Update on Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes targeted Kfar Tibnit in "two waves" and Mayfadoun, in the Nabatieh district.
Israeli airstrike targeted an ambulance for the Islamic Health Committee, affiliated to Hezbollah, at the roundabout in the town of Kfar Tibnit. Our correspondent reported one person was killed and four others were injured in the attack.
Shortly before midnight, Israeli airstrikes targeted Shaqra (Bint Jbeil) in "two waves" and Kfara (Bint Jbeil) in "several waves" and Majdal Selm (Marjayoun), Kounin (Bint Jbeil) and Ainata (Bint Jbeil). Also, Israeli artillery shelling also targeted the towns for Kafra, Majdal Selm, Qabrikha (Marjayoun), Bint Jbeil, Touline (Marjayoun) and Wadi al-Houjeir.
Trump: 'I guess we don't have to be there for NATO'
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States does not "have to be there for NATO" given the alliance declined to provide material support to the U.S. during its ongoing war on Iran.
Revolutionary Guards pay tribute to killed intelligence chief
Iranian news agencies reported on Saturday morning (after midnight) that a funeral ceremony had been held in honor of Behnam Rezaei, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' navy intelligence, Reuters reports.
The confirmation comes days after the Israeli army announced that it had killed Rezaei in a strike in Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Saudi Arabia says it intercepted ballistic missile targeting Riyadh region
Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday that it had intercepted a missile targeting the capital Riyadh region, as Iran continues its retaliatory attacks against targets in the Gulf.
"A ballistic missile fired in the direction of the Riyadh region was intercepted and destroyed," the Defense Ministry said on X.
Iran condemns 'heinous crime' killing of 6 diplomats in Lebanon
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned the assassination of its diplomats in Lebanon, releasing the names of six of its officials killed by Israel in what is said were attacks on their residences.
It denounced what it described as a "heinous crime" and a "terrorist" act, saying that the attack violated diplomatic immunity and Lebanese sovereignty. It added that the country will pursue legal and international means to hold Israel accountable.
The list, published via Sepah, a media affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) the names of the six killed officials. Saudi channel, al-Hadath TV, included photos and ranks within the corps, raising questions about their roles.
The six killed were identified as Alireza Biazar, Majid Hassani Kandasar, Hossein Ahmadloo, Ahmad Rasouli, Sayyed Mohammad Reza Mousavi and Amir Maradi. The first four were killed in the Israeli strike on their room at the Ramada Hotel in Raouche, Beirut. It remains unclear how the last two were killed.
It is worth noting that on March 10 Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, wrote in a letter to the U.N. Secretary-General documenting the assassination of the four diplomats killed in the strike on Ramada Hotel.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Beirut and Tehran. Earlier this week, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry Joe Rajji expelled Iranian ambassador Mohammad Shibani over interference in domestic affairs — a move that angered Hezbollah and Amal, whose ministers boycotted a Cabinet meeting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held talks Friday with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
At least 1 killed and 2 wounded after missile strikes from Iran
At least one person was killed, and two others were wounded Friday night in Israel after Iran fired ballistic missiles at the area, emergency medical service Magen David Adom CEO Eli Bin said.
"The fatality is a 60-year-old male, according to medics. Two people were reported wounded at another impact site in the city," Haaretz reported.
Shortly before, the Israeli army had warned on Telegram of missile strikes from Iran, saying that "defense systems" had "gone into action to annihilate the threat."
It had announced that it was sending search and rescue teams to the impact areas in the center of the country.
Missiles fired by Iran at Israel, Israeli army says
The Israeli army reported on Friday night that missiles had been fired by Iran towards Israeli territory on the 28th day of the war, while sirens sounded in Jerusalem, according to AFP journalists.
"Defense systems are in action to annihilate the threat," the army said on Telegram.
Israeli attack on Sarafand killed 1 and injured 17: Health Ministry
According to the Health Ministry's Emergency Operations Center, the Israeli attack on the village of Sarafand, Saida district, today, killed one person and wounded 17 others.
