Israeli drone strike on an apartment in the Nabaa neighborhood of Beirut
Israel carried out a drone strike on an apartment in the Nabaa neighborhood of Beirut at around 5 a.m. this morning.
French soldier killed 'during an attack' in Iraq, announces Macron
A French soldier was killed "during an attack" in the Erbil region of Iraqi Kurdistan, Emmanuel Macron announced on social media on Thursday night.
"Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion of the 7th Alpine Chasseurs Battalion in Varces died for France during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq," he wrote, adding that "the war in Iran cannot justify such attacks."
Six French soldiers were wounded in a "drone attack in the Erbil region," AFP learned on Thursday from the French Armed Forces General Staff.
Coordinated strikes from Lebanon and Iran target northern Israel, according to Israeli media
Israeli media are reporting a coordinated missile and rocket strike from Lebanon and Iran towards northern Israel.
Australia orders non-essential staff to leave Israel and UAE
On Thursday evening, Australia's foreign minister ordered non-essential government officials to leave Israel and the United Arab Emirates due to the "deteriorating security situation" in the region.
Staff deemed essential "will remain in place to support Australians in need," Minister Penny Wong added on X, urging all her compatriots to "leave the Middle East if you can and if it is safe to do so."
According to Canberra, approximately 2,600 of the 115,000 Australian nationals in the Middle East have returned home.
Israeli army warns that Iranian missiles are heading towards Israel
Israel warned early on Friday of the arrival of a new wave of Iranian missiles, calling on residents in targeted areas to take shelter.
Saudi Arabia says it has intercepted around 20 drones in its airspace
The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced on Friday that it had intercepted around 20 drones in its airspace, in several messages on X.
The ministry announced that it had "intercepted and destroyed" an initial wave of 12 drones, followed by nine and seven drones, as the kingdom has been the target of attacks since the start of the regional war sparked by the U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran.
Alarm sirens in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel
Alarm sirens sounded in Kiryat Shmona and surrounding villages in northern Israel following a rocket attack by Hezbollah, according to Israeli media reports.
No casualties were reported.
Two Israeli strikes on southern suburbs of Beirut
Israel carried out two strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to a resident and local media reports.
Ankara condemns Israeli attacks on Lebanon
In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's attacks on Lebanon, calling them a "serious violation of international humanitarian law."
"It is clear that Israeli expansionism aims to further exacerbate regional instability. The Netanyahu government must not be allowed to continue its destructive practices in Lebanon as it did in Gaza," insisted Turkish diplomats.
Ankara will continue to "stand in solidarity" with the Lebanese people and state in the face of "Israeli attacks that threaten Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty," the statement continued.
US refuelling aircraft crashes in Iraq, Centcom announces
An American refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, the U.S. military command for the Middle East (Centcom) announced on Thursday, emphasizing that the loss of this KC-135 was "not due to hostile or friendly fire."
"Rescue operations are underway," Centcom added in a statement, noting that another aircraft involved in the incident was able to land safely.
No details have been given about the number of people on board the aircraft or their current condition.
The loss of the KC-135 is the fourth American aircraft to be lost since the start of the war against Iran, after three F-15 fighter jets were shot down by accidental friendly fire from Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia intercepts Iranian drones and missiles
The Saudi Defense Ministry said on X that it intercepted a dozen drones and two ballistic missiles launched by Iran in recent hours.
The attacks come amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf region since the start of the war between Tehran and the U.S.-Israeli coalition. Targets included the Shayba oil field and Prince Sultan Air Base.
The Israeli army claims it struck 'Hezbollah's command centers across Lebanon'
In a statement, the Israeli army said it "completed several waves of strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon."
It added that it struck "command centers," from which Hezbollah operated.
It reiterated its claims that Hezbollah "embeds its infrastructure within the civilian population."
"Prior to the strikes, measures were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warnings, the use of precision munitions, and aerial surveillance," the army added. Notably, many civilians including children and women were killed today across Lebanon.
Six French soldiers wounded in drone attack in Iraq
At least six French soldiers were wounded in a drone attack on a joint base with the Kurdish Peshmerga in the Makhmour region of Iraq, the governor of Erbil, Omed Koshnaw, said Thursday.
A security source familiar with the incident confirmed the report to Reuters.
Trump green-lights expanded Israeli ground offensive on Lebanon: Israeli media
According to Israel Hayom, President Donald Trump has given Israel the go-ahead to expand its ground operation in Lebanon.
The U.S. president had previously approved the limited ground operation that began last week, and the authorization now allows Tel Aviv to significantly broaden the operation, the Israeli media outlet reported.
