German chancellor urges Netanyahu to end fighting in Lebanon and begin peace talks | LIVE

Peace in Lebanon 'essential for negotiations with Iran,' according to Islamabad

“Peace in Lebanon is essential for peace negotiations with Iran,” stated Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for the Pakistani Foreign Affairs Ministry. He added that Lebanon “remains part of the current cease-fire,” a position expressed by Pakistan since the agreement came into effect on April 8, but which Israel rejects.

Meanwhile, according to a senior Iranian official quoted by Reuters, Iran and the United States have narrowed their differences following Pakistani mediation, but disagreements persist, particularly regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

This official specified that a visit to Tehran by the head of the Pakistani army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Wednesday had helped to reduce some of the differences, bolstering hopes for an extension of the cease-fire and a resumption of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Israel claims to have thwarted 2 Hezbollah attacks against its forces in south Lebanon

The Israeli army stated that its 769th Brigade, operating under the command of the 91st Division, thwarted two attempted attacks prepared by Hezbollah cells and targeting Israeli soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.

In a message on X, Arabic-language army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said they had killed the members of these cells, without specifying where the attacks were thwarted. According to Israeli press reports, the 91st Division operates in the eastern sector of the border strip.

Adraee further indicated that the 91st Division discovered an underground depot containing mortar shells, as well as anti-tank missiles, rifles, and RPG rocket launchers, within its area of ​​operations.

Netanyahu says Iran suffered 'the hardest blow in its history'

Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel, with the support of its American ally, had inflicted “the hardest blow” on Iran’s leadership in its history, during the opening of Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorations on Monday evening.

“We have dealt the terrorist regime in Iran the hardest blow in its history,” Netanyahu said during a ceremony at the Yad Vashem, broadcast on television.

“If we had not acted, names such as Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan ... could have remained forever associated with infamy, like Auschwitz, Treblinka, Majdanek and Sobibor,” he added, comparing Iranian nuclear sites to Nazi death camps.

Israeli strikes continue, Amal movement member killed

An Israeli strike in Sir al-Gharbieh (Nabatieh district) killed a member of the Amal Movement, according to information from our correspondent in South Lebanon.

Also in the Nabatieh district, a series of Israeli air raids targeted Qaaqayyet al-Jisr as well as the outskirts of Kfar Sir. Other strikes hit Adsheet (Marjayoun district), Burj Rahhal (Sour district), and Sajad (Jezzine district).

In the Bint Jbeil district, strikes targeted the localities of Tiri, the town of Bint Jbeil, Aita al-Jabal, the area between the villages of Rmeish and Ain Ebel, as well as the locality of Rashaf and the Ain al-Mezreb–Tebnine area.

German chancellor urges Benjamin Netanyahu to end the fighting in Lebanon and begin peace talks, AFP reports.

'Without confrontation, losses would have been greater'

Naim Qassem said that Lebanon is suffering heavy losses due to what he described as occupation, stressing that “there is no choice but resistance.”

“They tell us: if you had not confronted Israel, you would not have suffered losses. Yet we remained patient for 15 months, and the scale of destruction during the 60 days of the truce was far greater than during the 2024 war,” he said.

“If we had not taken the decision to confront, the losses would have been even greater,” he added.

He said that Lebanon is suffering heavy losses due to what he described as occupation, stressing that “there is no choice but resistance.”

“They tell us: if you had not confronted Israel, you would not have suffered losses. Yet we remained patient for 15 months, and the scale of destruction during the 60 days of the truce was far greater than during the 2024 war,” he said.

“If we had not taken the decision to confront, the losses would have been even greater,” he added.

Qassem to government: 'You are stabbing the resistance in the back'

Naim Qassem returned to the Lebanese government’s March 3 decision declaring Hezbollah’s activities illegal. “This criminalization is a grave mistake, and the government must reverse this decision; going back is a virtue. You want your country, your homeland, and unity? Show us this in practice,” he said.

“You have taken a decision and you are stabbing the resistance in the back,” he added. “I call on the political authority to reverse this decision; for us, it is not a correct decision, and the authority does not have the right to take it; it requires national consensus.”

“I call on the Lebanese government to reverse its decision … this would strengthen cooperation between the authority, the resistance, and the people, and we could protect the homeland,” he continued.

“They want the army to fight the resistance,” he said. “Thank God, the army is aware, and it cannot be drawn into a logic of discord, just as the resistance cannot be drawn into a logic of discord.”