Yemen's Houthis say that they will join the war if attacks on Iran escalate.
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Friday they were ready to intervene militarily under certain conditions, including if new allies join the United States and Israel in their war against Iran or if the Red Sea is used to launch attacks on Iran.
Military spokesperson Yahya Saree made the remarks in a televised speech as the U.S.-Israeli war on Tehran approached the end of its fourth week.
Lebanon's health care system under strain amid war and displacement
The ongoing war is taking a heavy toll on Lebanon’s health care system, Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO Lebanon’s head of mission, said in an interview with CNN.
He explained that some medical facilities have been hit and some forced to close, while many health workers have fled areas under evacuation orders, leaving critical gaps in workers.
Emergency medical supplies are in short supply, partly due to disruptions in regional shipping and skyrocketing costs. Abubakar noted that only one airline is currently operating, further complicating the delivery of essential aid.
“The impact on health care is severe.”
Security situation updates from southern Lebanon
Reported from our regional correspondent and the state-run National News Agency
- Israeli strikes targeted the villages of Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh) and Majdal Zoun (Sour)
- Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Israeli airstrike Mansouri (Sour).
- Israeli airstrike also targeted Yohmor, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, Kafra and Shakra
- Hezbollah announced that it had targeted, at around 8:45 p.m., a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the village of Bayyada.
Witkoff says U.S. hopes for meetings with Iran soon
President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said that the United States was hopeful that there would be meetings with Iran this week.
"We think there will be meetings this week. We're certainly hopeful for it," Witkoff said at an investment forum in Miami, Florida.
"We have a 15-point deal on the table that the Iranians have had for a bit of time. We expect an answer from them, and it would solve it all," he said.
Aragchi reaffirms to Berri 'Iran's support for Lebanon's sovereignty' in a phone call
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced.
Araghchi "welcomed the principled positions of the Lebanese Parliament speaker in favor of national unity and reaffirmed Iran's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the ministry said.
For his part, Berri said that the Israeli attacks on Lebanon are aimed at "destroying the country's vital infrastructure and causing the forced displacement of Lebanese citizens from their regions."
"The two sides finally stressed the importance of strengthening and developing bilateral relations between the two countries," the statement concluded.
Israeli army says it launches series of strikes against Hezbollah
The Israeli army's Arabic spokesperson said that the army is carrying out "a series of extensive airstrikes targeting the infrastructure of Hezbollah terror in Beirut."
Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs
An Israeli strike targeted the Mreijeh neighborhood of Beirut's southern suburbs.
Nuclear in Iran: IAEA reiterates its call for "military restraint"
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi on Friday reiterated "his call for military restraint in order to avoid any risk of an accident" in Iran, after Israeli-American strikes on nuclear sites, AFP reported.
"The IAEA has been informed by Iran" of an attack targeting the Arkadan plant in the central province of Yadz today. "No increase in off-site radiation levels reported," the Agency said on X.
IRGC, Aragchi vow retaliation on industrial sites in the region
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) urged employees at industrial sites in the region with links to the United States and Israel to leave those facilities, vowing retaliation for today’s Israeli-U.S. strikes.
Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi further commented on the attack on X: "Israel has hit 2 of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S. Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes"
Iran threatens 'industrial sites'
Iran will target industrial sites in retaliation for the strikes on two steel complexes, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced.
Iran promises to "make them pay a heavy price" following the strikes on steel complexes, an Iranian minister also commented following the attack.
Rubio says Iran has sent 'messages' but no response on peace plan
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Iran had not responded to a plan to end the war but had sent "messages" showing an interest in diplomacy.
"We haven't gotten it yet," Rubio told reporters in Paris after G7 talks. "We've had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system — whatever's left of it — about a willingness to talk about certain things."
U.S. President Donald Trump and top White House officials have been told via interlocutors to expect Iran's counterproposal then, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters today.