Trump says US war on Iran “moving very quickly”
At a White House event, President Donald Trump said the war against Iran is moving very quickly, describing the U.S. military as “unparalleled,” without providing details on the potential end date.
“We are doing what needs to be done,” Trump added.
He also said that it should have been done 47 years ago, adding that several people chose not to do it. He added that Iran is a "nation of terrorism of hatred" and that they are paying a "high price today."
Israeli strikes continue across southern Lebanon
The Israeli army's incessant airstrikes continued in southern Lebanon this evening, targeting the towns of Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh), Qantara (Marjayoun), Nabatieh Fawqa, Adsheet (Nabatieh), as well as areas toward Beit Lif, Haris and Kounin (Bint Jbeil).
Israeli artillery fire also hit the towns of Bint Jbeil.
In the Nabatieh district, Israeli artillery hit Yohmor al-Shaqif and Zawtar Sharqieh.
No official closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, according to its envoy to the UN
Iran's representative to the U.N., Amir-Saeid Iravani, said: "We are not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but it is our right to preserve 'peace and security' in the waterway."
Although Tehran has not officially closed the strategic passage, it is effectively at a standstill as Iran has threatened ships that venture there, requiring them to seek authorization from the Iranian authorities.
As a passageway for nearly 20 percent of the world's oil traffic, the Strait of Hormuz is the Islamic Republic's trump card against the United States, while Donald Trump fears inflation linked to soaring oil prices, just a few months before the mid-term elections scheduled for November.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for four new attacks, including two against soldiers in Lebanon
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for four new attacks carried out this afternoon, including two against Israeli soldiers on Lebanese territory. The militia party said it targeted the coastal town of Nahariya in northern Israel and the Malkiya position in the afternoon, both with a "barrage of rockets."
It also reportedly targeted "two gatherings of Israeli soldiers" in southern Lebanon, also with rocket fire. One was east of Mount Warda, in the town of Markaba, and the other on Khazzan Hill, in the town of Adaissé, both in the Marjeyoun district, according to Hezbollah statements published on Telegram.
In the evening, Hezbollah again fired two rockets at Israel, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu holds press conference, threatens more aggression on Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, in which he threatened that Hezbollah "will pay a heavy price for its aggression."
When asked about Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, and Naim Qassem, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, Netanyahu said, "I would not take out life insurance on Khamenei and Qassem."
South Lebanon: Municipality of Irkey condemns a 'terrible massacre' after Israeli strike killed 9 people, including 5 children
The municipality of Irkey (Saida) issued a statement in the evening condemning a "terrible massacre" committed by the Israeli army, which killed nine people, including five children (four girls and one boy) in a strike on a building in the town.
The four girls were from the same Taqi family.
Shortly after the strike, the mayor told L'Orient Today that the grandparents, accompanied by their son, son-in-law and grandchildren, were in the targeted home.
He reported that six children were trapped under the rubble. Two families lived in the targeted building.
Earlier in the evening, Israel targeted a building near the al-Mahdi school in Sour, killing one person and injuring several others.
Israel also targeted the town of Habboush (Saida), injuring several people, and the town of Deir Antar (Bint Jbeil), Qlaileh (Sour), and, for the first time, the town of Ghassanieh (Saida) and Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh).
A member of the Amal movement, Nasser Hassan Hajjo, was killed in a strike during the day in Sour, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Two Israeli strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut
Israel has carried out two consecutive strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut without prior warning, according to residents and local media.
Israel strikes previously threatened building in Amroussieh
Israel has struck the threatened building in Amroussieh, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, about an hour after issuing an evacuation order and after an initial warning strike, local media reported.
Israel announces major campaign of attacks on Tehran
Israel announced it's launched a major campaign of attacks on Tehran.
Ali Khamenei's wife, mother of new supreme leader, reportedly survived the strike that killed her husband
The Iranian news agency Fars has stated that "the wife of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was alive and that reports of her death were false."
Earlier this month, press reports announced that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, 79, had died from her injuries a few days after the Feb. 28 strikes that killed her husband.
Other media outlets, such as the Tasnim news agency, reported that she fell into a coma after the attack.
Iran will make the United States regret its 'grave miscalculation
Iran will make the United States regret its "serious miscalculation," warned Ali Larijani, head of Iran's National Security Council, on the 13th day of the regional war.
He accused Donald Trump of "seeking a quick victory," adding that, "while it is easy to start a war, it cannot be won with a few tweets. We will not give in until you regret this grave miscalculation," he wrote on X.
Israel orders evacuation of building in Amroussieh
Israel has ordered the evacuation of a building in Amroussieh, in the Choueifat neighborhood of Beirut's southern suburbs, according to a message posted on X by the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
Israel discusses expanding its occupation of Lebanese territory
A mini cabinet is meeting tonight in Israel to discuss furthering the ground invasion into Lebanon, which could begin in about a week, according to Israeli media.
