Strike in Nabatieh Region: Israeli army says It targeted two Hezbollah members | LIVE

Strike in Nabatieh Region: Israeli army says it targeted two Hezbollah members

Following a drone strike in the Nabatieh region, the Israeli army said it targeted “two Hezbollah members,” according to a message posted on X by the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson.

Our correspondent reports that the strike killed two people.

Death of a Sheikh and journalist in Sour: Hezbollah denounces a “War Crime” and appeals to the Ministry of Information

Hezbollah reacted to the Israeli strike that killed Sheikh Ali Noureddine in the afternoon outside the Hoch Mosque in Sour. Noureddine hosted a religious program on Al-Manar television.

In a statement, Hezbollah’s media office denounced a “treacherous assassination” and a “war crime.” The statement, “calls on all journalists, the Ministry of Information, as well as media bodies, unions and institutions, in addition to political and intellectual figures, to mobilize and raise their voices in all local, Arab and international forums — particularly those of a legal, judicial and humanitarian nature — in order to put an end to this Zionist (Israeli) brutality.”

The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln has been deployed to the Middle East “to promote regional security and stability”

The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln has been deployed to the Middle East “to promote regional security and stability,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on its X account. Ten days ago, the carrier was in the South China Sea.

CENTCOM released a photo showing sailors carrying out “routine maintenance operations while the aircraft carrier was sailing in the Indian Ocean on Jan. 26.”

Earlier in the day, a U.S. official quoted by the news website Al-Monitor said that the aircraft carrier had entered Middle Eastern waters on Monday, amid U.S. threats of a strike on Iran.

Nine Palestinian detainees released by Israel have arrived in the Gaza Strip, AFP reports, citing medical sources.

Israeli strike in Tyre kills 1, injures 2, Lebanese ministry says

An Israeli airstrike in the southern city of Tyre killed one person and injured two others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Monday.

'We are not neutral' in the event of war against Iran, Qassem says

Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, said the party “is not neutral” in the event of an attack against Iran, after stating that a threat against Iran also constitutes a threat against his party.

“As for how we would act, those are details the battle itself will determine, according to approaches proportionate to the circumstances at the time. But we are not neutral,” he said.

He added that Hezbollah could “intervene or not intervene.”

“Mediators have told us very clearly that Israel and the United States are considering whether it is preferable to strike Hezbollah first and then Iran, or to strike Iran first and then Hezbollah, or to strike both at the same time,” he said.

He added that “a war against Iran could set the region ablaze,” adding that “with capitulation, we lose everything, without limit; but with defense, hope remains open to many possibilities.”

Naim Qassem: 'We are concerned with confronting the threat' of strikes against Iran

During a speech in support of Iran, broadcast on Al-Manar, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that Hezbollah is “concerned with confronting the American threat” of strikes against Iran and considers it to be directed at the party as well.

He added, "we have full legitimacy to do what we deem appropriate.”

UAE bars use of its territory for military actions against Iran

The United Arab Emirates announced Monday that it will not allow its airspace, land, or territorial waters to be used for hostile military operations against Iran.

The move underscores the UAE’s commitment to neutrality and regional stability, Reuters reports.

Israeli army confirms identification of Ran Gvili, last hostage in Gaza

The Israeli army announced that the body of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza, has been formally identified.

“In coordination with the Israeli police and the military rabbinate, the National Forensic Medicine Center completed the identification process, and Israeli army representatives informed Ran Gvili’s family that their relative has been officially identified and returned for burial,” the army said in a statement.

“With this, all hostages who were in the Gaza Strip have now been brought back,” the statement added.

Souther Lebanon: Driver killed in Israeli drone strike

The driver of the car targeted by an Israeli drone on the Haoush-Sour road in southern Lebanon has died from his injuries, our correspondent reports.

US embassies meet to discuss path toward lasting Lebanon-Israel peace

Over the weekend, representatives from the U.S. embassies in Beirut and Israel met at the U.S. embassy in Jordan to “discuss steps toward a more peaceful and prosperous region,” the U.S. embassy in Beirut said on X.

“The U.S. embassies in Beirut and Israel are committed to supporting Lebanon and Israel toward a lasting and effective peace through diplomacy and dialogue,” the statement added.

