Aoun arrives at the Élysée Palace
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has arrived at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where he is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the Lebanese presidency's X account.
New Israeli strike in south Lebanon
In retaliation for unclaimed rocket fire, the Israeli airforce has carried out an airstrike on Kfar Tebnit, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent. Ambulances are en route to the village.
Local sources have reported that earlier strikes on Yohmor el-Chakif destroyed two houses, though no casualties have been reported so far.
Israeli airforce flies over Bekaa
According to our local correspondent, Israeli fighter jets are flying at low altitude over West Bekaa.
New Israeli strike in south Lebanon
In retaliation for two rockets fired toward northern Israel — an attack yet unclaimed — the Israeli air force has bombed Kfar Tebnit, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent. Ambulances are en route to the village.
Local sources reported that earlier strikes on Yohmor al-Shaqif destroyed two houses, though no casualties have been reported so far.
Israeli airforce flies over Bekaa
According to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the Bekaa Valley, Israeli fighter jets are flying at low altitude over West Bekaa.
Israeli strikes on Jezzine and Iklim al-Touffah
The Israeli military is continuing its strikes against southern Lebanon, targeting the Nabaa al-Tasseh water source in Jezzine, and Iklim al-Touffah.
Israeli Strike on Kfar Houneh
As Israeli aircraft flew over south Lebanon, reaching as far as Saida, a new strike hit the outskirts of Kfar Houneh, in the Jezzine district, according to sources from our correspondent.
Airstrikes on Yohmor al-Chakif in Nabatieh
Following the Israeli announcement, our correspondent in the south reported four Israeli airstrikes on Yohmor al-Chakif and its surroundings, in the Nabatieh district. Ambulances were seen heading to the scene.
Israeli army announces strikes against Hezbollah in south Lebanon
The Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee released a statement on Telegram announcing the military was "attacking Hezbollah targets" in southern Lebanon, adding that "more details will be provided soon" regarding this operation.
Schools close in Sour due to fears of Israeli retaliation
Several public and private schools in Sour have closed their doors due to concerns over a potential Israeli military retaliation against Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency reported. Last Saturday, the Israeli air force bombed a building in Sour, killing two people, as part of its response three rockets fired from southern Lebanon that morning — and subsequently intercepted.
Council for the South tour cancelled, schools closed in Nabatieh district
The Council for the South — which oversees issues pertaining to residents of southern Lebanon, particularly compensation from Israeli attacks — has canceled an inspection tour scheduled for Khiam today due to the security situation, our correspondent in the South reports. Schools in the Nabatieh district are also closed for the day amid the escalation of Israeli attacks.
Hezbollah denies involvement in rocket fire from south Lebanon
In an official statement issued by a "responsible source" within Hezbollah, the party denied any involvement in this morning's rocket fire from southern Lebanon toward Israel. "Hezbollah respects the cease-fire agreement," the group said, accusing Israel of wanting to "create suspicious pretexts to pursue its aggression on Lebanon."
Katz's threats after new rocket fire from Lebanon
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement threatening that “If calm does not prevail in the Galilee towns, there will be no calm in Beirut.”
“We will not allow a return to the situation before Oct. 7. We will ensure the security of Galilee residents and will act forcefully against any threat,” Katz added.
The Israeli government has had particular difficulty convincing displaced residents of the north to return home following the cease-fire, with local municipal leaders often criticizing the government for failing to secure their safety. Around 60,000 people fled northern Israel and only a portion have returned.
Last Saturday, amid escalated Israeli strikes on Lebanon, intense diplomatic efforts were made by Lebanese authorities to prevent Israel from bombing Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence and which were pounded regularly during the all-out war late last year.
🔴 Lebanon and Syria reach border agreement
The Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers, Michel Menassa and Mourhaf Abou Qasra, reached an agreement in Saudi Arabia underlining the importance of "confronting security and military threats" on their common border, the kingdom's official press agency announced this morning in a statement cited by AFP.
Menessa and Qasra met in Jeddah yesterday in the presence of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salmane bin Abdulaziz "to discuss issues of mutual interest aimed at establishing security and stability between Syria and Lebanon," SPA reported, adding that the two countries agreed to "hold a follow-up meeting in Saudi Arabia in the future."
Consecutive Israeli artillery strikes on the South
The Israeli army immediately launched its retaliation. According to information from L'Orient Today's correspondent in the South, Muntasser Abdallah, after the two rockets were fired at Israel, Israeli artillery began shelling Qaaqaïyet al-Jisr, in Nabatieh district, as well as the eastern outskirts of Khiam, Kfar Kila, Taybeh, Arnoun, Markaba and Mais al-Jabal, all in Marjayoun district, with white phosphorus bombs.
A house in Khiam caught fire amid the attacks. Khiam and Kfar Kila were both targeted by Israeli soldiers with machine-gun fire from the position they continue to occupy in Lebanese territory at Hamames Hill, on Khiam's outskirts.
Rocket fire intercepted by the Israeli army
At around 7 a.m. this morning, the Israeli army announced that it detected two rockets launched from Lebanon, one of which it managed to intercept, while the other fell in Lebanese territory, the army said.
Last Saturday, three rockets fired from makeshift launchers toward northern Israel's Metula village were intercepted, to which the Israeli army responded with a bombing campaign that last through the day, hitting more than 50 sites across southern and eastern Lebanon and killing eight people. Hezbollah firmly denied any involvement in the rocket fire and the attack remained unclaimed.
Among theories as to who targeted Israel last weekend, is that it was Palestinian factions responding to Israel breaking the truce in Gaza. Others accused Israel of pulling the strings to justify the prolonged occupation of several points in southern Lebanon. Another theory suggests it was rogue elements within Hezbollah, at a time when the deal [which, in practice, resembles a surrender] has deepened the rift between the “moderate” political wing and the more hardline military wing.
Good morning and welcome to today's live coverage of regional events, particularly ongoing Israeli strikes against southern Lebanon, which come in response to rockets it says it intercepted targeting its north, all in violation of the cease-fire between the two sides.
We will also be following Israel's renewed bombing campaign across Gaza, having blocked negotiations for a continuation of the cease-fire with Hamas, and the U.S.' own military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, who have been targeting Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
🔴 Catch up on yesterday's live blog here. 👈
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