Israeli strikes on Jnah: Cars targeted, according to NNA
The Israeli strikes on Jnah, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, targeted several vehicles, according to NNA.
Firefighters arrived to put out the fires caused by the strikes. Ambulances also arrived, with media reports suggesting the strikes resulted in several fatalities, although no official death toll is yet available.
Trump: 2-3 weeks until US withdrawal from Iran
Donald Trump says that the United States will "withdraw" from Iran "very soon," in two or three weeks’ time.
Strike on a car in Khalde, south of Beirut: 2 people killed, 1 unexploded missile, according to al-Jadeed
The Israeli strike on a car in Khalde, south of Beirut, which took place shortly before the strikes targeting Jnah in the southern suburbs of the capital, killed two people – the vehicle’s passengers – according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
NNA also reported that one of the missiles failed to explode.
Several cars ablaze at site targeted by the strikes
Several cars are ablaze near the target of the strikes in Jnah, in the area known as 'Souk al Raouche.'
According to the state-run National News Agency (NNA), the strikes emanated from warships. The Israeli army has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
At least 3 loud explosions heard in Beirut
Photo sent by local resident to L'Orient Today
According to local media and images obtained by L'Orient Today, the strikes reportedly targeted the Jnah neighborhood of Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon
In the southern region, artillery fire struck the town of Khiam as well as the surrounding heights of Debbin and Marjayoun, according to our correspondent.
Meanwhile, several air raids targeted localities in the Sour district, including Bareesh, Debaal, Baflay, and Shahabieh.
Another airstrike hit the town of al-Sharqieh in the Nabatieh district, near al-Mahdi school.
The situation remains tense as military operations continue across multiple districts.
Israeli army strikes a vehicle in Khalde, south of Beirut
Israeli strike on Najjarieh kills 4, including 2 women
A preliminary report from the health ministry indicates that an Israeli raid on the town of Najjarieh, in the Saida district, killed 4 people, including 2 women.
Israel denies involvement in UNIFIL incident
The Israeli army said Tuesday that its investigation into Monday’s incident near UNIFIL troops concluded that Israeli soldiers had not placed any explosives in the area and that no Israeli soldiers were present at the site.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, attributed the deaths of two UNIFIL peacekeepers near Bani Hayyan (Marjayoun district) to Hezbollah.
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council that initial findings point to an explosion at the roadside affecting the peacekeepers’ convoy. UNIFIL is continuing its investigation.
Warning issued to Hebbarieh
Arafat Issa, the mukhtar of Hebbarieh (Hasbaya district), told L’Orient-Le Jour that he received a call from someone claiming to be an Israeli army member, instructing the village to stay away from Hezbollah elements to protect the town and its residents.
Trump says US military action against Iran 'coming to an end'
President Donald Trump told NBC News on Tuesday that U.S. military action against Iran is “coming to an end.”
“We're doing great,” Trump said in the interview. “And it's coming to an end.”
Israeli air raids hit multiple southern Lebanese towns, 2 killed in Najjariyah
Several Israeli airstrikes targeted towns across southern Lebanon. In Nabatieh district, Jibsheet, Aita al-Jabal, and Harouf were hit.
In Sour, a house in Srifa was struck, causing injuries, and Tayr Debba was also targeted.
Two strikes hit Khirbet al-Doueir near Bablieh (Saida), as well as areas near Bissarieh and between Teffahta and Marwanieh.
The Zahrani region, south of Saida, was repeatedly struck, including Najjarieh, where two people were killed in a house strike.
In Bint Jbeil district, Israeli airstrikes targeted Majdal Selm and Kfar Dounin.
Israeli artillery targets multiple southern Lebanese towns
Israeli artillery fire hit Kfar Tibnit and Zawtar (Nabatieh), the areas around Taybeh (Marjayoun), as well as Baraa Sheet and Safad al-Battikh near Tebnin, including Sahlet al-Khan toward Haris (Bint Jbeil district).
Heavy fire was reported in Naqoura, with Israeli helicopters patrolling the area and illuminating shells continuing to be fired overhead.
Multiple Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon kill 1
Several Israeli drone raids targeted vehicles and towns in southern Lebanon. One drone struck a car on the Ain al-Mizrab, Tebnin road (Bint Jbeil district) and another vehicle on the al-Maalieh road, south of Sour.
The towns of Jwayya (Sour district) and Arab Salim were also hit, with the attack in Arab Salim killing one person.
South Lebanon: al-Rissala rescuer killed in Yater
In southern Lebanon, a rescuer from the al-Rissala association (linked to the Amal movement), Moustapha Karim, was killed during an Israeli raid on Yater in the Bint Jbeil district, according to correspondent.
Beit Yahoun emptied as Lebanese Army withdraws; residents flee
The president of Beit Yahoun’s municipal council, Moustafa Makki, told L’Orient-Le Jour that the Lebanese Army evacuated its positions in the town to redeploy elsewhere.
The locality is now completely empty, with both the army and residents having left amid ongoing fighting and repeated threats.
US deploys third aircraft carrier to Middle East
The United States is deploying the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying warships to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups already in the region, U.S. officials said.
The move could bring the total number of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region to three for the foreseeable future.
