Herzog welcomes French offer to facilitate talks between Lebanon, Israel; ground offensive 'must be avoided,' say Germany, Canada, France, Italy, UK | LIVE

Netanyahu sends New Year's greetings to Iranians

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent New Year's greetings to Iranians on Monday for the upcoming Persian New Year, Nowruz, as Israel continues its war against Iran.

"To the courageous Iranian people, I wish you, as every year, a joyous holiday, beginning with the Festival of Fire," Netanyahu said in a video message, referring to the "Chaharshanbe Suri" festival, celebrated annually on the night of the last Wednesday of the Iranian year.

"This year, this festival has a special significance... I take this opportunity to wish you a happy Nowruz, a year of freedom. A new beginning full of hope for all of you," the Israeli prime minister continued, referring to the festival whose celebrations will begin at the end of the week.

Israeli army attempts to infiltrate Aita al-Shaab

According to our correspondent, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on Aita al-Shaab (Bint Jbeil) in preparation for an advance by its troops towards the town. Clashes then broke out in the village between Hezbollah and soldiers attempting to enter it.

The Israeli air force also bombed Srifa (Sour), without causing any injuries. It then targeted a house in Deir Kifa (Sour) with several missiles.

Israeli drones and airstrikes in Bekaa

Israeli army drones flew at medium altitude over the towns of Baalbeck and Douris, reports our correspondent in the Bekaa Valley.

Two airstrikes also targeted Lebbaya, in western Bekaa.

Hezbollah strikes Ramat David air base, barracks in occupied Golan Heights, targets soldiers in Khiam

In a statement, Hezbollah explained that the Israeli army used helicopters to evacuate, under fire and smoke, soldiers wounded by two earlier attacks by the party on Merkava tanks in Taybeh. Hezbollah then launched missile attacks on the area at 9 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.

The party also claimed responsibility for a strike against the Ramat David air base, which targeted radars and control rooms with kamikaze drones. It also targeted the Katsavia barracks in the occupied Golan Heights with kamikaze drones.

Hezbollah also struck the Hadabet al-Ejel site in the northern part of the Israeli town of Kfar Yuval at 10 p.m. At 9:35 p.m, Hezbollah missiles targeted Israeli soldiers located between the stadium and the Khiam prison.

200 US troops wounded in 7 countries since start of war against Iran, according to military

The U.S. military has recorded approximately 200 troops wounded in seven different countries since the start of the war against Iran, a spokesperson announced Monday.

"Ten are categorized as seriously wounded," said Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. military command in the region. "The vast majority of the injuries are minor, and more than 180 troops have already returned to duty," he added.

The wounded U.S. soldiers were in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan, according to the spokesperson.

Kuwait says it arrested 16 people affiliated with Hezbollah, suspected of plotting sabotage, AFP reports

Kuwait announced Monday the arrest of 16 people — 14 Kuwaitis and two Lebanese nationals — affiliated with Hezbollah who had planned a sabotage operation in the Gulf state.

This group "aimed to destabilize the country's security and recruit individuals to join the terrorist organization," which is involved in the ongoing war in the Middle East, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

A number of weapons, camera drones, and Morse code communication devices were seized, the statement added.

Iraq: Second loud explosion heard in Baghdad

A second explosion was heard Monday evening in central Baghdad, where an AFP journalist witnessed U.S. embassy air defenses intercepting a projectile near the site.

The AFP journalist saw the explosion over the Tigris River, at the foot of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone, where earlier a projectile that landed on the roof of a hotel had caused a fire, without causing any casualties or damage.

Israeli president calls on Europe to support 'any effort to eradicate Hezbollah'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on European countries Monday to “support any effort to eradicate” Hezbollah, in an interview with AFP.

“Europe should support any effort, any effort, to eradicate Hezbollah, now,” Herzog said. Europeans should “understand that if you want to move forward, sometimes you have to win a war,” he added.

War with Iran marks 'historic turning point,' Israeli president tells AFP

The war against Iran marks a "historic turning point," Israeli President Isaac Herzog told AFP on Monday.

"We are at a historic turning point," Herzog said, "a moment when, after endless wars for well over a generation, bloodshed and terror, the root cause of it all, which comes from Tehran, will be blocked and stopped and the trajectory of the entire region will be transformed."

Major Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon 'must be avoided,' say Germany, Canada, France, Italy, UK

The leaders of five Western countries declared in a joint statement Monday that a large-scale Israeli ground operation in Lebanon “must be avoided.”

“A large-scale Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict,” the joint statement from the leaders of Germany, Canada, France, Italy and the United Kingdom stated.