The goal would be to take control of several areas in the south of the country, reported the public broadcaster Kan.
Hezbollah fires several rockets towards Israel
Hezbollah has fired several rockets towards Israel, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Israel announces strikes on Basij militia checkpoints in Tehran
Israel announced that since yesterday it has been striking checkpoints in Tehran belonging to the Iranian paramilitary militia Basij, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, after "recently observing that soldiers from the Basij unit had set up roadblocks at several locations across Tehran."
"Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force ... has targeted the roadblocks and Basij agents," the army added in a statement.
Israeli strike on Lebanese University: President Joseph Aoun condemns a crime
President Joseph Aoun called the rector of the Lebanese University (LU), Bassam Badran, to offer his condolences following the killing of the dean of the Faculty of Sciences in Hadath, Hussein Bazzi, and Professor Mourtada Srour in an Israeli drone strike while they were in the outdoor courtyard of the campus.
Aoun strongly condemned "a crime that is reprehensible in every respect and a flagrant violation of international laws and rules prohibiting attacks on educational institutions and civilians."
For Aoun, "the increase in Israeli attacks on civilian institutions in Lebanon must prompt the international community to act quickly to put an end to these violations."
Israel's war on Lebanon: 822,600 people displaced; 687 killed, 1,774 injured
Lebanese authorities reported 822,600 displaced persons in Lebanon in a new assessment published on Thursday evening by the Risk Management Unit. The total number of families displaced to shelters has risen to 33,200.
The death toll in Lebanon from Israel's offensive since March 2 now stands at least 687, with 1,774 injured.
Israeli strike on Saint-Therese in Beirut's southern suburbs
An Israeli strike has targeted the neighborhood of Saint-Therese in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Salam: 'We are working tirelessly to end this war'
In a new address to the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that "all of Lebanon is [their] home, and the state is at [their side. "We are working tirelessly to end this war and enable you to return home as soon as possible, in safe and dignified conditions," he said, according to a statement posted on the Grand Serail's X account.
In this context, recalling that "this is a war that we [the Lebanese State] did not want," Salam said that "President [Joseph Aoun] launched his negotiation initiative [with Israel] in order to extricate Lebanon from the profound ordeal in which it has been plunged. "I have no doubt that all Lebanese aspire for our army to play its full role in extending the authority of the State over the entire territory," he added.
He then called for national unity. "The phase our country is going through is critical and requires all of us to be vigilant and wise in expressing our positions and feelings, in order to protect the country from the dangers of destructive division," the Prime Minister warned.
"To all Lebanese, I say that I respect and understand the concern that many of you have about the future of the country. You too are paying, even indirectly, the price of a war you did not choose," he also said.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon: Israel kills three workers
- An Israeli drone strike killed three telecommunications maintenance workers on the main road in Ain Ebel (Bint Jbeil).
- An Israeli drone strike also targeted the towns of Hanniyeh and Deir Ames (Sour), according to our correspondent.
- Another Israeli strike hit Kawthariyet al-Siyyad (Saida).
Israel strikes building in Zoqaq al-Blat
(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient Today)
Israel strikes previously threatened building in Zoqaq al-Blat, central Beirut.
Israel kills three maintenance workers in Ain Ebel, continues bombing southern villages
- An Israeli drone strike targeted the main road in Ain Ebel (Bint Jbeil), killing three telecommunications maintenance workers: George Khreish, Elie Atallah Dahrouj, and Shadi Ammar.
- An Israeli drone strike targeted the towns of Haniyeh and Deir Ames (both located in Sour), our correspondent reported.
- A strike targeted Kawthariyat al-Sayyad (Saida.)
Displacement from southern Lebanon continues as Israel threatens Zahrani River area
Hundreds of families have fled from the villages south of the Zahrani River following the latest Israeli threat, our correspondent reported.
Many ships can cross the Strait of Hormuz 'if they coordinate with the Iranian navy'
Many ships can still pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with the Iranian navy, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in comments reported by the Mehr news agency.
"After the current events, we cannot generally return to the conditions that prevailed before Feb. 28 [the start of the current war against Iran] because we have understood the importance of the security of the Strait of Hormuz, just like everyone else," the spokesman added.
Israeli strike on Lebanese University in Hadath kills director and professor
An Israeli drone strike on the Faculty of Sciences at the Lebanese University in Hadath, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, killed the faculty’s director, Hussein Bazzi, and professor Mortada Srour as they were in the school’s outdoor courtyard, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Thursday.
Thursday’s attack marked the first time a university has been directly targeted. The Israeli army has yet to release a statement about the strike.
Read more here.