Updates on Hezbollah attacks on Israel
Hezbollah released multiple statements claiming multiple operations on Israeli troops and its northern towns:
- Two drone attacks at two Israeli Merkava tanks in the village of Bayyada (Sour) at 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., claiming to have "directly hit their targets."
- Drone attack at Israeli soldiers also in Bayyada at 3 p.m.
- Guided missile at a Merkava tank at 6 p.m., adding that it was "seen in flames."
- Squadron of drones at the "Meron Air Operations Surveillance and Management Base" in Israel at 6 p.m.
Update on Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon
- An Israeli airstrike and phosphorous artillery shells targeted the village of Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh).
- Israeli warplanes also carried out strikes on the town of Nabatieh and the villages of Braasheet (Bint Jbeil) and Arzi (Saida).
Eyal Zamir visits Israeli troops in southern Lebanon: 'We are at a historic turning point'
Israeli army Arabic spokesman Avichay Adraee released photos and videos showing Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir touring southern Lebanon.
"We are at a historic turning point," Zamir told the Israeli military on the ground. "We are acting according to a plan and an offensive approach to radically change the security situation, from Tehran to Beirut."
"This week, we have targeted bridges and crossing points north of the Litani River," he said. "These bridges were used for the passage of members of the Radwan Force and the transport of combat assets to the south, with the aim of targeting Israeli citizens."
"Your fight against Hezbollah is important," Zamir added. "Thanks to you, the group continues to weaken. We are working to dismantle the enemy and will continue to strike it on all fronts where we are asked to do so. We will continue to act and stay here as long as necessary to deal a major blow and eliminate the threat to the north."
He also said the Israeli army had "other important plans to continue the campaign."
"The northern localities are counting on you, so continue to act offensively and professionally to neutralize the threats in these areas. I have confidence in you," he concluded.
The Israeli army claimed the attack on Arak heavy water reactor in Iran.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have warned U.S.-linked and Israeli-allied industrial companies in the region to evacuate their workplaces, according to Iranian media.
The United States plans to end operations in Iran in "the next two weeks"
The U.S. expects the end of operations in Iran in "the next two weeks," said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He also called for preventing Iran from establishing a "toll system" in the Strait of Hormuz.
Update on Hezbollah attacks
In several statements, the party claimed multiple attacks on Israeli soldiers and northern Israeli towns, including:
- In one statement, several attacks detailed last night and today at dawn strikes against Israeli soldiers and vehicles in several areas of southern Lebanon. It said it fired artillery shells at the Jneijel heights in Qantara (Marjayoun) at 00:10 and at Wadi al-Ouyoun area in Dibil (Marjayoun) at 05:00. The group also launched salvos of rockets at Baydar al-Faqaani in Taybeh (Marjayoun) at 1:00 a.m. and at Qantara village square at 2:45 a.m.
- Drones launched at Israeli soldiers in the village of Bayyada at 2:00 p.m. and a guided missile at a Merkava tank in the same village at 2:30 p.m., claiming to have hit its target "directly."
- Several operations targeting northern Israel. It said it had fired "advanced missiles" at the Israeli base in Tifen, east of Acre, at air defense systems in Ma'alot-Tarshiha, as well as at infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in Karmiel at 11:45 a.m.
- Drone attack at Israeli soldiers east of the Israeli village of Sasa and several attack drones at Israeli artillery positions in Givat HaEm, east of the city of Kiryat Shmona, at 2:35 p.m.
- A third salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona at 2:00 p.m. and another at Shlomi at 1:15 a.m, as part of their evacuation warning to northern Israeli towns.
- A salvo of rockets at Israeli soldiers and vehicles at the Malkiya site at 4:50 p.m.
Hezbollah claims surface-to-air missile at Israeli plane over Beirut, in first such claim
Hezbollah announced that it had fired a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli plane in the sky over Beirut at 5 p.m., without specifying whether the aircraft was hit. Although the group has previously fired missiles at Israeli planes over southern Lebanon, this is the first time it has announced such an attack over Beirut. No Israeli planes had been shot down in previous attacks.