The USS George H.W. Bush departed Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Navy, and could take several weeks to reach the region. Meanwhile, the USS Abraham Lincoln is operating in the Arabian Sea, while the USS Gerald R. Ford is currently docked in Croatia for repairs, officials added.
US ready to thwart Iran attacks after IRGC threats to American firms
The White House said Tuesday that the U.S. military is prepared to counter any attacks by Iran, following threats by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against American companies in the region.
“The United States military is and was prepared to curtail any attacks by Iran, as evidenced by the 90% drop in ballistic missile and drone attacks by the terrorist regime,” a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Earlier, Iran’s IRGC warned it would target U.S. companies in the region starting April 1 in retaliation for attacks on Iran, according to state med
Syria to stay out of Iran war unless attacked, president says
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said his country will remain outside the Israeli-U.S. war against Iran unless it is directly targeted and no diplomatic solution is possible.
“As long as Syria is not targeted by any party, it will remain outside any conflict,” he said during a speech at a Chatham House event in London.
Hezbollah claims multiple attacks on Israeli forces and positions
Hezbollah said it carried out a series of attacks against Israeli forces on Tuesday, including an ambush targeting troops advancing in Beit Lif and rocket fire on soldiers and vehicles in Ainata, southern Lebanon.
The group also claimed attacks on a convoy of senior Israeli officials on al-Ouwayda hill, a drone strike on an armored personnel carrier in Taybeh, and rocket fire toward Avivim across the border.
Additional strikes reportedly targeted Israeli forces inside a house in Qaouzah with a guided missile, as well as troop gatherings in Blat and Yaroun.
Hezbollah further said it launched rockets and drones at Israeli military infrastructure, including the Stella Maris naval base in Haifa, as well as bases in Nesherim and Tefen. It also reported rocket fire toward Nahariya, Zar’it, Shlomi, and Shomera in northern Israel.
Pope Leo calls on Trump to find 'off-ramp' to end Iran war
Pope Leo urged U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday to look for an "off-ramp" to end the Iran war, in an unusual direct appeal from the pontiff to the president to end the expanding regional conflict.
"I'm told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war," said Leo, the first pope from the United States.
"Hopefully he's looking for an off-ramp," the pope told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. "Hopefully he's looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence."
Leo lamented on Tuesday the number of people who have been killed and said he hoped the violence could end before Easter on April 5.
Hezbollah fires around 50 rockets and drones toward northern Israel in 1 hour
Israeli media reported that Hezbollah launched around 50 rockets and drones toward northern Israel within an hour on Tuesday evening.
Asked about the reports, Israeli army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said he had no prior knowledge of plans for such a large-scale attack.
“We currently have no concrete intelligence, but we remain prepared throughout the holiday period and assume they will continue firing,” Defrin said, referring to the Jewish Passover holiday beginning Wednesday.
Netanyahu: Israel will continue to 'crush Iran's terror regime'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel would press ahead with its military campaign against Tehran, declaring that it would continue to "crush Iran's terror regime."
"The campaign is not over," he said in a televised statement. "We will continue to crush the terror regime."
Netanyahu's comments came shortly after Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country had the "necessary will" to end the war with Israel and the United States, but was seeking guarantees that the conflict would not be repeated.
Araghchi cites direct US messages but 'no negotiations'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he has been receiving direct messages from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, but stressed that these do not amount to “negotiations,” according to Al Jazeera on Tuesday.
He added that the messages include threats or exchanges of views conveyed through intermediaries described as “friends.”
Israel ends French defense imports amid diplomatic tensions
Israel has decided to “reduce to zero” its military imports from France in response to what it views as a hostile French policy, an Israeli defense ministry spokesperson told AFP on Tuesday.
“The Defense Ministry’s director general has decided to stop defense purchases from France, redirecting funds instead to ‘Blue and White’ [Israel’s flag colors] projects or to allied countries,” the spokesperson said.
The decision comes after several French actions perceived as unfriendly by Israel, including Paris’s September 2025 recognition of the State of Palestine and France’s recent ban on Israeli planes carrying munitions for the war against Iran from transiting French airspace.
France delivers 39 armored vehicles to Lebanese Army
During a visit to Lebanon on Tuesday, Alice Rufo, French Minister Delegate to the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans, officially handed over equipment to the Lebanese army.
“At the request of the President of the Republic, I came to Lebanon to formally deliver 39 armored personnel carriers (VAB), each capable of carrying around ten soldiers, as pledged by France,” Rufo wrote on X.
She added that the armored vehicles provide secure mobility for operations in dangerous areas, “demonstrating France’s concrete and lasting support for the Lebanese Army.”
Iran signals willingness to end war with Israel and the US
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian said Tuesday that Iran is willing to “bring an end” to the war against Israel and the United States, but seeks guarantees to “prevent a repeat of the aggression.”
“We have the necessary will to end the conflict, now in its fifth week, provided essential conditions are met, especially guarantees to prevent further aggression,” Pezeshkian said during a phone call with European Council President Antonio Costa.
The statement underscores Tehran’s position that a ceasefire or de-escalation would require formal assurances against future attacks.
Public works ministry clears debris after Israeli strike near airport, reopens road
The public works and transport ministry has removed debris from the road near the airport and reopened it to traffic following an Israeli strike targeting a building along the airport road. The attack scattered rubble that temporarily blocked this vital route.