“The humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including the ongoing mass displacement of people, is already deeply alarming,” it further warned. The leaders of the five countries also “condemned Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran in hostilities,” calling on it to “lay down its arms.”

French mediation offer to Lebanon: Israeli president hails 'very positive development'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the French offer to facilitate direct talks between Lebanon and Israel on Monday as “a very positive development,” in an interview with AFP.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israel on Saturday to accept “direct talks” with the Lebanese government and “all components” of Lebanon, which he said he was ready to “facilitate” by “welcoming them to Paris.”

“I think this is a very positive development,” Herzog said in response to a question about President Macron’s proposal. “I think it’s very important that there be talks… These talks are very important because it’s time we had the opportunity to move forward with Lebanon,” he added.

Drone strike sparks fire at major oil field in UAE

A drone attack sparked a fire at a major oil field in the United Arab Emirates on Monday, authorities said, as Iran continued its drone and missile tests in the Gulf.

The attack hit the Shah oil field, located 230 kilometers south of Abu Dhabi, according to the emirate's authorities, who reported no injuries.

This oil field has a production capacity of approximately 70,000 barrels of crude oil per day, according to ADNOC, the UAE's national oil company.

Reza Pahlavi establishes transitional justice committee

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, announced Monday the establishment of a transitional justice committee, headed by 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi.

"Today, with pride and a commitment to justice for each and every one of you, I have established a committee tasked with drafting the regulatory framework for transitional justice. This committee will be responsible for drafting the regulatory framework for a truth and justice commission," Pahlavi wrote on his X account.

The 78-year-old lawyer Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, "has agreed to chair this committee," he added. Writer Iraj Mesdaghi, Leyla Bahmany and Afshin Ellian, representing "four generations of Iranian experts," according to Pahlavi, will also serve on the committee.

Pahlavi, who has not returned to Iran since the 1979 revolution that overthrew the monarchy, leads one of the many opposition movements based abroad and presents himself as an alternative in the event of the fall of Iranian power.

Iraq: Fire breaks out on roof of hotel after drone attack targeting US embassy

Hezbollah capable of 'stirring country, overthrowing government,' says Qomati

"We are capable of shaking the country and overthrowing the government, but our patience has its limits," declared Mahmoud Qomati, vice-president of Hezbollah's Political Council, according to reports by MTV.

"The Vichy government arrested and executed resistance fighters, then it was overthrown and its traitors executed. God willing, we will not come to that," he added.

"A direct confrontation with the current political power seems inevitable after the war, whatever the outcome. The Lebanese government is no longer fit to govern the country, and its positions only serve the Israeli enemy. A confrontation is therefore imminent, and the traitors will pay for their treachery," he emphasized.

Communication channel between Araghchi, Witkoff reactivated, according to Axios

A direct communication channel between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has been reactivated in recent days, a U.S. official told Axios.

Before UN, Iran says it will not yield to 'illegal aggression'

Iran reiterated on Monday before the U.N. Human Rights Council that it "will not submit" to the "illegal aggression" by the U.S. and Israel, asserting that its citizens are in "grave danger" due to the ongoing strikes on the country.

Before the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, where countries were debating the human rights situation in Iran – particularly following the bloody crackdown on protesters in recent months – Tehran stated that attention should instead be focused on the war in the Middle East.

"The most urgent and fundamental human rights issue in Iran is the imminent threat to the lives of 90 million people, whose lives are in immediate and grave danger under the shadow of reckless military aggression," said Ali Bahreini, Iran's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva.

Clashes resume in Khiam

Heavy clashes resumed this evening in the center of Khiam between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, according to our correspondent, who adds that the Israeli army is attempting to advance north of the town. Gunfire and rocket attacks were heard in the area.

Our correspondent also reports that an Israeli fighter jet struck Aita al-Shaab (Bint Jbeil).

Israeli soldier was moderately injured, according to Haaretz

An Israeli soldier was moderately injured in an accident in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army reported, according to Haaretz.

Meanwhile, Iranian missiles and Hezbollah rockets have killed 12 people and wounded 247 in Israel since the start of the war 17 days ago, the newspaper also reported.

Hezbollah targeted second Israeli tank in Taybeh

Hezbollah says it attacked a second Israeli Merkava tank in Taybeh at 8:50 p.m. with a guided missile, "in defense of Lebanon and its people."

Israel kills 1, injures 5 in Maarakeh

Earlier today, an Israeli airstrike hit an apartment in Maarakeh, killing one person and injuring five others.