War against Iran: United States says it struck around 6,000 targets
The United States has struck approximately 6,000 targets since the start of the war against Iran on Feb. 28, the U.S. military announced on Thursday.
These targets include more than 90 Iranian vessels, including around 30 minelayers, according to a statement released by the U.S. military command for the Middle East (Centcom).
France delivers 60 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support 800,000 displaced persons in Lebanon
With nearly one million people displaced in Lebanon, France delivered 60 tonnes of humanitarian aid on Thursday aboard a cargo plane belonging to the CMA CGM Foundation.
Warning strike against threatened building in Zoqaq al-Blat
Israel has carried out a warning strike against the threatened building in Zoqaq al-Blat, Beirut, according to local media reports.
'It feels like the rest of Lebanon is experiencing what we've been going through for over a year'
Our reporter Lyana Alameddine, near Bashoura, reports that some shops have remained open despite everything. In a restaurant in the area, the strike caused significant damage: windows were shattered and staff are busy cleaning up the premises. "The whole restaurant shook because of the strike," says one employee.
Also at the scene, a man said he had already experienced a similar situation when he was in southern Lebanon. "I went through the same thing two months ago. I was working when a strike took place in front of me in Sour. Now it feels like the rest of Lebanon is experiencing what we have been going through for over a year. There is no longer any safe place," he said.
On the pavement, a family who fled their flat broke their fast. "We came out for the children, so they wouldn't hear the bombs. But after this, we'll go home," explained one of the parents.
Rajji confirms his summoning of the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Lebanon
Foreign Minister Joe Rajji confirmed on his X account that he had summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires.
"Rejecting any interference in Lebanon's internal affairs, I have summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires to the ministry tomorrow," he wrote.
L'Orient Today had learned earlier in the day that, in accordance with a decision taken by the Cabinet at the Grand Serail, Rajji was going to summon the chargé d'affaires of the Iranian embassy to discuss the illegal presence of members of the Revolutionary Guards in Lebanon.
Bekka death toll: 85 killed and 91 wounded in 125 air strikes since March 2
The death toll from Israeli airstrikes on the Bekaa since March 2 has reached 85, with 91 people injured, according to Hezbollah's media unit in the region.
A total of 125 air strikes have targeted the area since the start of the war.
At the scene of the strike in Bashoura
Our field reporter is at the scene of the Israeli strike in Bashoura, where police are deployed in the streets and managing traffic. A smell of burning lingers in the air, and the streets are largely empty, with only a few young men passing by on scooters.
A restaurant in the area closed after the evacuation notice. “It’s better that they warn us. That way, we can prepare,” the manager said. The team is now looking for accommodation for foreign employees who live in Basta, and the restaurant will remain closed for now.
In the surrounding streets, almost all shops are shut.
Israel continues to bomb southern towns, killing and injuring residents
- Israel strikes Khiam, Taybeh (Marjayoun), Adchit (Nabatieh), and Haniyah (Sour.)
- Israel targeted an apartment in a building at the entrance of Sour city.
- Two Israeli airstrikes targeted an area between the towns of Deir Kifa (Sour) and Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil)
- A drone strike targeted a car in the town of Bint Jbeil.
- An Israeli drone strike targeted the outskirts of the town of Froun (Sour).
- Four Israeli airstrikes targeted the town of Majdal Selm (Marjeyoun District).
- A series of Israeli airstrikes targeted the town of Teffahta (Saida), injuring 15 people who have been transported to hospitals.
- The Civil Defense in the town of Aishieh (Jezzine) received a call from the Israeli army informing them that the residents of the town of Sojod (Jezzine) must evacuate their homes.
- In an updated casualty toll from the Israeli attack on Erkay, at least nine people have been killed and five wounded. Six children were pulled out from under the rubble of the strike.
The Israeli army says it has eliminated the commander of an Iranian brigade in Lebanon.
The Israeli army said it killed Ali Muslim Tabaja, commander of the al-Imam Hussein brigade, in a strike in Lebanon on Wednesday night, according to a message posted on X by its Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee.
The army also claimed the strike killed other “senior officials” from the brigade, including “Jihad al-Safira, deputy-commander of the brigade, and Sajed al-Handasa, head of drones.” The location of the strike was not specified.
Adraee said the brigade, which operates “in coordination with Hezbollah,” is “a military force used by the Iranian Quds Force to strengthen the Iranian axis” and includes fighters of various nationalities from across the Middle East.
Israel previously said it had killed a member of the same brigade in September 2025, in a strike on the town of Ain Baal in southern Lebanon.
'War with Hezbollah not secondary front,' Israeli army chief says, moves more forces to northern Israel
The Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said that "the war on Hezbollah is a war in another main sector, not a secondary arena," and noted that additional forces will be transferred to the northern region, Haaretz reported.