Prior to the strike, the building in the Ghobeiry area near the airport road was evacuated. Minutes later, the building was heavily damaged, producing thick smoke and dust, with debris spilling onto the road.
Ministry teams quickly deployed bulldozers and maintenance crews to clear the rubble, remove obstacles, and ensure public safety while organizing traffic flow.
The ministry emphasized that its teams remain on high alert to respond rapidly, ensuring that Lebanon’s road network—particularly routes leading to Rafik Hariri International Airport — remains open, given their critical importance for citizen movement.
Israeli strikes in the Bekaa
An Israeli strike targeted the area around Sohmor in the afternoon, according to on-site correspondent. In the evening, the Israeli Air Force carried out two more raids near Shmestar and Tarya, west of Baalbeck, with no reported injuries.
Meanwhile, the Amal Movement announced the deaths of Hussein Ali Haidar and Shubar Ali Mourtada in the town of Ibn al-Saqi (Marjayoun).
Drone strikes in southern Lebanon
In southern Lebanon, a Syrian national was killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting Shehabieh (Sour district). Another drone hit a motorcycle on the road to Deir Qanoun Ras al-Ain near Al-Zahraa bakery, killing the driver.
The Israeli army also carried out a massive explosion in Naqoura, a raid on Zrarieh (Saida), and a strike in Shoukin, with no reported injuries.
Attacks and injuries in Bint Jbeil and surrounding areas
An attack on a Scouts al-Rissala center (Amal Movement) in Kafra (Bint Jbeil) left three people injured. Two other strikes hit Zrarieh in al-Wata and Haret al-Siyada neighborhoods without injuries.
Israeli artillery targeted Haris (Bint Jbeil), while a booby-trapped drone exploded at the Rashidieh camp crossroads, causing several injuries.
Two people were also injured near Ras al-Ain (Sour) outside the Rashidieh Palestinian camp. Additional strikes hit Bint Jbeil opposite Salah Ghandour Hospital, Braachit (Bint Jbeil), and Zawtar al-Gharbieh toward Meifdoun (Nabatieh), with no reported injuries.
Lebanon calls for UN diplomatic solution amid rising tensions
Lebanese Ambassador to the U.N. Ahmad Arafa called for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict with Israel during an emergency Security Council meeting on Tuesday, following the deaths of three Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers in explosions of “unknown origin” since Sunday.
“Only a diplomatic solution can ensure lasting security and stability, and ultimately a just peace. Diplomatic initiatives are already on the table; it is time to seize them. End the violence immediately — it is your responsibility and duty,” Arafa said.
He condemned attacks on UNIFIL, emphasizing that they threaten the mission’s safety and personnel, and reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the peacekeeping force.
Arafa also highlighted the heavy toll on the Lebanese people, stressing that the conflict was imposed on them:
“Israel has never respected the cease-fire, continues to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty, and deliberately targets civilians and civilian infrastructure. At the same time, Hezbollah unilaterally chose war even as the Lebanese government sought dialogue.”
Defense minister condemns Israeli threats, calls for international action
Defense Minister General Michel Menassa strongly condemned statements by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, describing them not as mere threats but as a clear intent to impose a new occupation of Lebanese territory, forcibly displace hundreds of thousands of citizens, and systematically destroy villages in the south.
Menassa warned that any attempt to create a “security zone” inside Lebanon or extend control to the Litani River would constitute an escalation of aggression against Lebanon’s territory and sovereignty, with unpredictable regional consequences.
He called on the international community — especially the United Nations and the Security Council’s permanent members — to break their “unjustified silence” and adopt a firm stance to halt these threats. Menassa emphasized that leniency or hesitation only encourages further escalation.
Earlier, Israel Katz stated that following the war and an invasion of southern Lebanon, the Israeli army would continue to occupy the area south of the Litani River, destroying all homes in border villages.
Israeli strike in Mansourieh shocks car dealer, no injuries reported
Assaad Dagher Hayek, CEO of the Dagher Hayek Group, arrived at his parking lot in Mansourieh after it was targeted in an Israeli strike, expressing shock at the attack. He confirmed to L’Orient-Le Jour that no one was hurt.
“We have no idea why we were targeted. It’s just a storage lot. There are cameras and guards, and nothing suspicious was noticed. For now, we are assessing the damage,” Hayek told our journalist Caroline Hayek.
Canadian PM condemns Israeli 'illegal invasion' of Lebanon
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned what he called an “illegal invasion” of Lebanon, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Practically speaking, the Lebanese government has banned Hezbollah, is taking measures to fight the group, its terrorist activities, and its threats against Israel, which is the justification given for this invasion. We condemn it,” Carney said at a press conference.
On the site of the Israeli strike in Mansourieh
(Credit: L’Orient-Le Jour/Matthieu Karam)
Our journalists visited the site of the Israeli strike in Mansourieh.
The strike targeted a car dealership owned by Dagher Hayek. His right-hand man has just arrived at the scene.