The wounded were taken to the hospital by the al-Rissala Scouts Civil Defense from the city of Sour.

In addition, a drone strike targeted the town of Nabatieh Fawqa, according to our correspondent.

Hezbollah strikes Israeli army in Taybeh, Odaisseh, Aitaroun

At 3:30 p.m., Hezbollah struck Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the Taybeh area (Marjayoun) with missiles, and also in Tallet al-Khezzen in the Odaisseh area (Marjayoun) with artillery shells.

At 6:30 p.m., it targeted an Israeli army position in Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil) with missiles. The party targeted Taybeh again at 8:35 p.m., this time striking a Merkava tank with a guided missile.

Iraq: Spokesperson for powerful Hezbollah brigades killed

Abu Ali al-Askari, a senior commander and military spokesperson for the Iraqi armed group Kata'ib Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades, was killed, the pro-Iranian faction announced Monday.

Abu Ali al-Askari “died a martyr,” according to a statement from the group, signed by its leader, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, who did not provide details about the circumstances of his death.

A security official told AFP that Abu Ali al-Askari was the commander killed Saturday in an airstrike on the residential neighborhood of Arassat in Baghdad.

Israeli strikes in Maarakeh and Harouf

The Israeli Air Force struck a building in Maarakeh (Sour), near the Jabal Amel Hospital, at the northeastern entrance to Sour. It then struck Marj Harouf (Nabatieh), but the missile did not explode, according to our correspondent.

Negotiations with Israel: PSP calls for unified Lebanese document

The Progressive Socialist Party [PSP] affirmed in a statement its “support for negotiation as a political option to end the ongoing war,” emphasizing that “this must be done on clear terms and exclusively through the Lebanese state.”

The party called for “the drafting of a unified Lebanese document defining the objectives of the negotiations and the national principles on which these negotiations should be based,” insisting that “all Lebanese components must be included, in order to avoid repeating the mistakes observed in Lebanon over the past few decades.”

It also specified that “a cease-fire and the Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories must be prioritized, in order to help reduce tensions,” and stressed the importance of solidarity with the Lebanese Army.

Israel claims it killed more than 400 Hezbollah members, wants to 'intensify blow' against group

Israeli Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir visited the Northern Command today and inspected forces in the field. "The setback suffered by the radical regime in Iran and its weakening are also being felt in the battle against Hezbollah," the general said.

According to him, "Hezbollah is currently fighting for its own survival and is paying a heavy price for entering the battle. The pressure on it will only increase."

Zamir also indicated that "the Northern Command forces have eliminated more than 400 Hezbollah members to date."

“We are preparing for the next stage and supporting the Northern Command with more troops to expand the military operation, intensify the blow against Hezbollah, and push the threat away from our northern settlements,” he added.

“Any strike affecting the military reconstruction capabilities of Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also negatively impacts Hezbollah’s arms and funding capabilities.”

General Zamir also emphasized that “over the past two weeks, we have conducted a concentrated ground operation in southern Lebanon to push the threat away from our borders and ensure the long-term security and protection of the residents of our northern settlements.”

Finally, he concluded: “We must now focus on eliminating threats and strengthening the defense of our settlements, and in the next phase, we will intensify the blow against Hezbollah.”

Israel again orders residents of Beirut southern suburbs to evacuate

The Arabic-language spokesman for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, reiterated his call for residents of Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate.

He urged residents of Haret Hreik, Laylaki, Ghobeiri, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir, and Chiyah to leave as soon as possible.

"The Israeli army continues to operate and attack Hezbollah's military infrastructure throughout the southern suburbs with increasing force. The army does not intend to harm you. For your safety, you must evacuate immediately," the statement reads.

6 people injured in Hezbollah rocket strike in Nahariya

Six people were injured in a Hezbollah rocket strike that hit a house in Nahariya, northern Israel, The Times of Israel reports.

The Israeli military clarified that the impact was caused by a rocket fired from Lebanon, and not by a malfunctioning interceptor, as initially suspected.

Trump: 'Hezbollah is being eliminated quickly'

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that "Hezbollah is a big problem and it is being eliminated quickly."

Trump also recounted meeting "a person whose parents live in Lebanon."

"I said, 'Is that true? How do you live in Lebanon?'" the president said. "He explained to me that there's another section in Lebanon, the one where Hezbollah is. Maybe people are getting used to it, I don't know. People live in Ukraine; you'd think they wouldn't, but they live in Ukraine. I don't know if I would," he added.