During a tour of the Israeli army’s Northern Command, he referred to the decision not to warn about the combined firing by Iran and Hezbollah Thursday overnight. "If there was a mistake, the responsibility is first and foremost mine," he said.
State of chaos in Beirut at iftar
State of complete chaos in Beirut at the time of iftar (breakfast) after the Israeli strike on Bashoura, and the warning released to evacuate a building in Zoqaq al-Blat, local residents from the area told L'Orient Today.
Israel issues warning of imminent strikes across Beirut, specifically Zoqaq al-Blat
Israeli warns of imminent strikes 'across Beirut,' including the area of Zoqaq al-Blat in central Beirut.
Salam to speak at 6:30 p.m.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m., according to an announcement by the Grand Serail.
Social Development Minister Haneen Sayed will speak afterwards.
Israeli warns of imminent strikes 'across Beirut'
Israel announced on Thursday that it would be carrying out "large-scale" strikes "across Beirut."
Hajjar meets with Beirut governor to discuss plight of displaced persons in Beirut
Interior Minister Ahmed Hajjar met with Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud to discuss the situation of displaced persons in Beirut and stressed the need to speed up the opening of reception centers, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Israel strikes building in Bashoura, central Beirut, shortly after evacuation order
Israel has carried out a strike against the building it had threatened earlier in Bashoura, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Israel strikes Beirut's southern suburbs for a second time
Israel has carried out a second strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to local media reports.
Revolutionary Guards vow to keep Strait of Hormuz closed
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards vowed on Thursday to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, following a request to that effect from the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
"In response to the commander-in-chief's order, we will strike the enemy aggressor with the most severe blows while keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed," Iranian naval commander Alireza Tangsiri said on X shortly after the new leader's first speech, which was read on state television by a presenter.
Israel strikes Beirut's southern suburbs
Israel carried out a strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to several local media reports.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for several attacks
- At 12:10 p.m., the Admit settlement was targeted by a swarm of attack drones.
- At 12:20 p.m., a missile strike targeted the Zar'it settlement in northern Israel.
- At 1:30 p.m., the Shlomi settlement was hit by rocket fire.
- At 2:30 p.m., Hezbollah hit the Ma'alot-Tarshiha air defense system, about 20 km from the Lebanese border, with a rocket attack. Then again an hour later.
- At 2:50 p.m., Hezbollah targeted Even Menachem with a squadron of attack drones.
Israeli evacuation order for building in Bashoura, central Beirut
Photo relayed by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah
Israel targeted the same building in Bashoura during the 2024 war with a precision strike.
It proceeded to issue an evacuation order for the whole building but a strike did not follow.
Israeli evacuation order for building in Bashoura, central Beirut
Israel has threatened to strike a building in the Bashoura neighborhood in central Beirut.
The building in question is located less than a kilometer from Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut and the Grand Serail, the seat of the Lebanese government. It is also a few hundred meters from Saint Joseph University in Beirut.
Until now, Israeli strikes targeting neighborhoods within Beirut had been carried out without warning: last weekend in Raouche, Wednesday at dawn in Aicha Bakkar, and last night on a car in Ramlet al-Baida.
New Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon
Israel has targeted Khiam, Taybeh (Marjayoun), Adsheet (Nabatieh), and Haniyah (Sour) with new airstrikes.
Mojtaba Khamenei thanks 'axis of resistance' in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, expressed gratitude to the “axis of resistance” in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq during a speech on Thursday.
Rescue efforts ongoing for 6 children still under rubble at Erkay Israeli strike
The head of the municipality of Erkay, Ali Nasser, said that Israeli warplanes targeted two houses in the town where four families were present , the grandfather and grandmother, their son and his children, as well as the son-in-law and his children, all from the town.
He added that rescue teams have so far managed to retrieve the bodies of three people killed, as well as five injured.
Search efforts are still ongoing for six children who remain under the rubble.
Iran warns it will target regional power grids if the US strikes Iranian infrastructure
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, vowed Thursday that if the U.S. attacks Iran’s electricity network, “the entire region will be plunged into darkness in less than half an hour, creating many opportunities to track American soldiers,” in a post on X.
U.S. President Donald Trump had said Wednesday that American forces could “knock out Iran’s electricity supply in an hour.”
Israel targets house with 10 people in it, continues strikes on South and Bekaa
- Israel targeted a house on the outskirts of Irkay (Saida) which has two families made up if 10 people. Some have been killed, while others have been injured. They have been transported to the hospital.
- Israel targeted Yater (Bint Jbeil), Qlaileh (Sour), Khiam, and Taybeh (both located Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in the south.