Israeli strike on Jnah, Iranian embassy closes its entrances
An Israeli drone struck the al-Amana gas station in the Jnah neighborhood of southern Beirut, prompting the Iranian embassy, located near the site of the strike, to close its entrances as a precautionary measure, according to local TV channel al-Jadeed.
3 children by Israeli strikes: Health Ministry
In an update on the Israeli airstrike that hit the Khayzaran-Saksakieh intersection, killing four people, our correspondent reported that one of the victims was a three-year-old child.
In a separate statement the Health Ministry said Israeli strikes on Saksakieh killed six people, including three children, and wounded 17 others, including seven children.
Over 300 US servicemen injured since the start of the war on Iran
More than 300 U.S. military personnel have been injured, the majority slightly, since the start of the war with Israel against Iran, the U.S. military said Friday, in addition to the deaths of 13 soldiers.
Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the U.S. Middle East Command, CENTCOM, told AFP that most of these injures were minor and that 273 soldiers have already returned to duty.
Ten of them remain seriously injured, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity.
Iranian uranium processing plant has been targeted by strikes, Iran reports
U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted a uranium processing plant in central Iran on Friday, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said.
The Ardakan plant, located in the province of Yazd in central Iran, "was the target of an attack carried out a few minutes ago by the American-Zionist enemy," the organization said on its Telegram channel, adding that the strike had "not resulted in any release of radioactive materials."
G7 joint call for 'an immediate halt' to attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure in the Middle East
The G7 foreign ministers, meeting near Paris, urged on Friday, in a joint statement, "an immediate end to attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure" in Iran and the Middle East.
They further "reaffirmed the absolute necessity to permanently restore freedom of free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
Iran's response to the US peace proposal is expected on Friday, according to a source
Iran's response to a U.S. peace proposal aimed at ending the Middle East war is expected later this Friday, Reuters reported, citing a source briefed on the matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump and top White House officials have been informed, through interlocutors, that the Iranian counter-proposal is likely to be communicated on Friday, the source said.
Iran was considering a 15-point proposal, transmitted via Pakistan, including demands ranging from dismantling Iran's nuclear program to limiting its missile development, as well as effectively ceding control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources and reports.
G7 calls for 'safe' freedom of navigation to be 'permanently' restored in the Strait of Hormuz
Berlin urges Iran to engage in 'serious negotiations' with US
Germany on Friday urged Iran to engage in "serious negotiations" with the United States, a month after the start of the Israeli-U.S. war against Tehran, according to a statement by the German foreign minister after a G7 meeting in France.
"The Iranian regime would be well advised to engage in serious negotiations with the United States now," Wadephul said, adding that "there are initial signs that such talks could take place," after a meeting of G7 foreign ministers attended by his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio near Paris.
Heavy water research reactor in Iran attacked by airstrike
Iran's Khondab heavy water research reactor was targeted by an airstrike, Reuters reported, citing officials speaking to Fars news. "No casualties [were reported] and no danger threatens residents in the area," Reuters added.
Israel killed 1,142 people since the start of the war in Lebanon
The Health Ministry released its daily report stating that Israel has killed 1,142 people and injured 3,315 others since March 2.
Israel continues striking Beirut's southern suburbs — mass evacuation threats renewed
The Israeli army's Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said on his X account that the Israeli army "has just begun to carry out strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the southern suburbs." The message came after conducting an earlier strike.
The army once again issued a mass evacuation threat to the suburbs, namely the neighborhoods of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiri, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj el-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir and Chiyah.
Major Israeli strike on Tahwitat al-Ghadir
A major Israeli airstrike targeted Tahwitat al-Ghadir, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to the state-run National News Agency.
Israeli army claims it found hundreds of weapons inside school in Khiam
The Israeli army's spokesperson for the Arabic media, Avichay Adraee, claimed in a post on X that Israeli forces "discovered hundreds of weapons" inside a school in the town of Khiam (Marjayoun district).