Iraq reports drone attack on southern oil field, second in 4 days, according to Oil Ministry

Ezzeddine: 'Hezbollah gave Lebanese state, diplomacy a chance, to no avail'

Hezbollah MP Hassan Ezzeddine stated in an interview with Russian radio station Sputnik that “negotiating under fire” with Israel is “absolutely unacceptable.”

“Lebanon has pledged not to recognize Israel until the Arab League implements the Arab Peace Initiative and a Palestinian state is established,” he said, while emphasizing that “negotiating under fire is absolutely unacceptable.”

He also indicated that his party “will not accept any direct negotiations with [Israel], under any circumstances.” “Entering into negotiations without a unified Lebanese position and without leverage is a mistake,” he continued.

Ezzedine also emphasized that "the resistance's commitment to the cease-fire agreement has been thwarted by Israel's failure to uphold it."

He stressed that "Hezbollah gave the Lebanese state and diplomacy a chance, to no avail, which prompted it to make a unilateral decision to retaliate at the opportune moment, coinciding with the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei."

He added, "The attack against Iran cannot be ignored and has provided the resistance with an opportunity to resume the defense of Lebanon."

The MP also asserted that "any Israeli incursion into the south will result in further losses inflicted on the enemy," and that "when the choice is between confrontation and surrender, the resistance will work to prevent the occupation from advancing or making gains on Lebanese soil." "Any large-scale ground offensive could reach the north of the Litani River, or even the Awali region, given Israel's declared expansionist project," he also said, adding that "Israel could launch a massive invasion if it judged Lebanon's defense capabilities to be weakened."

Israel strikes Hezbollah civil defense center in Yater, 1 rescuer killed

An artillery strike targeted a civil defense center belonging to Hezbollah's health committee in Yater (Bint Jbeil). One rescuer was killed and another wounded, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Airstrikes also targeted an area between Mayfadoun and Choukine (Nabatieh). Zawtar Gharbieh was hit once, while Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh) was struck twice. The air force also struck Mayfadoun and Nabatieh Fawqa, and carried out two strikes on Rihan (Jezzine).

A drone strike targeted the towns of Yater and Shaqra (Bint Jbeil).

Hezbollah says launched rockets, drones at Nahariya in northern Israel

Hezbollah says it has launched rockets and drones at the city of Nahariya in northern Israel.

At least one person injured in northern Israel, according to Haaretz

At least one person was injured in northern Israel after drone and rocket warning sirens sounded for ten consecutive minutes in several cities and towns, Haaretz reports.

Rescuers indicated that the victim sustained minor injuries, adding that they were heading to a building that was reportedly hit in Nahariya, in northern Israel.

They said teams are searching the area for any other possible victims.

Strait of Hormuz: Trump calls Macron's response to his aid request 'not perfect'

Trump says he doesn't know if Iran's new supreme leader is alive

Israel has displaced over a million in Lebanon since start of war

The Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, under the Prime Minister's Office, announced Monday evening that the number of internally displaced persons in Lebanon has exceeded one million.

"The number of internally displaced persons registered with the authorities has reached 1,049,328. The number of displaced persons in reception centers stands at 132,742," the statement specifies.

The statement also notes that, according to figures from the Health Ministry, Israel has killed 886 and injured 2,141 since March 2.

'Resistance is well-prepared, ready to face the enemy': Hezbollah source told Al Jazeera

A Hezbollah source told the pan-Arab news channel Al Jazeera that “the Resistance is well-prepared and ready to face the enemy,” as fighting took place in the village of Khiam (Marjayoun), in southern Lebanon, between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army.

According to this source, “the operation in Khiam is a prelude to a ground infiltration toward the Litani River.”

“The Resistance command is working very effectively to manage the military confrontation,” the source continued. “The enemy is using the occupied Golan Heights and the settlements in Upper Galilee as a logistical base for its occupation forces. The bombing of these settlements and border bases targets these forces as they prepare to infiltrate Lebanon.”

Israeli police announce debris from missiles and interceptors has fallen on holy sites in Jerusalem

Trump criticizes some countries for not wanting to get involved in securing Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized some countries for not wanting to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, after calling for U.S. assistance in this task over the weekend.

"For 40 years, we have been protecting you, and you don't want to get involved in something very minor," the U.S. president said from the White House.

"We strongly encourage other countries to get involved with us, and to get involved quickly and with great enthusiasm," he added.

Ibl al-Saqi municipality urges residents not to leave village, despite orders from Israel

The municipality of Ibl al-Saqi (Marjayoun) issued a statement urging residents not to leave the village after some received calls from the Israeli army asking them to evacuate.

The municipality asked residents to stay home and not evacuate the village, assuring them that there is "no risk" to their safety.