'We will remain in the field until the last breath,' assures Qassem

“Those in charge should think about how to confront the aggresion by various means,” said the Hezbollah leader.

“If anyone is thinking about surrender, let them go and surrender alone; we will not surrender and we will remain in the field until the last breath.”

“We will confront, we want what is right, and we will present to the world a model showing that Lebanon, through its army, its people, and its resistance, is untouchable in the face of the enemy,” he added.

“It is they who are aggressing against us, not us,” he continued. “Do not distort the truth: we are fighting a clear enemy, and this is a war of Lebanon against the Israeli-American enemy, not the wars of others.”

Qassem calls on Lebanese authorities: 'You do not fight and you do not allow anyone to fight'

The Secretary-General of Hezbollah called for “the November agreement to be implemented,” denouncing “a disengagement by the authorities from the resistance and their hostility toward it, while they should support it and benefit from its capabilities.”

“Strange behavior on your part!”, he said. “You do not fight and you do not allow anyone to fight, you do not oppose and you do not allow anyone to oppose.”

He added that “the authority is responsible for sovereignty, liberation, and the protection of citizens.” “Tell us: what have you done and what have you achieved? Either you remain silent or you allow us to cooperate.”

'Submission and capitulation': Qassem calls for cancellation of negotiations with Israel

“We refuse negotiations with the occupying entity,” said the Hezbollah leader, considering that “these negotiations are futile.”

In this context, he denounced “a series of free concessions.”

“You say you want a ceasefire, but what do they say, and what cards do you have in your hands?” he asked.

“This type of negotiation is submission and capitulation, and we call for a heroic stance to cancel these negotiations,” said Qassem.

Qassem: The decision of the resistance is 'not to surrender'

The Hezbollah chief addressed the Lebanese president and prime minister. “They are putting pressure on you to confront your own people, while we are all the sons of one country that we build together,” he said to the president.

“Those who are pressuring Lebanon since the formation of your government — what have they achieved, while all their demands aim to explode the internal situation and give excuses to the enemy?” he asked the prime minister.

“Let us face the aggression together, then we will discuss the future and everything else,” he continued.

“The decision of the resistance is not to calm down and not to surrender, and the field will speak.”

Qassem: 'We have chosen confrontation to defend Lebanon and its people'

Naim Qassem said that Israel and the United States have “clearly declared” they want to strengthen the Lebanese Army in order to disarm Hezbollah, dismantle its institutions, and end “the resistance and its supporters.”

He added that they want to support the army only “to the extent that it would be able to fight its own people,” something he said the army cannot do.

“We are engaged in this battle because we are facing an existential threat, because our country is targeted by a project of ‘Greater Israel’, and because our independence is under threat,” he said. “We have therefore chosen confrontation and resistance to defend Lebanon and its people.”

He said the situation is “not a simple battle for the security of the North,” but “an aggression aimed at swallowing Lebanon and destroying its strength, its people, and its resistance.”

Qassem: 'The whole of Lebanon is targeted; the state is supposed to defend itself'

Naim Qassem said the group had “discovered that a very large aggression plan was being prepared against Lebanon,” adding that it “prevented the enemy from surprising us and causing major losses that could have occurred.”

He said Israel’s objective is “clear: to destroy Lebanon’s strength.” “The whole of Lebanon is targeted, because when Israel occupies southern Lebanon, it is Lebanon as a whole that is occupied; and when strikes and attacks extend across Lebanese territory, it means the entire country is being targeted,” he said.

He added that “in a situation of aggression, the Lebanese state is supposed to defend itself and task its army and forces with confronting the attack.”

“You can justify the state’s lack of response through its weakness or incapacity, but you cannot justify it becoming a tool serving Israel through pressure or governmental decisions that weaken the internal position in the face of aggression,” he continued.

Qassem: 'We showed patience, and diplomacy has not moved a single step'

Naim Qassem said that “Israeli aggression takes no human or moral considerations into account,” in remarks delivered on television.

He said it is “an occupation that we have stood firm against,” adding that “the resistance, the people and Lebanon have held on,” and that this resilience helped reach an indirect agreement with Israel in November 2024.

Referring to that agreement, he said it provided for “a complete halt to aggression, the release of prisoners, and the start of reconstruction.”

Qassem added that Hezbollah endured “15 months of Israel not respecting any article of the agreement,” saying: “We showed patience, and diplomacy has not moved a single step, despite hundreds of martyrs and wounded.”