Israel blames deaths of UNIFIL peacekeepers on Hezbollah, UNIFIL invites Israel to share their evidence
Speaking to reporters earlier at the United Nations, Israel's U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, blamed the deaths of two UNIFIL peacekeepers near Bani Hayyan (Marjayoun district) yesterday on Hezbollah, according to Reuters.
Danon said Hezbollah launched rockets from civilian infrastructure within the villages, right next to U.N. positions, "putting peacekeepers directly in the line of fire."
However, United Nations peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council during its session on Lebanon that initial findings in a probe point to a roadside explosion striking the peacekeepers' convoy. ""UNIFIL is conducting investigations to determine the circumstances of these reprehensible developments," he added.
Asked about Danon's statement, UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said: "We invite them to share their evidence with our investigative team", Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the killing of the peacekeepers, saying that such attacks were "grave violations of international humanitarian law... and may amount to war crimes." "There will need to be accountability," he added in a statement.
EU and European countries call for UNIFIL protection in Lebanon
Ten European countries and the European Union have urged all parties to guarantee the safety of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon, following the recent deaths of three soldiers.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, together with the EU High Representative, emphasized:
“We call on all parties, under all circumstances, to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities.”
The statement underscores growing concern over the escalating violence in southern Lebanon and the protection of international peacekeepers.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards threaten US companies in the Middle East
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, the ideological military force of the Islamic Republic, have warned that they may target U.S. companies in the Middle East if any new officials in Iran are “assassinated.”
On their website, Sepah News, the Guards published a list of 18 American companies — including Google, Apple, Meta, Tesla, Cisco, HP, Intel, Microsoft, IBM, Nvidia, and Boeing — stating that these firms should “expect the destruction” of their facilities in retaliation for any future attacks in Iran.
The threat was set to take effect from 8:00 PM Tehran time (4:30 PM GMT) on Wednesday.
The statement also urged employees of these companies to leave their workplaces immediately to protect their lives. Residents living within one kilometer of these companies were similarly advised to evacuate.
This warning comes more than a month after the conflict escalated following U.S. and Israeli actions on Feb. 28.
Targeted Israeli strike in Mansourieh
Local media reports indicate a targeted Israeli strike in Mansourieh. The municipality confirmed the report to L’Orient-Le Jour, stating that the strike hit a car dealership.
According to the MTV news channel, the strike targeted a ground-floor apartment in a building in the Mar Roukoz area near Mansourieh, close to a parking lot.
Israel reportedly destroys over 180 launchers across Lebanon
During an operation by Brigade 300, dozens of rocket launchers prepared for attacks on Israeli territory were discovered in the Ramieh area in southern Lebanon and subsequently destroyed.
One launcher, reportedly used earlier in the day to fire rockets toward northern Israeli towns, was also destroyed by an airstrike.
According to Avichay Adraee, Israeli air and artillery forces have also demolished numerous other infrastructure targets, including anti-tank missile launch positions, observation posts, tunnel openings, weapons depots, and operational apartments.
Hezbollah claims multiple attacks
Hezbollah announced a series of attacks on Tuesday:
- Rocket salvo against the Israeli town of Metula.
- Two rocket strikes on a gathering of Israeli military vehicles in Avivim.
- Drone attacks on the Adamit military base in Galilee and on a Merkava tank in Ainata, southern Lebanon.
Italy denies US combat aircraft access
Italy recently refused permission for U.S. fighter jets involved in the Middle East war to land at the Sigonella base in Sicily, according to Italian media and a Defense Ministry source.
Under agreements with the U.S., some Italian bases can be used for logistical support, but combat missions require government approval and parliamentary consent. The source explained to AFP:
“They requested landing permission while already in flight, and there was not enough time to consult Parliament, so the request was denied.”
Lebanon prepares for long-term displacement
Lebanon is bracing for the possibility that hundreds of thousands displaced by Israeli strikes and evacuation orders may not return home in the long term. Social Development Minister Haneen al-Sayyed told Reuters that available aid currently covers only about 30% of needs.
- 136,000 people are in collective shelters, with the rest of roughly 1 million displaced staying with relatives or living on the streets.
- Lebanon has received only $30 million from the latest UN appeal, with $90 million more pledged. Only seven aid flights have arrived.
- The government is exploring options such as financial support for housing and designated safe locations, but no refugee camps are planned.
Minister Sayyed emphasized:
“Long-term displacement is a concern. It depends on the extent of territorial occupation imposed by Israel, which is entirely unacceptable and a major violation of our sovereignty. We will do everything possible to prevent it.”
She added that timing remains a major challenge: how long the displaced will need support is still uncertain.
Explosion of the building on the airport road targeted by an Israeli strike
(Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L’Orient-Le Jour)
Lacroix tells Security Council: Civilian suffering from hostilities in Lebanon continues to mount
The United Nations' Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said during the Security Council emergency session on Lebanon that the "civilian suffering from the hostilities continues to mount,” and recalled the UNIFIL fatalities of the past two days.
"The situation has dangerously deteriorated with the ongoing escalation between Hezbollah and Israel across the Blue Line and beyond,” he said, noting that the Israeli army's "ongoing ground advances" extend up to 11 kilometers amid "unprecedented" levels of airborne exchanges.
"These tragic developments should not have happened," he finally said.