It also called on residents to avoid gatherings and to stay away from the outskirts of the village. Finally, it urged residents not to allow outsiders into the village, "so as not to endanger the population."

Precarious calm in Khiam, Israeli strikes in south Lebanon

A fragile calm prevails in the town of Khiam (Marjayoun district) after several days of intense fighting between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, according to our correspondent.

An Israeli army drone also struck a motorcycle in Shaatieh (Sour), seriously injuring the driver. Another drone struck Deir Kifa (Sour).

According to witnesses, an Israeli army Hermes 450 drone crashed over Bint Jbeil and Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil). Artillery fire targeted Arnoun (Nabatieh), followed by a drone strike, reports our correspondent.

Merz urges Israel not to make 'mistake' of ground offensive

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Israel's announced ground operation in Lebanon on Monday a "mistake," urging it not to launch an "offensive" that would "further aggravate the already extremely tense humanitarian situation" in the country.

"We urge our Israeli friends: do not embark on this path," said the German leader, who was hosting Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten in Berlin.

The Israeli army announced on Monday that it had launched "limited and targeted ground operations" against the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon.

Khamenei appoints former Revolutionary Guard chief as military advisor

Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has yet to appear in public since his appointment, has appointed a former commander of the Revolutionary Guard as a military advisor, local media reported Monday.

"General Mohsen Rezaei has been appointed military advisor by order of the commander-in-chief, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei," the Mehr news agency reported. Other media outlets also reported the appointment.

Mohsen Rezaei, 71, headed the Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological arm of the Iranian military, from 1981 to 1997. He subsequently held several high-ranking positions within the Iranian political system.

Iran threatens to target US companies in the region, calls for evacuations

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened Monday to target U.S. companies throughout the region, calling on their employees to evacuate the sites.

“Employees of U.S. companies… are requested to leave these areas immediately. These areas will soon be targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the IRGC said on its official website, Sepah News.

It was not immediately clear which companies would be targeted. But last week, Tasnim published a list of potential targets on Telegram that included the offices of tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nvidia in the Gulf states.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for 2 attacks against Israeli soldiers

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two attacks: the first at 9 a.m., which it says targeted a gathering of Israeli army soldiers in Kiryat Shmona, using a squadron of kamikaze drones; and the second at 10 a.m., which targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Zar'it, using a precision missile strike.

Q&A about regional war with our co-editer-in-chief, Anthony Samrani

More than two weeks into this regional war, questions keep coming in.

Can an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon still be prevented? What concessions would the Lebanese government be willing to accept? Will the United States and Israel agree to end the war in Iran without a decisive victory? If the war in Iran were to end, would it continue in Lebanon?

Share your questions with our co-editor-in-chief, Anthony Samrani, in the comments section of this article (if you are a subscriber) or by email at livechatolj@lorientlejour.com.

He will answer them here this Monday, March 16, at 7 p.m. Lebanese time.

'We're intervening to create buffer zone up to Litani River,' says an Israeli minister.

Israeli Minister Eli Cohen stated that his country plans to create a buffer zone up to the Litani River.

“Our goal is to protect the people of Israel. We are intervening with all our might to create a buffer zone up to the Litani River, so that no Hezbollah elements can be present there,” Cohen explained in an interview with Israeli Channel 14.

Direct negotiations with Israel: We hope for a breakthrough, says Aoun

President Joseph Aoun stated that “no one expected another war from others on our land,” referring to the front opened by Hezbollah against Israel since March 2.

“We hope to reach a breakthrough through the initiative we have launched to end the daily losses suffered by all Lebanese,” he added regarding his proposal for direct negotiations with Israel.

Aoun emphasized that “the state is the sole guarantor of the protection of all,” stressing that he “remains committed to restoring state authority throughout Lebanese territory, regardless of the obstacles.”

Turkey condemns Israeli ground operations in Lebanon

Turkey on Monday "strongly condemned" the Israeli army's ground operations in Lebanon, warning of "a new humanitarian catastrophe" in the Middle East.

"We strongly condemn the Israeli ground operation in Lebanon, which exacerbates instability in the region. The implementation by the Netanyahu government of genocidal policies and collective punishment, this time in Lebanon, will lead to a new humanitarian catastrophe in the region," the Ministry said in a statement.

Israel has killed 886, injured 2,141 in Lebanon since war began

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have killed 886 people, including 111 children and 38 healthcare workers, since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, the Health Ministry announced Monday.

In addition, 2,141 people have been wounded in the two weeks of war, the Ministry added. The previous death toll, released Sunday, was 850.