Netanyahu speaks of 'strong and deep security belt' in southern Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited southern Lebanon on Sunday, said Monday: “Yesterday, I was somewhere in Lebanon, in the security zone, with our forces, with our wonderful reservists, with our bold commanders. They are doing incredible work there. The fighting there continues, it has not stopped. It continues all the time.”

He added that “they are keeping the enemy away from the border.”

He also stated: “We are not talking about five points, we are talking about a strong and deep security belt, which both prevents the risk of invasion and keeps the anti-tank weapons threat at a distance.”

The remarks come as a cease-fire that entered into force on Nov. 27, 2024, aimed at ending the war between Israel and Hezbollah, had provided for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied villages in southern Lebanon to allow the deployment of the Lebanese Army in areas previously under Hezbollah influence.

However, the Israeli army has continued to hold five positions it considers strategic: Labbouneh/Alma al-Shaab (Sour district), Jabal Blat near Ramieh (Bint Jbeil district), Jal al-Deir south of Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil district), a position along the Markaba–Houla road (Marjayoun district), and Hamames Hill near Khiam (Marjayoun district).

👉For the record: Shamaa citadel partly destroyed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah says it carried out attacks on Israeli positions in south Lebanon, including in Christian village

Hezbollah said it carried out a series of attacks targeting Israeli soldiers and vehicles in southern Lebanon, including in the Christian village of Ain Ebel.

In a statement, the group said it fired rocket salvos at 15:30 targeting Israeli troops and vehicles in the Al-Aqba area of Ain Ebel, and also carried out a drone attack at 11:45 against Israeli forces positioned east of the city of Bint Jbeil.

Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for rocket attacks at 16:25 and 16:35 targeting Israeli vehicles and troops on Tel Shemran hill and near the so-called “Liberation Triangle” in Bint Jbeil.

At 17:00, it said it struck Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Bayada, and at 17:40 it targeted recently established Israeli artillery positions in the same area.

Trump says Iran wants to make a deal

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran wants to make a deal and that he will not come to any agreement that allows Tehran to have a nuclear weapon.

Trump said that talks had hit a roadblock related to nuclear issues and that a "blockade" of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz had begun.

He said that Iran had "called this morning" and that "they'd like to work a deal." Reuters could not immediately verify the claim.

"Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world."

Israeli air force breaks sound barrier over Bekaa; strikes reported in south and west Bekaa

The Israeli air force broke the sound barrier over the Bekaa region early in the evening, according to our correspondent in the area. The resulting explosion was heard across several parts of the country.

A new raid also targeted the town of Sohmor.

In southern Lebanon, Israeli aircraft carried out a strike on Deir Antar, with rescue teams working to evacuate victims, our correspondent Mountasser Abdallah reported.

The air force also bombed Tayr Felsayh.

Meloni calls Trump’s criticism of the Pope 'unacceptable'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump against the Pope were “unacceptable,” according to AFP.

Trump had described the Pope as “catastrophic in foreign policy” after Pope Leo XIV criticized the war in the Middle East.

Meloni said the Pope is “the head of the Catholic Church” and it is “right and normal” that he calls for peace and condemns all wars.

Trump says 34 ships crossed Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports

Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Monday that 34 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, Reuters reported.

Israel says it struck 150 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon over past 24 hours

The Israeli army said its air force struck around 150 targets belonging to Hezbollah across southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, according to a statement posted on X by Arabic-language spokesperson Ella Waweya.

The army said the strikes hit rocket launchers and drones, as well as military buildings, anti-tank missile sites and command centers.

It also claimed that “terrorist cells” planning attacks against Israeli forces were “neutralized.”

Israeli army demolishes roads and houses in Meis el-Jabal and Naqoura

The Israeli army is demolishing roads using bulldozers in the village of Mais al-Jabal, according to our correspondent in the south.

In Naqoura, despite objections from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon to the demolition of houses near its headquarters, the Israeli army proceeded with the destruction of homes using bulldozers operating continuously close to the U.N. base.

Israel strikes West Bekaa and South Lebanon, Hezbollah says it fired 'high-quality rockets' at Israeli base

Two Israeli airstrikes have targeted the village of Sohmor in the Western Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.

Israeli warplanes have also carried out two airstrike waves targeting the village of Tiri (Bint Jbeil district), our correspondent in the South reported.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said that it fired rocket barrages at 5:45 p.m. at infrastructure that belongs to the Israeli army in the cities of Ma’alot-Tarshiha and Karmiel.