- The body of the killed man, Ahmad Kamil Sharif, was retrieved from the site of the Ain Bourday (Baalbeck) strike that took place earlier today.
Hezbollah targets air defense system surrounding Caesarea in Israel
Hezbollah said that at 6 a.m. it "targeted the air defense system surrounding the occupied city of Caesarea [around 70 km from Lebanon's southern border] with a salvo of specialized rockets."
Israel issues evacuation order for all areas south of Zahrani River
Israel has issued a mass displacement order for all areas south of Zahrani River.
Iran’s new supreme leader to deliver first message since appointment
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is set to deliver “within moments” his first message since his appointment, his official Telegram channel announced, without specifying the format.
The address will cover “the martyred leader of the revolution,” Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the Israeli-American attack, as well as “the role and duties of the people, the armed forces, executive bodies, the resistance front, regional countries, and how to deal with the enemies.”
Adraee calims South Lebanon Radwan Unit commander killed, 100+ operatives eliminated, 60+ facilities destroyed
Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, said in a post on X that “the Israeli army eliminated the commander of the South Lebanon region in Hezbollah’s Radwan Unit, killing more than 100 terrorist operatives and destroying over 60 facilities belonging to the Radwan Unit.”
US military 'not ready' to escort tankers through Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Thursday that the military is “not ready” to escort oil tankers through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
“This will happen soon, but it can’t happen right now. We’re simply not ready,” Wright told CNBC, explaining that U.S. forces are “currently focused on dismantling Iran’s offensive capabilities.”
He added that such escorts are “likely” to be implemented by the end of the month.
Rajji to summon Iranian chargé d’affaires over IRGC presence in Lebanon
Following a decision taken during a Cabinet meeting at the Grand Serail, Foreign Minister Joe Rajji will summon the chargé d’affaires of the Iran embassy in Beirut “within the next two days” to discuss the alleged illegal presence of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Lebanon, L'Orient-Le Jour has learned.
Israeli army calls again on residents to evacuate Beirut’s southern suburbs
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, issued a new warning on X calling on residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate.
The message specifically mentioned the neighborhoods of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiri, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir and Chiyah.
“For your safety, we urge you to evacuate immediately and not return to these neighborhoods until further notice,” the statement said. “The Israeli army will not hesitate to target anyone near Hezbollah agents, facilities or weapons. You are putting your lives at risk — therefore evacuate the area immediately.”
The Israeli army added that Hezbollah’s activities “force it to act firmly,” while insisting it has “no intention of harming civilians.”
Israel targets towns in south, Bekaa and Baalbeck, destroys homes
- A military airstrike targeted the town of Debbin (Marjayoun), completely destroying three homes, our correspondent in the south reported. A second strike targeted the town shortly after.
- An Israeli airstrike targeted Zibqin (Sour), according to our correspondent.
- A military airstrike targeted Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil), our correspondent reported.
- A strike targeted Ain Bourday (Baalbeck), our correspondent reported.
- Israel struck a building it had previously threatened in Douris (Bekaa.)
IRGC claim strikes on Israel and US sites in Gulf and Iraq
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted Israel as well as U.S. sites in the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Kuwait.
In a statement published by Sepah News, the Guards said they struck a gathering point for U.S. forces on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Ahmad al‑Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, and other American positions, as well as a site in Tel Aviv.
Israel says it struck Iranian site used for nuclear weapons development
Israel said it bombed the “Taleghan complex” in Iran, which it claims was used to develop key capabilities for nuclear weapons.
The site is believed to be located at Parchin, southeast of Tehran, where the Institute for Science and International Security says Iran has conducted secret military activities.
Drone crashes onto house in Shebaa as fighting continues in Khiam
An Israeli drone crashed onto the roof of a home in Shebaa in southern Lebanon without exploding.
A Lebanese Army engineering unit inspected the site before an Israeli missile destroyed the drone. Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike hit Kantara, and heavy gunfire continued in Khiam, where clashes between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces have been reported in recent days.
Israel says it killed Iranian commander linked to Hezbollah missile unit
Israel said it killed Abuzar Mohammadi, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who was active in Hezbollah’s ballistic missile unit.
According to Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, Mohammadi was a key figure coordinating between Hezbollah and senior Iranian officials and played a central role in rebuilding the group’s ballistic capabilities after Israel’s Operation Northern Arrows in 2024.
UNIFIL detected over 120 projectiles launched from Lebanese territory towards Israel
“UNIFIL is deeply concerned about the serious escalation of hostilities across the Blue Line last night,” the U.N. agency said in a statement.
“Peacekeepers detected over 120 projectiles launched from Lebanese territory towards Israel, and seven Israeli air attacks and over 120 incidents of artillery fire in response. All of these acts are serious violations of resolution 1701,” according to the statement.