Syria: Five civilians killed in Kobani, Syrian Kurds blame government forces

Syrian Kurds accused government forces of killing five civilians, all from the same family, in airstrikes on the Kobani region in northern Syria, despite an ongoing cease-fire.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported six deaths, suggesting that a “Turkish drone was likely” behind the attack.

Simon Karam: Hezbollah has not shared weapons info with Lebanese Army

Simon Karam, Lebanon’s civilian representative on the cease-fire monitoring committee (the 'Mechanism'), told Saudi channel al-Hadath on Monday that “Hezbollah has provided no information to the army about its weapons and facilities.”

Hezbollah has said it cooperates with the Lebanese State for disarmament south of the Litani River but refuses to hand over arms north of that area.

The former diplomat added that “the Lebanese Army is the only force dismantling Hezbollah’s military structure,” with UNIFIL assisting in locating the group’s military sites.

With the Mechanism temporarily halted and two planned meetings in January postponed, Karam said, “We remain committed to the ceasefire commission mechanism and call for its prompt reconvening.”

He also revealed that he had “proposed the return of southern residents as a basis for our position in negotiations” with Israel within the committee.

Video of strike aftermath, in southern Lebanon

Israeli drone strike hits car in southern Lebanon, 1 seriously injured

An Israeli drone targeted a vehicle on the Haoush-Sour road in southern Lebanon, setting it on fire, according to local reports.

Drones reportedly continued to patrol the area after the strike.

One person was reported seriously injured in the incident, our correspondent added.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli aerial operations have intensified in recent weeks.

Lebanon thanks Qatar for support, Aoun urges pressure on Israel

Following his meeting with Qatar’s foreign affairs minister, President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon “appreciates the role played by the State of Qatar in helping it overcome the difficulties it is facing, through the support it provides, which Lebanon hopes will continue,” according to a statement posted by Baabda on X.

Aoun added that Qatar’s new initiatives “demonstrate the depth of the brotherly relations between Lebanon and Qatar, which continue to grow stronger day by day.”

Addressing the issue of restoring the state’s monopoly over weapons, Aoun said the Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its duties south of the Litani River, while Israeli attacks on southern villages continue, destroying homes, displacing residents, and at times extending to villages in the Bekaa Valley.

He said Israel has failed to heed repeated calls to respect the November 2024 ceasefire agreement and implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, preventing the return of security and stability in the south.

Aoun added that contacts are ongoing ahead of next month’s meeting of the cease-fire “Mechanism” committee to achieve concrete results, including restoring stability in the south, securing Israel’s withdrawal, the return of detainees, and enabling the Lebanese Army to deploy up to internationally recognized borders.

He stressed the need to exert pressure on Israel to ensure the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and emphasized that the Lebanese Army requires equipment, vehicles, and resources to carry out its assigned missions.

Qatar’s foreign affairs minister reaffirmed that the emirate is closely following developments in Lebanon, including the internal situation, Israeli attacks, the work of the cease-fire “Mechanism” committee, and ongoing dialogue aimed at finding necessary solutions.

He noted that Qatar is an integral part of the five-country group involved in the Lebanese file — alongside the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — and said Doha is coordinating with “brotherly and friendly countries” in the group, expressing readiness to deepen cooperation with Lebanon to address its major challenges.

Qatar pledges expanded aid to Lebanon, announces new initiatives

Qatar’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohammad bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, said Qatar’s assistance to Lebanon “will have no limits” and that coordination with the Lebanese government will continue, following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun.

He added that new initiatives would be announced and reaffirmed Doha’s readiness to support international coordination on the Lebanese file.

Al-Khulaifi said Qatar will soon launch several aid initiatives for Lebanon, including a voluntary return program for Syrians to ease pressure on the country, as well as projects in education, health, and energy, with an initial phase worth $20 million.

He also announced $40 million in support for Lebanon’s electricity sector, funding for an additional energy project, 185 scholarships for young Lebanese, and contributions to the reconstruction of the Quarantine Hospital, damaged in the Aug. 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion.

The Qatari official further announced on Monday that Doha will provide Lebanon with at least $420 million in grants, Reuters reports.