Rajji denounces UNIFIL attacks, reiterates Hezbollah arms ban

Foreign Minister Joe Rajji denounced, via his X account, "the attacks targeting the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon [UNIFIL]."

UNIFIL stated on Sunday that it had been fired upon "on three separate occasions," likely by "unofficial armed groups," a probable reference to Hezbollah.

In his message, Rajji reiterated "that the Cabinet has decided to ban Hezbollah's military and security activities, deeming them illegal and has ordered the organization to surrender its weapons to the Lebanese state."

"The state's decision on this matter is clear: No non-state armed group will be allowed to plunge Lebanon into chaos to serve dubious foreign agendas," he concluded.

South Lebanon: Clashes in Maroun al-Ras between Hezbollah Israeli army

The situation in South Lebanon:

— Explosions were heard in the town of Maroun al-Ras, in the Bint Jbeil district, following an Israeli advance towards the town. Sources from our correspondent in the South reported that two Israeli tanks were targeted, and clashes and rocket fire were heard in the area.

— Airstrikes on Bani Hayan and Bint Jbeil.

— Israeli artillery fire on Taybeh and Qabrikha.

UK pledges £5M in emergency aid for displaced civilians in Lebanon

The UK is providing over £5 million in humanitarian funding to support thousands of vulnerable and displaced people across Lebanon, the Foreign Secretary announced.

Aid will be delivered through partners including the World Food Program, the Lebanese Red Cross (via the British Red Cross), and the U.N. OCHA Lebanon Humanitarian Fund.

Funding will support the social development ministry emergency program, provide medical supplies, relief items, and direct assistance to displaced families.

Ongoing UK programs are also being adapted to provide immediate lifesaving aid, including:

• 1,000 ready-to-eat meals, 2,500 hygiene kits, 1,000 blankets, and 2,500 fuel vouchers via the Lebanese Red Cross
• Relief items for 6,000 displaced individuals through the International Organization for Migration
• Emergency GBV and health services via UNFPA and partner NGOs
• Education supplies for 120,000 children and dignity kits for 10,000 girls through UNICEF

British Ambassador Hamish Cowell said: “Mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of Lebanese people is unacceptable. Civilians, healthcare workers, frontline responders, and civilian infrastructure must be protected.”

Iraq: 4 fighters killed in strike near Syrian border, Iraqi security sources tell AFP

Hezbollah and Israel escalate attacks in northern Israel and southern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes hit Adaisseh and Taybeh in Marjayoun, as well as the Rihan hills and the outskirts of Sejoud in Jezzine, our correspondent reports.

Another strike targeted the el-Arouch quarry in Aaramta (Jezzine) and the area known as “al-Assi” between Kafra and Siddiqine (Sour).

Meanwhile, an Israeli army unit in Rab al-Thalathin reportedly blew up several homes.

Hezbollah claimed two attacks on northern Israel Monday, saying it targeted the “Beit HaHayal” center in Kiryat Shmona with a rocket salvo at 5:40 a.m., followed by a second strike at 8:50 a.m. using a missile and a swarm of kamikaze drones.

Berlin warns of humanitarian impact of major Israeli ground offensive

A German government spokesperson expressed Berlin’s “deep concern” over the situation in Lebanon, warning that a major Israeli ground offensive in the south could “significantly worsen the already tense humanitarian situation.”

The spokesperson added that Germany “welcomes efforts to restart negotiations” between Israel and Lebanon.

Hezbollah says joining the war was ‘more important than the price’

Mahmoud Comati, vice president of Hezbollah’s political council, told al-Jadeed that the party’s involvement in the regional war alongside Iran, including the rocket attacks on March 2, was “more important than the price” being paid now.

He said the attacks were carried out “at the request of the residents” of southern Lebanese villages, many of whom are currently displaced.

Comati added, “It is absolutely unacceptable that Lebanon remains violated and occupied and that our prisoners remain held in Israeli prisons,” echoing Hezbollah’s long-standing goals from the November 2024 cease-fire: the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied positions, continued strikes despite the truce, and the release of Lebanese prisoners in Israel.

Katz: Israel’s ground operation in south Lebanon will continue until Hezbollah threat ends

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army’s ground operation in southern Lebanon will continue until Hezbollah no longer poses a threat to residents of northern Israel.

“The Israeli army has begun a ground maneuver in Lebanon to remove threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the north,” Katz said after a security assessment with military officials.

He added that “hundreds of thousands of Shiite residents of south Lebanon who have evacuated and are evacuating from their homes will not return to the area south of the Litani [River] until the safety of the residents of the north is guaranteed.”