Hezbollah also said that it fired, at the same time, "high-quality rockets" at the Israeli Tefen Base, east of Acre. The group said that both attacks were in respons

Israeli strike on Sir al-Gharbieh injures 2, strikes also reported in other southern villages

An Israeli drone strike hit the village of Sir al-Gharbieh (Nabatieh), wounding two persons.

Following the strike, an Israeli drone has broadcasted a warning sound over the site of the strike, threatening that warplanes may carry out other strikes on the village.

An Israeli warplane has also carried out an airstrike on the village of Jebal al-Botm (Sour district), and Israeli drones have targeted the villages of Hannawiah and Shehabieh (Sour), according to our correspondent in the South.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said that it fired a swarm of attack drones at the Israeli barracks of Ma'aleh Golani at 5:10 p.m.

Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem to deliver a speech tonight at 8:30 p.m

Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, will be delivering a televised speech tonight at 8:30 PM, which will be broadcasted on the group's television channel Al Manar TV and Al-Nour radio channel

China calls US-Iran cease-fire 'very fragile'

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday said the current cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran is "very fragile" and urged the global community to "unequivocally oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate the confrontation."

Wang made the remarks during a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wang's ministry said. The priority is to prevent the resumption of hostilities and "to preserve the hard-won momentum of ceasefire," Wang said.

China would be pleased to see Pakistan playing a greater role in helping resolve the conflict, Wang said, adding that Beijing too stands ready to make its contributions.

Aoun meets families of victims of Israeli strike in Ain Saade

President Joseph Aoun received a delegation at the Baabda Palace representing the families of victims killed in an Israeli strike that hit a building in Ain Saade, a mostly Christian area previously spared from Israeli attacks.

The strike reportedly missed its intended target and killed three people, including a local official from the Lebanese Forces, in nearby apartments.

According to a statement posted on the Grand Serail’s X account, the delegation included Gabi, Gail and Charbel Maalouf, Marie-Josee Gerges, Elie Gerges and Nancy al-Rihani.

The president offered condolences and said that “the competent security and judicial authorities are continuing their investigations to clarify the circumstances of this attack and take appropriate measures,” adding that the state is doing everything possible “to stop the war and end the bloodshed.”

Qatar OM and Iran FM discuss mediation efforts amid Hormuz tensions

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss ongoing mediation efforts, according to statements from both sides and reported by The New York Times.

The Qatari foreign ministry said the two officials discussed “efforts of mediation in progress.”

Al Thani also stressed “the need to open maritime routes, ensure freedom of navigation and not use them as a bargaining chip or means of pressure,” warning of the wider impact on regional countries, global energy and food supplies, and international security and peace.

Volunteer center in Kharayeb calls residents to ignore Israeli drones that are broadcasting distress calls to lure residents

A volunteer center in the village of Kharayeb (Saida district) called residents of the village to "ignore Israeli drones that are broadcasting distress calls and requests for help using familiar voices in order to lure civilians and then target them."

The center noted that several such incidents have occurred in nearby southern villages.

Meanwhile, new Israeli airstrikes have been reported in South Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the region: A strike has targeted the village of Mazraat Meshref (Sour district) and another one the vicinity of the village of Shouqine (Nabatieh).

Pezeshkian condemns Trump’s ‘insult’ in remarks to Pope

Iran’s President Pezeshkian has condemned Trump’s remarks to Pope Leo, where the U.S. president falsely characterised the head of the Roman Catholic Church as supporting a nuclear-armed Iran.

“I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person,” he said on X. “I wish you glory by Allah.”

More on today's Trump and Pope Leo feud👉 here.

Middle East war triggers global economic alarm ahead of IMF meeting

Alarm over the economic impact of the Iran war is growing, with countries announcing emergency measures to offset rising energy costs, ahead of this week’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington, Reuters reported.

Described as the third major global shock after COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war in the Middle East has raised fears of slower growth and higher inflation.

The IMF and World Bank have already signalled downgrades to global growth forecasts and higher inflation projections, with emerging markets expected to be hit hardest.

Nigeria said it would need greater international support as fuel costs surge domestically. Finance Minister Wale Edun said, “The shock comes at a critical transition point, intensifying inflationary pressures and raising living costs for households.”

In Europe, Germany approved €1.6 billion in fuel tax relief, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying, “This war is the real cause of the problems we are experiencing in our own country as well.” Sweden also announced a tax cut and electricity subsidies worth about $825 million.

UK officials said further measures were being considered, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer pointed to “massive conflict” and uncertainty as he called for closer ties with the EU.