He also highlighted a “Sport for Development and Peace” initiative aimed at strengthening protection and reducing violence affecting 4,400 children and youth in conflict-affected areas of Lebanon.

“Qatar welcomes the progress made in our economic talks with Lebanon and is proud to be among the leading countries supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces,” Al-Khulaifi said.

Ben-Gvir says police entered Tarabin village to demolish 'illegal structures'

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said police forces entered the village of Tarabin in southern Israel on Tuesday morning to “demolish illegal constructions,” according to Haaretz.

“Anyone who thought we would not return to Tarabin was mistaken,” Ben-Gvir wrote on X.

“The ‘bulldozer of governance’ entered this morning, accompanied by Yoav police units and Border Police, to demolish illegal structures.” He added: “Under my tenure, Tarabin will not be a former territory.”

Egyptian army soldiers stand guard on their side of the Rafah border crossing, Jan. 26, 2026. (Credit: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP)

Cambodia to join Trump’s Board of Peace

Cambodia will join U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced in a Facebook post on Monday.

He said the decision reflects Cambodia’s goodwill and its strong commitment to promoting global peace.

Hezbollah MP inspects Israeli strike damage in Qennarit

Hezbollah lawmaker Ihab Hamadeh visited residential areas hit by Israel’s recent strikes in Qennarit and Ghaziyeh (Saida district), accompanied by local officials and party members.

He heard residents’ accounts, assessed the destruction, and praised the community’s resilience. Hamadeh also commended Hezbollah and Scouts of the Imam Mahdi teams for their cleanup and relief efforts, NNA reports.

Iran protests death toll nears 6,000, rights group pays

A U.S.-based rights group confirmed 5,848 deaths in Iran’s protests, including 5,520 protesters, 77 minors, 209 security personnel, and 42 bystanders, while investigating 17,091 additional possible fatalities.

Over 41,000 arrests have been reported. Internet shutdowns hinder monitoring, and official Iranian figures claim 3,117 dead. Other sources warn the toll could reach 25,000.

Egyptian army soldiers guard their side of the Rafah crossing, closed since early May, on July 4, 2024, as the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement continues. Israel said on Jan. 26, 2026, it would only allow pedestrians to trav

Israeli army drops stun grenades near Lebanese Army post in Adaisseh

An Israeli aircraft dropped two stun grenades earlier over the village of Adaisseh in the Marjayoun district and carried out the operation near a new Lebanese Army post at Khallet al-Mahafer in the south of the village.

This marks the third time the Israeli military has attempted to provoke Lebanese soldiers stationed at this location.

Israeli artillery and airstrikes target southern Lebanon

Israeli artillery repeatedly shelled the outskirts of Aitaroun in the Bint Jbeil district, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

An Israeli aircraft also dropped two stun grenades over the village of Adaisseh in the Marjayoun district, while drones were reported flying over multiple southern Lebanese towns.

No decision yet on foreign journalists entering Gaza even if Rafah reopens

Israel’s Supreme Court has not yet ruled on whether foreign journalists will be allowed into Gaza, even if the Rafah Crossing with Egypt reopens. During Monday’s hearing on a petition filed by international reporters, government officials could not guarantee media access.

The court allowed the state to submit a one-sided document and then adjourned to hear the military’s position. Authorities emphasized that any entry would depend on security and operational assessments, leaving journalists’ access uncertain for now.

Advocates argue that international reporting is crucial for independent coverage of Gaza’s humanitarian and security situation, while officials cite the risks of granting access amid an active conflict. The court indicated that a decision will be issued at a later date.

Lebanon files complaint with UN Security Council over Israeli violations in the south

Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji has submitted a letter to the U.N. Security Council and Secretary-General, filing a formal complaint over Israel’s continued violations of Lebanese sovereignty in recent months.

The complaint documents Israeli violations in southern Lebanon for October (542), November (691), and December 2025 (803), totaling 2,036 incidents.

Rajji called on the Security Council to compel Israel to implement Resolution 1701 (2006) and the cease-fire, withdraw its forces from the five positions it occupies in southern Lebanon, fully retreat beyond internationally recognized borders, halt repeated incursions, and release Lebanese prisoners.