"As part of the concentrated ground operation conducted by the Givati Brigade to expand the security zone in southern Lebanon, the 13th Naval Commando Unit carried out a precise raid ... in Khiam," the statement reads. "The forces discovered hundreds of combat weapons inside the school, including anti-tank missiles, mortar shells, hand grenades, launch platforms, light weapons, mines, explosives, and detonators. Evidence linked to the UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] was also found."
Israel has been advancing its invasion of south Lebanon and intensifying its threats of turning it into a buffer zone.
Israeli strikes on Saksakieh kill at least 4
Israeli strikes on Saksakieh (Saida) killed four people, including a three-year-old, and injured eight others, according to our correspondent.
After two strikes on Saksakieh, Israel launched another on Sarafand in the same area, between Kharroubi Hospital and a shopping center.
Hezbollah claims rocket fire on Nahariya and Beit Hillel in northern Israel
Hezbollah said it carried out attacks on Nahariya, in northern Israel, and Beit Hillel, in its far north.
Israeli army claims it discovered weapons in a 'Hezbollah tunnel'
The Israeli army said in a statement on X that during operations by its 401st Brigade in southern Lebanon, forces “identified a Hezbollah operative emerging from a tunnel while opening fire in their direction,” adding that Israeli troops responded quickly and “neutralized” him. The statement did not specify where the clashes took place.
Troops then searched the area and located the tunnel from which the operative had emerged, where maps and various types of weapons were found, including firearms, RPG launchers and equipment allowing for “prolonged stays,” the statement said.
Israeli army says it is 'deployed in advanced positions' in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army’s spokesperson for foreign media, Effie Defrin, said Israeli forces were “deployed in advanced positions in southern Lebanon, in the border area” with Israel.
In a video message in English, Defrin said Israel “will not allow Hezbollah to rearm,” accusing the group of having “stockpiled weapons” in the South after the Nov. 27, 2024, cease-fire agreement.
He referred to a video excerpt from an interview with Wafiq Safa, former head of the group’s liaison unit, in which Safa mentions the group’s rearmament in recent months.
Defrin added that with “funding and training from the Iranian regime,” Hezbollah has “stockpiled missiles and exploding drones and is training ground forces.”
“If the Lebanese government does not disarm Hezbollah, the Israeli army will,” he said.
Israel claims it discovered Hezbollah tunnel in Khiam
The Israeli army claimed it discovered a Hezbollah tunnel near a church in Khiam (Marjayoun).
Israeli army Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said forces from the Givati Brigade, operating under the 91st Division, located “an active underground combat site in the vicinity of the church.”
During sweeping operations, troops uncovered “an opening as well as a tunnel route dug in the area.”
Adraee said the site “had already been discovered in December 2024 and cleared of military equipment and militants,” adding that three new entrances were “established by Hezbollah during the cease-fire period,” indicating “a reactivation of the site.”
Israeli strike kills at least 3 in Khayzaran, Saida district
The Israeli airstrike on the village of Khayzaran (Saida district) killed at least three people.
Rescue teams are now working to search for casualties under the rubble.
The strike also caused extensive destruction to the targeted building, nearby homes, and dozens of cars. The targeted building was inhabited and located in a densely populated residential neighborhood.
Israeli airstrikes also targeted the village of Kfar Tibnit (Sour).
Moreover, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over western Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.
Israeli airstrike on northern Bekaa cuts the international highway between Baalbeck and Homs
According to our correspondent in the Bekaa, Israeli strikes on al-Bazzalieh targeted a house and killed a woman.
The same strike also damaged the highway linking Baalbeck and the Syrian city of Homs.
Israel strikes northern Bekaa, continues attacks on south Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike targeted al-Bazzalieh in northern Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.
In south Lebanon:
- Israeli warplanes at a very low altitude broke the sound barrier over south Lebanon once again, causing buildings' doors to shake.
- Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on Habboush (Nabatieh).
- Israeli phosphorus shelling targeted Shamaa (Sour). Meanwhile, Israeli artillery shelling hit Rshaf (Bint Jbeil).
Israeli forces advance on Bayyada's outskirts
Invading Israeli troops advanced on the outskirts of Bayyada, south of Sour.
Hezbollah had announced targeting invading Israeli soldiers with gunfire, and their vehicles with guided missiles and rockets. The party also fired rocket barrages at Israeli troops in Naqoura.
Israel launched airstrikes on Bint Jbeil and Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh).
It also broke the sound barrier twice over Saida, causing panic among residents.
Hezbollah announced that it set up an ambush at 9:10 a.m. against an invading Israeli troop that attempted to advance from the outskirts of Bayyada toward Shamaa. "When the force reached the western edges of [Shamaa], our fighters engaged with it using light and medium weapons, and achieved direct hits," the group's statement added.
No refuge from war even in Beirut, UNICEF official says
People have no safe space to find refuge in Lebanon, even in Beirut, UNICEF's representative in Lebanon, Marcoluigi Corsi, told a briefing on Friday, amid Israel's war in the country.
A UNHCR official separately said around 150,000 people had been left isolated after Israel destroyed several key bridges.
Israeli officer and soldier seriously wounded in south Lebanon by Israeli grenade explosion
An Israeli officer and a soldier were seriously wounded by an Israeli army grenade explosion in southern Lebanon, Haaretz reported without providing further details.
Meanwhile, sirens sounded in northern Israel due to a rocket barrage fired from Lebanon, Haaretz added. According to the Israeli army, the rockets fell in open areas.
Iran threatens to target hotels in the region hosting American soldiers, including in Lebanon and Syria
The Iranian military threatened to target hotels and infrastructure in several Middle Eastern countries hosting U.S. troops.
"When all the Americans [forces] go into a hotel, then from our perspective that hotel becomes American," armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state television on Thursday.
In a statement on Telegram, Iran's state-affiliated Fars New Agency said "informed sources" have revealed that U.S. forces are not limited to Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates and are using "alternative bases and accommodation centres" in other countries.
The Iranian military also identified U.S. forces staying in hotels in Syria, Lebanon and Djibouti, according to Fars.
According to the agency, “alternative bases and accommodation centers for foreign forces” were identified “in the area of the former airport” and “at several other locations in the region,” notably in Lebanon, where Fars mentioned “a U.S. logistics base in the area of the former Beirut airport,” without details.
In Damascus, Fars’ sources mentioned the Four Seasons and the Sheraton, as well as “the presidential palace complex.”
Iranian attacks on U.S. bases across the Middle East forced many American troops to relocate to hotels and office spaces throughout the region, according to military personnel and American officials, cited by the New York Times.
Hezbollah claims drone and rocket strikes on northern Israel
Hezbollah also claimed attacks carried out this morning on Margaliot, using exploding drones, and Metula, using rockets, in northern Israel.
The Israeli army is attempting to advance on Bayyada, on the coast south of Sour
The Israeli army has been attempting since Friday morning to advance toward Bayyada, in the Sour district along the coast, facing attacks from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli Merkava tank southwest of Bayyada at 8:30 a.m. with a guided missile. Thirty minutes later, it said it struck Israeli soldiers “who had infiltrated a house” on the outskirts of the same village, already hit by an Israeli air strike.
Elsewhere in the Sour district, a car was hit by Israeli artillery fire and caught fire in Qleileh, while airstrikes targeted Debaal, Jwayya, Remadieh and, for the third time since the morning, Mansouri.
Strikes also hit a cultural complex in Haris, as well as Kafra and Tiri, in the Bint Jbeil district.