Toll of Israeli strikes in Lebanon: 1,268 killed and 3,750 injured
The Health Ministry said in its daily report that Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed 1,268 people and injured 3,750 since March 2.
The Israeli army struck a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs along the highway leading to the airport
Israel accuses Hezbollah of using Christian village of al-Qawzah to launch attacks against its forces
The Israeli army's spokesperson for the Arabic media, Avichay Adraee, accused Hezbollah of using the Christian village of al-Qawzah (Bint Jbeil district) to launch rockets, shells and anti-tank projectiles toward Israeli territory and soldiers.
"Hezbollah has taken over the Christian village of Al-Qawzah in southern Lebanon, where its operatives are exploiting it to carry out terrorist plots", Adraee said in a post published on X.
"Recently, the Israeli army has monitored deliberate attempts by Hezbollah to position itself in Christian villages in southern Lebanon and operate from within them, believing this will grant them immunity and protect them from Israeli strikes", he continued.
Finally, he called the residents of Christian villages to expel Hezbollah from their villages and not to cooperate with them.
The Israeli army has taken over the village of al-Qawzah as part of its invasion of South Lebanon. Despite that, Israeli forces inside the village are still being targeted by Hezbollah rockets from surrounding areas.
South Lebanon: Fighting continues around Ainata
Here is the latest update on the situation in South Lebanon, based on information from our correspondent in the region:
Explosions were heard on the outskirts of Ainata (Bint Jbeil), where clashes are ongoing between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.
A drone strike targeted Ansar, in the Nabatieh district.
An airstrike hit Aita al-Shaab, in the Bint Jbeil district.
Four air raids struck Srifa, in the Sour district, within the span of one hour.
An air raid targeted Mansouri.
Beit Yahoun, in the Bint Jbeil district, was struck by a drone.
Israel threatens strike on building in Beirut southern suburbs near airport highway
The Israeli army has warned residents of a building in Ghobeiri, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, to evacuate ahead of an imminent strike.
According to a map published on X by Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the building is located on Ziad Rahbani avenue leading to Beirut’s international airport, roughly three kilometers away.
Residents nearby have been told to move at least 300 meters away from the building, which was described as a “Hezbollah facility.”
Hegseth: Trump ready for deal, says Iran’s ‘new regime’ should be more ‘wise’
During a press briefing, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that he had visited troops in the Middle East on Saturday to observe military operations against Iran, Reuters reports.
He said that "American firepower is only increasing," while saying Iran's is "decreasing," adding that "the upcoming days will be decisive" and "Iran knows that, and there's almost nothing they can militarily do about it," Hegseth claimed.
According to Hegseth, U.S. strikes are causing mass desertions inside Iran. "If Iran is wise, it will cut a deal." He added that the president is willing to make a deal, and the terms of the deal are known to the Iranians. If not, Hegseth said the U.S. "will continue with even more intensity."
Several Israeli vehicles reportedly hit by fire in Khiam
Israeli tanks were reportedly targeted in the southern part of Khiam, in the Marjayoun district, according to preliminary information from our correspondent in the South.
The incident comes as the Israeli army continues its ground offensive in the eastern sector, with clashes ongoing with Hezbollah.
The group has not claimed any attacks against Israeli positions in southern Lebanon or northern Israel since this morning.
EU urges Iran to guarantee ‘freedom of navigation’ in Strait of Hormuz
The European Union has called on Iran to ensure “freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz during a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, AFP reports.
“I urged Iran to stop its unacceptable attacks on countries in the region,” European Council President António Costa, who represents the EU’s 27 member states, wrote on X.
He also called on Tehran to “engage constructively in diplomacy, including with the U.N., in order to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” a key strategic waterway.
Aoun offers condolences to Indonesian counterpart over deaths of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has sent a message of condolence to his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, after three Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in southern Lebanon since Sunday, according to the presidency’s account on X.
“A regrettable loss” for Indonesia as well as for Lebanon and the international community, he said, highlighting the values of sacrifice and commitment embodied by UNIFIL soldiers in service of security and peace.
“I received with emotion the news of the death of three soldiers from the Indonesian contingent operating within UNIFIL, while carrying out their mission of maintaining peace and stability,” Aoun said.
He added that Lebanon “deeply values the noble role played by Indonesian forces within UNIFIL to strengthen stability in the South.”
Strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs: Israeli army says it is targeting Hezbollah 'infrastructure'
The Israeli army said on X that it had “begun attacking infrastructure” belonging to Hezbollah, shortly after carrying out a strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs. According to local media, the strike targeted the Bir al-Abed area.
Homes blown up in Deir Siryane, new strike on Bint Jbeil
- The Israeli army detonated buildings in Deir Siryane, in the Marjayoun district, according to our correspondent in the South.
- A strike targeted Yohmor al-Shaqif, in the Nabatieh district.
- An Israeli drone carried out a strike on Srifa, in the Sour district.
- A strike hit the Baydoun building, located opposite the city’s cultural and reading center in Bint Jbeil.
Meanwhile, fighter jets are flying at low altitude over the South. Sonic booms were heard in southern Lebanon, Saida, and Beirut's southern suburbs.
Trump urges countries to ‘go directly’ to Strait of Hormuz and ‘take it’
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged countries that depend on the Strait of Hormuz for aviation fuel to buy it from the United States, writing on his Truth Social platform.