Katz said he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the military to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure near the border “in order to prevent Hezbollah’s return, just as was done against Hamas in Rafah, Beit Hanoun and the terror tunnels in Gaza,” referring to operations against Hamas.

He also issued a direct warning to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, saying the group would pay a “heavy price” for its actions and accusing him of hiding underground while “over a million Lebanese” have become “refugees in their own country.”

“If he misses Hassan Nasrallah and Ali Khamenei,” Katz added, referring to Hassan Nasrallah and Ali Khamenei, “he will soon be able to meet them in the depths of hell.”

Saudi and UAE leaders condemn Iran for 'dangerous escalation'

Saudi Crown Prince and UAE President held a phone call Monday to condemn Iran for what they called “a dangerous escalation” targeting its Gulf neighbors.

They discussed “the ongoing and blatant Iranian attacks against countries in the region,” according to a statement from the UAE news agency WAM.

The leaders said the continued strikes, launched in retaliation to the U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran, “represent a dangerous escalation threatening the security and stability of the region.”

Hezbollah and Iran launch coordinated missile barrage on Israel

A coordinated barrage of missiles and rockets from Hezbollah and Iran was fired toward Israel around midday, setting off air-raid sirens in Haifa and Jerusalem, according to Israeli media reports.

The barrage, involving launches from both Lebanon and Iran, reflects a further escalation in cross‑border hostilities as the conflict continues.

Israeli strikes hit multiple southern Lebanon towns and block key road

Israeli airstrikes targeted several towns in southern Lebanon, including Haboush, Kfour, and Kfarjoz (Nabatieh), Kafra and Yater (Bint Jbeil), and Jbal al-Botm (Sour), according to local correspondent.

In addition, an Israeli army unit reportedly blocked the al-Abra junction near Wazzani using earth embankments, cutting off the main road in the area.

Israeli troops advance in southern Lebanon

Israel pushed into new areas of southern Lebanon on Monday, sending troops to target Hezbollah positions.

Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani told Reuters that soldiers were in “new locations that our troops were not operating yesterday,” describing the operations as “limited and targeted.” He declined to specify how far troops would advance or whether they would hold new positions.

Latest developments in southern Lebanon: Mosque strike, 4 bodies recovered in Qantara

Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including Aitit (Sour), Toulin and Khiam (Marjayoun), as well as Jbal al-Botm (Sour).

One strike hit the Abu al-Fadel mosque in the Serail district of Nabatieh.

Israeli artillery also shelled Yohmor al-Chaqif (Nabatieh) and the outskirts of Qabrikha (Marjayoun).

Meanwhile, after two days of searches, the bodies of Youssef al-Saghir, his wife, and their two children were recovered from the rubble in Qantara.

The Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes on this village have killed four people, including two children.

Iran says any end to US-Israeli war must be definitive, semi-official SNN news agency says

Iran has not requested a cease-fire, Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said on Monday according to the semi-official Students News Network, and wants to ensure that any end to the war with Israel and the U.S. is definitive.

Aragchi said that the Strait of Hormuz is only closed to "enemies and those supporting their aggression".

A foreign ministry spokesperson added that states not party to the war have been able to transit their vessels through the strait with coordination and permission from Iran's armed forces.

Berlin announces $215 million aid package for Lebanon

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced €188 million (around $215 million) in aid for Lebanon, Reuters reports. He made the announcement from Brussels ahead of a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.

Israel launches new strikes across Iran

At 12:06 p.m. Beirut time, Israel announced new airstrikes targeting Tehran, Shiraz in the south, and Tabriz in the northwest.

In a military statement, the Israeli army said it had “just launched a large wave of strikes targeting the infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime in Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz.”

Israeli forces raid Hezbollah weapons site in southern Lebanon

At 12:03 p.m. Beirut time, Israel’s 91st Division reported attacking a “Hezbollah military structure” in southern Lebanon over the weekend, without specifying the village.

The army said it had also searched the surrounding area, discovering numerous weapons, including dozens of rockets, explosives, and ammunition.

Israeli forces added that they had “neutralized” two Hezbollah fighters who were advancing toward them, though it was unclear if this was directly related to the raid.

Explosions rock Tehran following Israeli airstrikes

Explosions were heard in Tehran, the Iranian capital, AFP reports, just hours after Israel announced large-scale airstrikes overnight.

Witnesses reported hearing the blasts in the city center, where air defense systems were activated.

Tehran had already been shaken by powerful explosions during the night, raising concerns about escalating tensions and the potential for further attacks in the city.