US weighs sending up to 10,000 troops to Middle East: WSJ
The United States is weighing sending up to 10,000 extra troops to the Middle East, U.S. media reported Friday, as speculation grows that Washington may be preparing a ground operation in Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the move would aim to provide U.S. President Donald Trump with "more military options" in the Middle East. The troops would join thousands of paratroopers and Marines who have already been ordered to the region.
Trump has repeatedly said he does not plan to send ground troops into combat with Iran.
"It is unclear where precisely forces will go in the Middle East, but they will likely be within striking distance of Iran and Kharg Island, a crucial oil export hub off Iran’s coast," the Journal said.
South Lebanon: Sit-in planned in Dibil at 10 a.m. against mobilization of soldiers and officers to Beirut or Sour
Residents of Dibil, a Christian-majority village in the Bint Jbeil district, plan to protest at 10 a.m. against a decision to mobilize Lebanese Army soldiers and Internal Security Forces to Beirut or Sour, even though their departure is “impossible due to danger on the roads,” a local source said.
Residents will take part in the protest to oppose the decision. “We want to ask the state not to put pressure on our men. Many roads are closed. They cannot reach their posts because of the danger,” the source added.
Hezbollah attacks on Kiryat Shmona, a day after record number of strikes by the group
Hezbollah said it struck Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel at 4:30 a.m. and again at 7:15 a.m. with rockets.
Yesterday marked the highest number of attacks announced by Hezbollah since the start of the war, with 94 statements reporting fire or strikes. It also said it targeted 31 Israeli Merkava tanks and twice used surface-to-air missiles against Israeli helicopters, our correspondent reported.
Ground fighting in Dibil, Qantara and Beit Lif between Hezbollah and Israeli army
In a series of statements issued overnight and this morning, Hezbollah reported ongoing ground fighting along the border, particularly in Dibil and Beit Lif in the Bint Jbeil district, as well as along the Taybeh–Qantara–Deir Siryan front in Nabatieh.
Shortly after midnight, Hezbollah said it detected Israeli soldiers in Khellet al-Jwar, east of Beit Lif, and attacked them with a guided missile.
Two hours later, at 2:15 a.m., it said it struck soldiers and military vehicles positioned near the Dibil pond, close to Beit Lif, with a barrage of rockets. Clashes had already taken place around the still-inhabited Christian-majority village on Wednesday.
Shortly after midnight, the group also carried out two strikes minutes apart on Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Khellet al-Ain, in Qantara (Marjayoun), using volleys of rockets. Minutes later, it said it targeted soldiers and vehicles in the village square with another barrage.
Around 1 a.m., a Hezbollah strike targeted Israeli soldiers and vehicles near the village cemetery with a volley of missiles.
Israel calls for evacuation of Sojod in Jezzine district
The Israeli army called for the evacuation of Sojod (Jezzine district), located between the Litani and Zahrani rivers.
Israeli airstrike injures 3 in Mansouri, Israeli drone strike on Ainata
Since the morning, strikes have also targeted Kfar Roummane and Shouqin (Nabatieh), as well as Mansouri (Sour), where three people were injured.
An Israeli army drone also fired a missile at a pickup truck in Ainata (Bint Jbeil), causing no injuries, according to our correspondent.
Earlier in the day, an apartment in Tahwitat al-Ghadir, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, was also struck by three Israeli missiles, according to security sources cited by Reuters.
South Lebanon: Israeli strikes on Sour, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil districts
An update on the situation in south Lebanon, reported by L'Orient Today's correspondent in the area:
- Sour district: Israeli airstrikes hit Bayyada near an evacuated Lebanese Army post and Majdal Zoun. Israeli artillery shelling targeted Majdal Zoun, Haniyeh and Mansouri.
- Nabatieh district: An Israeli strike on a house in Kfar Roummane injured several people; another hit Kfar Tibnit.
- Bint Jbeil district: Israeli strikes hit Haddatha's main road and Haris; artillery hit Kafra, Yater and Siddiqine.
Good morning and thank you for joining us for today's live coverage of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, Iran's regional reprisals and Israel's war on Lebanon.
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