"All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT ..."
“You'll have to start learning to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us. Iran has been, in essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” he added.
EU says attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon ‘absolutely unacceptable’
Attacks against U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon that have left several dead are “absolutely unacceptable,” the European Union said.
“We call for a thorough investigation to shed light on these serious attacks,” European Commission spokesperson Anouar al Anouni said, describing them as a “serious violation of international law.”
Qeshm island desalination plant out of service following strike in early March
One of the desalination plants on Iran’s Qeshm Island has been out of service since it was hit in an airstrike earlier this month, a Health Ministry official told Iranian media, Reuters reported.
“Drinking water on Qeshm Island is supplied by desalination plants. One of them was targeted and is completely out of service, as it cannot be repaired in the short term,” said the head of the Environmental and Occupational Health Center at the ministry, according to Borna news agency.
Iranian media also quoted the deputy governor of Hormozgan province as saying the island’s desalination infrastructure had been struck only once earlier in the month.
Israeli strike hits Beirut’s southern suburbs after evacuation warning
Beirut’s southern suburbs was hit by an Israeli strike less than 20 minutes after an evacuation warning issued by the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
A thick plume of smoke was seen rising over the area following the strike.
Israeli army issues new evacuation orders for Beirut southern suburbs
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, has again ordered residents of several neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate immediately in a message posted on X.
“Urgent and immediate warning to all residents of the southern suburbs, especially those living in Haret Hreik, Ghobeiri, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahwitat al-Ghadir and Chiyah: you must evacuate the area immediately,” Adraee said.
On Monday, the Israeli army struck Beirut’s southern suburbs twice, targeting Haret Hreik and the area known as Rihab, saying it had hit Hezbollah infrastructure. A security source said three members of the group were killed in the strikes. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the Rihab strike killed one person and injured 17 others, including Lebanese, Syrians — of which four were children — and a Guinean national.
Southern Lebanon: Sour region heavily shelled; White phosphorus strike reported in Nabatieh
Four strikes targeted several localities in western area of southern Lebanon within a span of ten minutes, according to our correspondent in the south. The strikes hit the Bayyada–Amirieh road (where Lebanese soldiers were killed in a strike on Monday), Mansouri, an area between Haniyeh and Qleileh, and Sammaaiyeh.
Separately, an artillery bombardment involving white phosphorus targeted Yohmor al-Shaqif in the Nabatieh district.
Another Israeli strike hit residential homes in Qantara, in the Marjayoun district.
A further strike targeted Ainata in the Bint Jbeil district, where clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah has been occurring for several days.
Iran: Cancer drug manufacturer hit in US-Israeli strikes
U.S.-Israeli strikes hit a site belonging to one of Iran’s largest pharmaceutical companies, which produces cancer drugs and anesthetics, the Iranian government said, according to AFP.
“In the attacks carried out Tuesday morning by the United States and the Zionist regime against civilian infrastructure, one of the largest companies producing specialized medicines, anticancer drugs and anesthetics was damaged, including its production line,” the government said in a post on X.
The company is owned by Iran’s Social Security Investment Company.
Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces to withdraw from Rmeish, according to mayor
The Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces are planning to withdraw from Rmeish, a village near the border with Israel, according to the town’s mayor.
Hanna Amil told our correspondent in the south that the army informed the municipality and residents that its troops, along with remaining ISF personnel, would pull out of the village on orders from their respective commands.
Amil said several official authorities have been contacted in an effort to reverse the decision, in order to protect the village’s 6,000 remaining residents.
He warned of concerns over the “next phase,” saying there are fears the village could be turned into an “operational military zone.” He added that there is no Israeli presence inside the village itself, but that Israeli forces are deployed in surrounding areas.
Israeli army braces for potential large-scale Iranian missile fire ahead of Passover
The Israeli army is preparing for a potentially large-scale Iranian missile attack ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover, though it says it has not identified concrete preparations for such attacks. The Home Front Command said it is closely monitoring the situation, Haaretz reported.
According to the Israeli military, Tehran has recently launched cluster-type missiles toward populated areas and national infrastructure in retaliation for similar Israeli strikes in Iran.
Southern Lebanon: Katz reiterates goal of establishing buffer zone up to the Litani
Israel will establish a buffer zone inside southern Lebanon and maintain control over the entire area up to the Litani River, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated, according to remarks reported by Reuters.
“The 600,000 residents of southern Lebanon who have been displaced will not be able to return until the security of northern Israel’s residents is guaranteed,” he said. “All the houses in villages near the border in Lebanon are destroyed,” he added.
Southern Lebanon: Strike near rescue centre in Mansouri; Couple killed in Jibsheet
The situation in southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the south:
- A drone dropped a bomb in front of the Islamic Mission (Rissala) centre, affiliated with the Amal Movement, in Mansouri (Sour district). A team from the Islamic Health Committee, linked to Hezbollah, was nearby. No injuries were reported.
- Israeli air strikes targeted an area between Zawtar Sharqieh and Zawtar Gharbieh.
- An air strike targeted the area known as Ali Taher, on the northern outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa.
- Four air strikes targeted the localities of Yater and Kafra, in the Bint Jbeil district.