“The recent escalation along the Blue Line is again causing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents and extensive destruction of neighborhoods and villages. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed, and more injured. As always in conflict, it is civilians who suffer most,” the statement said.
Hezbollah launches largest attack on Israel since war began, says Israel
Israel announced Thursday that Hezbollah carried out its largest assault since the start of the war on Wednesday night, coordinated “simultaneously” with Iran.
“Last night, Hezbollah coordinated a simultaneous attack with Iran, firing rockets and drones at cities and towns across Israel. The numbers are around 200 rockets and 20 drones,” said IDF international spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani.
He added that the assault was combined with ballistic missiles launched from Iran at the same time, marking “the largest missile barrage by Hezbollah” since the war began, though only “two or three direct hits” were recorded.
Israeli drone crashes over citizen’s house in Shebaa, Israel continues targeting southern Lebanon
- An Israeli drone fell on the roof of a citizen’s house on the outskirts of Shebaa (Hasbaya) without exploding. A Lebanese Army engineering unit is inspecting the incident. Shortly afterward, an Israeli missile targeted the fallen drone.
- An Israeli airstrike targeted the town of Qantara (Marjayoun) , coinciding with artillery shelling toward the town.
- Heavy gunfire is being heard in Khiam (Marjayoun), our correspondent reported.
Victims of Burj al-Shemali strike laid to rest in town’s cemetery
(Credit: Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
Amal Movement mourned the victims killed in Burj al-Sehmali (Sour): Fatima Awada and her children, Sadr, Fadi, and Hussein Maher Zlaghout.
The funeral was attended by Amal MP Ali Khreiss and other religious and political figures from the area. After the funeral, the bodies were laid to rest at the town’s cemetery.
Katz: Israel to expand operations in Lebanon after Hezbollah barrage
The Israeli military has been instructed to expand its operations in Lebanon, Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday, after Hezbollah a heavy barrage of fired rockets at Israel overnight.
Katz warned Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that if the Lebanese government could not prevent Hezbollah from attacking Israel, Israel "would do it ourselves", according to a statement released by his office.
9 pro-Iranian fighters killed in Iraq airstrikes
Airstrikes targeting a pro-Iranian base in Iraq, listed as a terrorist group by the U.S., killed at least nine fighters and injured ten others, security officials told AFP.
“The base was destroyed and rescue teams arriving on site were also targeted,” one official said, noting that the death toll could rise.
‘We will abandon all restraint’: Iran warns against any attack on its islands
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that attempts to invade Iranian islands would provoke an unrestrained response.
“Any aggression against the soil of Iranian islands will shatter all restraint,” Ghalibaf wrote on X. “We will abandon all restraint and make the Persian Gulf run with the blood of invaders.”
Powerful strike against threatened building in Douris
A powerful Israeli strike targeted the threatened building in Douris (Bekaa), our correspondent reported. The strike was preceded by a warning strike.
Israel says it has launched 'wide‑scale strikes' across Iran
Israel announced it began a new wave of “large‑scale” airstrikes on infrastructure across Iran, targeting sites linked to the Iranian regime, while also striking Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, the military said.
The strikes are part of a broader escalation in the regional conflict, with explosions reported in Tehran and other Iranian areas amid ongoing exchanges involving Iran, Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
Horror in Ramlet al-Baida after deadly drone strike: 'We saw a little girl thrown into the air'
In Ramlet al-Baida, a drone strike hit a car overnight, killing eight people. Displaced residents, drying clothes on railings near tents, described the scene.
Two men from Aana, now in Beirut, said they were near the blast: “It was horrible, we saw a little girl thrown into the air,” said one. “Whenever Israel takes hits, it lashes out at civilians.”
His friend, injured and bandaged, added: “What’s their goal? To make us leave? We’ll stay — at home, with the resistance [Hezbollah], until our last breath.”
Journalist Soulayma Mardam Bey reported that the army is sweeping the area, and an unexploded Israeli missile remains on site.
A displaced mother complained about humiliating conditions: “Even schools won’t let us change clothes — the reception is catastrophic.”
Israeli army strikes Qsarnaba, threatens Douris in Bekaa
The Israeli Army struck a building in Qsarnaba, about 20 km from Baalbeck, after earlier warning residents to evacuate. The army also threatened a building in Douris, roughly four kilometers from Baalbeck.
In a message on X, spokesperson Avichay Adraee cited imminent strikes on “Hezbollah military infrastructure” and urged anyone in the area to move at least 300 meters away.