The IMF warned the war is reshaping global monetary policy, with central banks now facing inflation risks alongside slowing growth, raising concerns over possible stagflation.

More details on the global trade shock 👉here.

EU's Kallas calls for “strong international coalition” on maritime security in Strait of Hormuz

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said developments in the Strait of Hormuz represent a clear case for building a “strong international coalition” on maritime security.

Trump says Iranian ships that come close to US blockade will be eliminated

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday warned that Iranian ships that come close to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports will be "immediately eliminated," Reuters reports,

Pakistan PM says Iran–US ceasefire 'holds'

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran “holds” and that efforts are ongoing to reach a broader agreement after the weekend talks failed, according to Reuters.

“The cease-fire holds and, at the moment I am speaking, all efforts are being made to resolve outstanding issues,” he said during a cabinet meeting.

Damaged building in Tallet al-Khayat to be demolished after Israeli strike

Beirut authorities said a damaged building in Tallet al-Khayat will be demolished after being hit in an Israeli strike.

The Beirut crisis management cell said, on instructions from the city’s governor, that municipal teams will remove the structure as it poses an “imminent danger” to public safety and nearby properties.

⚡Death toll from Israeli strikes rises to 2,089 since March 2

The health ministry said Israeli strikes have killed 2,089 people and wounded 6,762 others between March 2 and April 13.

Iraqi ambassador summoned in Bahrain over drone attacks

Bahrain on Monday summoned the Iraqi ambassador over drone attacks it says were launched from Iraqi territory toward the kingdom and other Gulf states, despite the U.S.-Iran cease-fire.

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry delivered a formal complaint and “summoned the charge d’affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq,” according to the state news agency BNA. It strongly condemned the “continued attacks by drones launched from Iraqi territory” and urged Baghdad to address the issue “urgently and responsibly.”

The move comes a day after Saudi Arabia also summoned the Iraqi envoy over similar accusations. Gulf states have repeatedly said they are being targeted by cross-border drone attacks amid wider regional tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

UKMTO warns of maritime access restrictions affecting Iranian ports

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has warned of new maritime access restrictions affecting Iranian ports and coastal waters.

In an advisory, it said that “maritime access restrictions are being enforced affecting Iranian ports and coastal areas,” applying “without distinction to vessels of any flag” operating in ports, oil terminals, and coastal facilities.

The measures cover the “entirety of the Iranian coastline,” including ports and energy infrastructure across the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.

UKMTO said transit through the strait to or from non-Iranian destinations “is not reported to be impeded,” but vessels may still face “military presence, directed communications, or right-of-visit procedures” during passage.

It added that “neutral vessels currently within Iranian ports have been granted a limited grace period to depart,” and urged ships in the region to “maintain heightened situational awareness,” ensure “maximum bridge readiness,” and exercise caution in communications.

Residents in Sour protest against journalists for filming rocket launch site, Al Jadeed correspondent says it was a mistake

Residents and youth from the city of Sour protested against journalists from local television network Al Jadeed TV at the Rest House hotel after they filmed a rocket launch site live on air from southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the South.

Following the incident, Al Jadeed correspondent Muhammad Farhat said in a post on Facebook that he did not film the rocket launch on purpose.

"I am neither dishonorable, nor lacking in patriotism or belonging, to deliberately broadcast the launch of a rocket barrage", he said. "What was shared happened by mistake while I was away from the camera and was the result of poor judgment. However, I will never accept being called an agent or a spy for the occupation."

Israel says it intercepted over 10 drones in the north since morning

The Israeli army said it intercepted more than 10 “aircraft,” likely drones, launched from Lebanon since Monday morning, according to Haaretz.

The drones were fired toward Israeli territory as well as Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon, the army said.

Israeli airstrike causes extensive damage to Chamoun al-Safa shrine in Shamaa

An Israeli airstrike has caused extensive damage to the Shamoun al-Safa shrine in the village of Shamaa (Sour district).

• In other developments, Israeli airstrikes have targeted the villages of Ghassanieh (Saida), Tebnine (Bint Jbeil), and Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).
• Hezbollah said that it fired a squadron of attack drones at 4 p.m. at the Shraga Israeli Base, north of the city of Acre. According to the party's statement, the Shraga base is the "administrative headquarters of the Golani Brigade command."
• The group also said that it fired a rocket barrage at Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the village of Biyyada (Sour district) at 3:20 p.m.
• Hezbollah then said that it fired successive rocket barrages at Kiryat Shmona, Kfar Blum, Manara, Margaliot and Shtula at 4 p.m. The group also said that it fired rocket barrages at the villages of Ain Ebel and Rashaf (Bint Jbeil), as well as the village of Avivim in North Israel, at 4:20 p.m.