- A strike on Jibsheet (Nabatieh district) killed two people: a pregnant woman, Alaa Hamad, and her husband, Akram Ibrahim.
- Israeli artillery shelling targeted Touline, Qabrikha and Majdal Selm, in the Marjayoun district.
Israeli strike on wastewater treatment plant near Marjayoun; Rescuers hospitalized after chlorine exposure
An Israeli strike targeted a wastewater treatment plant in Marj al-Khoukh, near Marjayoun.
Civil Defense members from Khiam were hospitalized in Marjayoun after inhaling a chlorine-based substance while evacuating the wounded from the site.
Southern Lebanon: 2 killed in drone strike north of Sour
An Israeli drone strike on a van on the Qasmieh road, north of Sour, killed two people, according to preliminary information from our correspondent in the south.
Two other Israeli strikes targeted the town of Bint Jbeil, which the Israeli army is attempting to encircle as part of its ground offensive.
Another strike hit Braasheet, in the Bint Jbeil district.
UN peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon: UNIFIL recovers bodies of 2 soldiers killed Monday
UNIFIL personnel were able to recover the bodies of two members of the Indonesian contingent this morning who were killed the previous day on the road between Markaba and Beni Hayan, in an explosion of unknown origin, according to the U.N. force and our correspondent in the south.
UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel told L’Orient Today that “the bodies of the two peacekeepers who were tragically killed have been recovered.” “The nature and origin of the explosion that caused their deaths remain under investigation,” she added.
French minister delegate for the armed forces Alice Rufo expected in Beirut today
Alice Rufo, France’s minister delegate for the minister for the armed forces, is expected in Lebanon as a show of Paris’s support for “Lebanese sovereignty” and in solidarity with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), after three peacekeepers were killed since Sunday. During her visit to Beirut, Rufo will hand over armored vehicles to the Lebanese army.
In a statement, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces said the minister would “demonstrate France’s support for Lebanese sovereignty, in line with its longstanding commitment to Lebanon, notably within UNIFIL.” She is scheduled to meet Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and will hand over 39 Véhicules de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) (Armored Front Vehicle) — French-made troop transport vehicles — to the army at the Beirut port.
The minister will also lay a wreath at the memorial wall at the french ambassador's Residence in tribute to the 58 French soldiers killed in the Drakkar bombing on October 23, 1983.
Israeli drone strike on a van north of Sour
A van was targeted on the Qasmieh road north of Sour by an Israeli military drone, causing injuries. In addition, a house was blown up in Taybeh in the Marjayoun district, our correspondent in the south reported.
An explosion heard near Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan
An explosion was heard this morning near Erbil International Airport in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, an AFP journalist reported.
Erbil hosts a major U.S. consular complex, and its airport accommodates military advisers attached to the international anti-jihadist coalition led by the U.S.
Pro-Iran armed groups regularly claim drone attacks — usually intercepted by air defenses — targeting, among others, personnel of the international coalition deployed in Iraq.
Saudi Arabia: Drone interception injures 2 near Riyadh
The interception of a drone left two people injured in Saudi Arabia, in a region southeast of the capital Riyadh where the Prince Sultan air base is located, the Saudi civil defense said on Tuesday.
“The fall of debris from the interception of a drone in Al-Kharj province caused two minor injuries and limited material damage to three homes and several vehicles,” according to a statement reported by the SPA news agency.
South Lebanon: 2 killed in a strike on Deir Kifa (Sour)
Israel carried out a strike on Deir Kifa, in the Sour district, which killed two people, according to our correspondent in the south.
An airstrike also targeted Zawtar Gharbieh, in Nabatieh district.
US-Israeli strikes damage religious site in Iran
U.S.-Israeli strikes have damaged a Shiite Muslim religious site in northwestern Iran, state television said, according to AFP.
The building of the Great Husseiniyeh, a hall used for Shiite gatherings and mourning ceremonies, “was damaged following the attack carried out this morning by the enemy on Ferdowsi Street” in the city of Zanjan, the broadcaster said. It added that “parts of the dome and minarets were damaged.”
Explosions heard in Dubai
Explosions were heard in Dubai, AFP journalists reported. Alert messages were sent to mobile phones shortly beforehand.
“The air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat,” authorities in the United Arab Emirates said, urging residents to take shelter.
Southern Lebanon: Qleileh in Sour district hit twice
The Israeli army carried out two strikes on Qleileh, in the Sour district, according to our correspondent in the south.
Israeli artillery fire also targeted Mansouri, in the Sour district, while an Israeli air strike targeted Majdal Zoun, also in the same district.
Israel: 1 person injured after multiple impact sites in central Israel following Iranian missile fire
One person was lightly injured in the city of Petah Tikva, in central Israel, after Iran fired ballistic missiles, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom, reported by Haaretz.
Several impact sites were reported across central Israel following the missile barrage. The Israeli army said its search and rescue units were “on their way” to the affected areas and urged the public to “avoid gathering in these locations.”
'Incident' involving Kuwaiti oil tanker 'contained'
Authorities in Dubai say an incident involving a Kuwaiti oil tanker in waters off Dubai has been contained, with no oil spill or injuries reported, Reuters reported.