Israeli FM: Hezbollah main obstacle to peace with Lebanon
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told The Times of Israel that while negotiations with the Lebanon government could be possible, the “current problem” is that such talks “cannot stop the fire coming from Lebanese territory” — meaning Hezbollah. He described the Shiite group as “the main obstacle” to peaceful relations with Lebanon, with whom Tel Aviv has “no major disputes,” aside from minor border technicalities.
Saar added that the recent resumption of Hezbollah attacks does not mean Israel’s 2024 offensive against the group was “a failure.” He said Hezbollah’s capabilities had been significantly reduced, noting: “The threat remains, but it is smaller.”
Multiple Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon; Wadi Houjeir bridge destroyed
Israeli forces carried out several attacks across southern Lebanon. A drone struck a vehicle belonging to the civil defense of the Islamic Health Committee (Hezbollah first responders) near Tamirieh on the outskirts of Touline, causing no injuries.
Tank-mounted machine guns targeted the outskirts of Kfar Shuba, while at dawn, the Kantara Bridge in the strategic Wadi Houjeir was completely destroyed in an airstrike.
Iran says it targeted Shin Bet headquarters, Israeli air bases with drones
Iran’s army says it has attacked two Israeli air bases and the Tel Aviv Shin Bet headquarters with drones.
The attacks targeted the Palmachim air base, west of the city of Yavne on the Mediterranean coast, and the Ovda air base in southern Israel, IRNA reported.
Israel threatens strike on building in Qsarnaba, Bekaa
The Israeli Army has threatened a building in Qsarnaba, about 20 km from Baalbeck, urging residents to evacuate. In a message on X, army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said a “strike on Hezbollah military infrastructure” was imminent and called on people in the area to move at least 300 meters away.
Italian base in Erbil attacked, no casualties reported
An Italian base in Erbil, in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, was reportedly attacked, but no personnel were injured. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the incident, saying all soldiers are safe in their bunker and confirming he spoke with the Italian ambassador in Iraq.
The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions since the start of the Middle East war, with the autonomous Kurdistan region and Erbil repeatedly targeted by suspected pro-Iranian factions, most of which have been intercepted by air defenses.
South Lebanon: Israeli strikes continue to cause devastation
- An Israeli drone carried out a strike in Kherbeh, near Sarafand, south of Saida.
- Israeli fighter jets targeted Sultanieh (Bint Jbeil district), Houmin Tahta (Nabatieh), Adsheet (Marjayoun).
- An Israeli air strike on Barish (Sour district) killed three people
- An Israeli air strike on Teffahta (Saida) killed a couple.
- In Doueir (Nabatieh), a missile was fired at the village but did not explode.
Overnight, the Health Ministry confirmed that four people were killed in a strike on Wednesday on Burj al-Shemali (Sour): a mother and her three children, all members of the Islamic al-Rissala Scouts, the medic association affiliated with the Amal Movement.
Meanwhile, a Hezbollah exploding drone struck around 11 p.m. the “Radar” hill in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. The attack has not yet been claimed by the group.
Hezbollah says it targeted Israeli naval command headquarters south of Haifa
Hezbollah said it launched rockets toward the headquarters of the Israeli special naval operations unit “Shayetet 13,” known as “Flotilla 13,” in Atlit, south of Haifa, about 50 kilometers south of the south Lebanon border.
The group said it used “precision rockets” in the attack, launched at 4:10 a.m. Thursday.
Hezbollah also said it launched a “swarm of suicide drones” at the Meron air surveillance base, less than 10 kilometers from the border, claiming the strike damaged one of the base’s radar systems.
Separately, at 1:15 a.m., Hezbollah fighters fired artillery shells at Israeli soldiers positioned at the Israeli military site in Markaba (Marjayoun).
Israeli strikes on Ramlet al-Baida and Aramoun kill 11, injure 32
In addition to strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, an Israeli drone strike on a car in Ramlet al-Baida, along Beirut’s seafront, killed eight people and wounded 31 others, according to a new toll released Thursday morning by the Health Ministry.
The area had become a refuge for thousands of people displaced by Israeli threats and strikes, who have resorted to sleeping in the streets or in their vehicles.
South of the capital, in the Aley district, Israeli attacks hit Aramoun twice, killing three people and wounding a child, according to the Health Ministry.
Night of horror in Lebanon as Israeli threats and strikes escalate
Last night was marked by a significant escalation in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with numerous Israeli strikes and the first coordinated attacks claimed by Hezbollah and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
During the night, Israeli media reported repeated threats targeting Lebanese “civilian infrastructure” in an attempt to pressure Beirut to disarm Hezbollah.
Hezbollah, for its part, announced the launch of a joint attack with Iran against Israel.
Israel then carried out about 10 powerful strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Israeli army said it destroyed “10 buildings in 30 minutes.”
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