President Joseph Aoun discussed developments in the south with Rajji, focusing on the ongoing Israeli attacks and Lebanon’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

Hezbollah chief to deliver speech today

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem is expected to give a speech today at 3:30 p.m.

EU mission, Gaza officials to oversee Rafah border exits

Exits through the Rafah Crossing will not be subject to direct Israeli security checks, but instead monitored by a European Union mission and Palestinian officials, according to Al Jazeera.

The inspectors “will operate on behalf of the Palestinian Authority,” while Israeli supervision of the exit process will be limited to remote monitoring.

Those entering the Gaza Strip, will pass through a special corridor in an area under Israeli control, where Israeli security agencies will conduct inspections to prevent smuggling or the entry of unauthorized individuals.

The number of daily crossings has not been finalized, though estimates suggest a few hundred per day, depending on the crossing’s capacity and inspection procedures.

Hezbollah-aligned group calls for global mobilization in support of Iran

“We are launching our call to our mujahideen brothers across the world to prepare for a total war, in support of and in backing Iran,” the secretary general of the Hezbollah Brigades said, according to the pro-Iranian channel Al-Mayadeen.

Humanitarian corridor opens to Koban amid rising clashes

A humanitarian corridor has been opened to Kobane, the predominantly Kurdish city in northern Syria surrounded by government forces.

On Sunday, the first U.N. convoy arrived to deliver “vital aid” to displaced residents who have fled the ongoing fighting.

Early reports indicate “violent clashes” in Koban, located in Syria’s far northeast, near the Turkish border. Kurdish forces have accused the Syrian army of imposing a “siege” on the city.

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

Israeli air force carried out a raid, launching several missiles near “Mourouj” Aaqmata in the Louaizeh Heights (Jezzine district), according to our correspondent in the South, Mountasser Abdallah.

After 10:30 p.m., the Israeli air force conducted nine strikes in three waves using heavy missiles, targeting hills and valleys in the South:

• Wadi Barghaz, Hasbaya district
• The hills of Jbour and Kassarat al-Aroush, between the Rihan Heights and the town of Louaizeh, Jezzine district

Israel claims responsibility for Sunday strikes in Lebanon

The Israeli army claimed the strikes carried out Sunday in Lebanon in a statement from its Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, published Monday morning. It stated, once again without providing concrete evidence, that it targeted Hezbollah positions.

According to the statement, the strikes hit weapons depots, a military building belonging to the al-Radwan unit, and other infrastructure.

➡️ What you need to know about Sunday’s strikes here

Israel agrees to reopen Rafah crossing, but with conditions

Israel has agreed to reopen the Rafah crossing linking the Gaza Strip to Egypt, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office reported by Israeli media overnight Monday to Tuesday.

The border would open only after the search for the body of the last deceased hostage, Ran Gvili, is completed.

According to the statement, the reopening would be limited to the passage of people and subject to Israeli supervision. It specifies that the decision is conditional on Hamas making a “100 percent effort” to locate Gvili’s body, even if it is not ultimately found.

The crossing would open after Israel completes an operation to “fully exploit all intelligence gathered in the effort to locate and recover the body of hostage Ran Gvili,” the statement adds.

The announcement follows a security cabinet meeting on the expected reopening of the crossing, after Ali Chaath, head of the U.S.-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, said last week that Rafah would open this week.

Shortly before the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that a “large-scale operation” had been launched over the weekend to find Gvili’s body, focused on a cemetery in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, following new intelligence, according to Haaretz.

The Gaza side of the crossing has been under Israeli military control since 2024 and remains a key, yet unfulfilled, element of the ceasefire negotiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump last October.

According to three sources cited by Haaretz, Israel wants to limit the number of Palestinians entering Gaza from Egypt to ensure that more people exit than enter. Speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, the sources said it remains unclear how Israel plans to enforce these limits or what exit-to-entry ratio it is aiming for.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of developments in the Middle East

We are following events in southern Lebanon and Gaza, which continue to be bombarded by Israel despite cease-fires, as well as ongoing tensions and violence in Syria between the new regime and the Kurdish forces, and the recent weeks of unrest in Iran.

Catch up on what you missed yesterday and what to keep an eye out for today by reading our 👉 Morning Brief.