Explosions and power outages in Tehran
Iranian media reported explosions and power cuts in Tehran this morning. The Fars news agency reported “several explosions” and electricity outages in parts of the capital. Tasnim said blasts were heard in eastern and western Tehran and reported disruptions to power supply in the east, later adding that a power substation had been struck.
Shortly before, the Israeli army ordered residents of a residential district in Tehran to take shelter ahead of an attack targeting a “military infrastructure.”
The Israeli army said it carried out “a new wave of strikes targeting infrastructure belonging to the terrorist regime in Iran, in the heart of Tehran,” while an Iranian media outlet reported initial information on strikes hitting “military sites” in central Iran, adding that the scale of damage and possible casualties remained unknown, AFP reported. “Initial reports indicate that military sites in Isfahan were targeted,” said Akbar Salehi, a security official in the provincial governor’s office, quoted by Fars.
Read more on the latest developments in the Middle East war here.
Israeli army renews evacuation warnings to residents south of the Zahrani River
The Israeli army issued a new evacuation order for residents still present south of the Zahrani River, telling them to head north in a post by its Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
“We once again ask you to immediately evacuate your homes and move without delay to the north of the Zahrani River,” Adraee wrote. “Anyone near Hezbollah elements, installations, or military equipment is putting their life in danger.”
This came as Israeli artillery fire targeted Ghandourieh and Touleh in the Bint Jbeil district, according to our correspondent in the south.
4 Israeli soldiers killed in exchange of fire in southern Lebanon
As fighting continues in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army is expanding its ground operations, the military said Tuesday morning that four soldiers from the Nahal reconnaissance battalion were killed in an “exchange of fire.”
In a statement, the army said the soldiers — three of them in their twenties — were killed during clashes with armed men in southern Lebanon after their unit encountered an armed cell. Another soldier was seriously wounded and a reservist was moderately injured in the same incident, whose exact location was not disclosed.
During the evacuation of the casualties, forces were also targeted by an anti-tank missile, which caused no additional injuries. According to Israeli army figures, ten soldiers have been killed in southern Lebanon since March 2.
In a separate statement, Israeli army Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the 36th Division “eliminated dozens” of Hezbollah fighters who were allegedly attempting to set up ambushes in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, and that one fighter was captured for interrogation.
The army also said its forces destroyed depots containing large quantities of weapons, as well as command centers, underground tunnel entrances, and a launch site used to fire projectiles toward Israeli territory.
Hezbollah says it targeted tank on Qantara–Taybeh axis, launched drones at northern Israel
Hezbollah said it carried out three attacks, including one targeting a Merkava tank inside Lebanese territory.
The group said its fighters struck a Merkava tank at 11 p.m. Monday on the Qantara–Taybeh road along the Litani in the Marjayoun district, using a guided missile. According to Hezbollah, the vehicle was seen burning, prompting an evacuation operation under heavy smoke and phosphorous shelling.
A military post in Misgav Am was also targeted at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday with a barrage of attack drones, the group said. At 3:00 a.m., Hezbollah said it struck an air defense system in Ma’alot-Tarshiha with another drone attack.
West Bekaa: Rescue workers from Hezbollah-affiliated organization ordered to evacuate centre
After midnight, the head of the Islamic Health Committee centre, affiliated with Hezbollah in Sohmor (West Bekaa), received a call from a foreign number ordering the evacuation of the facility, according to our correspondent in the Bekaa.
The area witnessed an escalation in Israeli bombardment on Monday evening, following Israeli evacuation notices for several localities. Several roads linking the area to southern Lebanon were also cut off by Israeli strikes.
1 killed in overnight strike on Nabatieh; Intensity of Israeli strikes on the south appears to ease
The intensity of Israeli bombardment on southern Lebanon on Monday into Tuesday night appeared to have decreases, according to our correspondent.
In the past several hours:
- An Israeli air strike targeted Deir Zahrani, in Nabatieh district.
- A strike hit the Sammouqa area, between Aaba and Jibsheet (Nabatieh), killing one person, while another strike targeted Jibsheet, injuring four people who were hospitalized.
- An Israeli strike on an area between Debbine and Khiam (Marjayoun) injured four people.
- Israeli strikes at dawn targeted Braasheet, in Bint Jbeil district.
UNIFIL peacekeepers killed in Lebanon: Emergency Security Council meeting at 5 p.m.
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Tuesday at 5 p.m. (Beirut time, 2 p.m. GMT) after three Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed in explosions of “unknown origin” since Sunday.
France requested the meeting and strongly condemned what it called “extremely serious incidents.”
One peacekeeper was killed Sunday in Adsheet al-Qusair (Marjayoun), in an area where Israeli forces recently advanced, and two others were killed in Beni Hayan, about five kilometers south of the same area.
Indonesia has urged all parties in the Middle East “to respect international humanitarian law” and ensure the protection of peacekeepers, stressing that their safety must be a top priority.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the war in the Middle East and the war on the Lebanese front, now entering its second month, as Israel continues its bombardments and its invasion of southern Lebanon.
We will also be following developments across the wider Middle East, a day after the April 6 deadline set by Donald Trump for reaching an agreement with Iran.
➡️ Catch up on yesterday's live coverage of the news here, and with our Morning Brief here.
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