Iran’s internet blackout enters 17th day, connectivity still near zero

The internet blackout in Iran has now entered its 17th day, totaling 384 hours of severely restricted connectivity, monitoring group NetBlocks announced on X.

Over the past 24 hours, NetBlocks has tracked a decline in telecom network infrastructure that remains accessible, further limiting VPN access and pushing some previously allowed services offline.

Trump considers ground operation on Iran’s Kharg oil terminal, Axios reports

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering taking control of Iran’s main oil terminal on Kharg Island, an operation that would require “the deployment of U.S. forces on the ground if tankers remain bottled up in the Persian Gulf,” Axios reported, citing U.S. officials.

The United States continues strikes against Iranian targets across the country, focusing particularly on the Persian Gulf coastline and Kharg Island, a strategic terminal about 25 kilometers off Iran’s coast that handles roughly 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports.

On Friday, Trump announced he had ordered strikes on military installations on the island while sparing its oil facilities. On Saturday, he told NBC that the U.S. “may hit it a few more times just for fun.”

“No one should read into anything more than what the president announced,” a senior White House official said. “The president has made no decisions on Kharg Island,” adding that “that could change” if efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drag on. “The president is not going to wait around and let the Iranians dictate the pace of the conflict.”

Iran warns regional countries against cooperating with Iran International

The Iranian military has warned countries in the region against any cooperation with Iran International, the London-based TV channel, saying that infrastructures used to support the network would be considered potential targets.

In a statement released Monday evening, the Khatam al-Anbiya joint command center accused the channel of “using satellite capabilities and media infrastructures of certain regional countries to create tensions, fabricate false narratives, and serve the goals of criminal America and the Zionist regime.” It added that any “elements cooperating” with the network could be “listed as targets of the Islamic Republic.”

Iran has classified Iran International as a “terrorist organization” since 2022 and recently claimed it is affiliated with Israel, warning that cooperation with the channel could lead to sanctions. On Sunday, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of at least 18 people accused of sending images and information to the network.

Hezbollah targets Israeli positions in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah announced it targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and vehicles on al-Khazzan hill in Adaisseh (Marjayoun) on Sunday at 5 p.m. using artillery shells.

After midnight, it also struck Israeli positions at Jdeidet Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun) and Jabal al-Bat near Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil).

The group further claimed two rocket attacks on northern Israel, including strikes near the Ajal position north of the Kfar Yuval settlement, and targeted soldiers in Hounin in the “Finger of Galilee” at 2:35 a.m.

Evacuations ordered in southern Lebanon

At 9:22 a.m., municipalities in Harouf, Shoukin, and Shabriha called for residents to temporarily evacuate following Israeli warnings.

Harouf residents were advised to move north, while Shoukine requested extra time to organize a convoy.

Shabriha used mosque loudspeakers to announce evacuation orders. These towns are south of the Zahrani river in an area Israel had called for full evacuation last week.

Three killed in Israeli strike on Hezbollah ambulance

At 9:31 a.m. Beirut time, three people, including two rescuers, were killed in an Israeli strike on an ambulance of the Islamic Health Committee (Hezbollah’s rescue association) in Kfar Sir (Nabatieh). The rescuers were responding to a bombed home.

Three air raids also hit Shakra (Bint Jbeil) earlier that morning.

Civilian killed in Abu Dhabi missile strike

At 9:15 a.m., a Palestinian civilian was killed in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi when a missile struck his vehicle. Iranian attacks in the Gulf are believed to be retaliatory to U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Violent night in southern Lebanon

From Sunday night to Monday, southern Lebanon saw heavy Israeli airstrikes and artillery targeting many towns.

Clashes continued in Khiam, with drones over multiple towns and artillery hitting Halta, Wadi Khansa, Majidieh, Dibbin, Khardali, Meifdoun, Taybeh (Marjayoun), Rihan (Jezzine), and Bint Jbeil.

Israeli army announces limited ground operations

At 9:09 a.m., Israel announced “limited and targeted ground operations” against key Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to reinforce an advanced defensive zone along the border.

Spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the 91st division began operations after artillery and airstrikes, dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure to add a layer of security for northern Israeli towns.

Since the 2024 autumn war, Israel has occupied at least six positions in Lebanese territory. Hezbollah says it resists daily incursions along the border.

Live coverage of Middle East war continues

We begin coverage of the 13th day of escalating conflict on the Lebanon front and across the Middle East, including recent Iranian threats against Doha and Dubai.

For what you missed over the weekend, read our Morning Brief for a full summary of key developments.