Israeli army says it killed over 250 Hezbollah operatives and commanders in Wednesday's simultaneous strikes

The Israeli army claimed that it killed more than 250 Hezbollah operatives and commanders, including dozens in Beirut, in the successive strikes that targeted several parts of Lebanon, including the capital, last Wednesday.

In his statement, the Israeli army's spokesperson Avichay Adraee named several Hezbollah operatives who were, according to him, killed in the strikes: "Hassan Mustafa Nasser: Head of Logistics Staff in Hezbollah; a veteran commander responsible for smuggling and storing weapons in Lebanon, and a key figure in efforts to rebuild the organization’s capabilities."

"Ali Qassem, Abu Ali Abbas, and Ali Hijazi: senior commanders in Hezbollah’s intelligence unit, responsible for building an intelligence picture of Israel, including preparing target banks and gathering information."

"Abu Mohammad Habib: Deputy commander of Hezbollah’s rocket unit; worked throughout the war, particularly during Operation Northern Arrows, on launching rockets toward Israel, and recently led efforts to strengthen the unit’s capabilities."

L'Orient Today was not immediately able to verify the claims mentioned by the Israeli army regarding the Hezbollah operatives killed.

Israel's massacres in Lebanon last Wednesday killed at least 350 people. The strikes took place after the cease-fire reached between Iran and Israel brokered by Pakistan.

ICRC says attacks on medics in Lebanon 'gravely concerning'

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it is "gravely concerning" about attacks targeting medical workers in Lebanon, following a deadly strike on a Red Cross center on Monday and the killing of a volunteer the previous day, according to Reuters.

The Monday strike killed one person and damaged vehicles belonging to the Lebanese Red Cross. The ICRC said a Red Cross center in the Sour district was hit, but did not specify who was responsible or provide details about the victim.

The Israeli army did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Russia evacuates most personnel from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant

Russia has evacuated nearly all of its personnel from Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, with 108 people departing on Monday, according to Alexey Likhachev, cited by AFP.

“108 people are currently on their way to Isfahan; everything is proceeding as planned,” Likhachev said, adding that about 20 staff members remain at the site. He described them as the “final delegation” of Rosatom, including managers and key equipment specialists.

The Bushehr plant, which has a 1,000-megawatt reactor, is Iran’s only operational civilian nuclear facility. Russia began evacuating its staff after the outbreak of the regional war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. Since then, the facility has reportedly been targeted at least four times.

Hezbollah announces new attacks, Israel continues its strikes in South Lebanon

Hezbollah said that it fired rocket barrages at Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the area of al-Aqba in the Christian village of Ain Ebel (Bint Jbeil district) at 6 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 2:20 p.m.

The group also said that it fired rocket barrages at Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the vicinity of Tallet al-Shemran and the area of Saff al-Hawa in the town of Bint Jbeil at 2:15, 2:30, and 3:30 pm.

In another statement, Hezbollah said that it fired rocket barrages at the village of Malkia at 1:15 and 3:30 p.m. Finally, the group claimed that it fired successive rocket barrages at Hanita, Shlomi, and Nahariyya at 3:50 p.m.

Meanwhile, an Israeli drone has targeted the village of Chehabiyeh (Sour district). In addition, Israeli warplanes have carried out strikes on Semmayieh (Sour), Baraashit, and Safad al-Batikh (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent in the region. A violent air raid by Israeli warplanes using several missiles has also been reported on the village of Qlayyleh (Sour).

'No country has the right' to block Hormuz, UN maritime chief says

The head of the U.N.’s maritime agency said that “no country has the right” to block the Strait of Hormuz, according to AFP.

Israeli strikes hit south Lebanon and Bekaa; Hezbollah rockets wound one in Naharia

Israeli drone strikes targeted a car in Shehabieh, wounding one person, while additional strikes hit the entrance of Wadi Jilo and Kfar Dounin, each causing injuries.

Israeli warplanes also carried out airstrikes on Bint Jbeil and Tebnine, while artillery fire hit Semmahieh. In the West Bekaa, two airstrikes targeted the same area in Sohmor.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it fired rocket salvos at Kiryat Shmona, Metula and Doviv, and launched attack drones toward the Zarit barracks.

According to Haaretz, rockets fired from Lebanon hit a house in Nahariyya, lightly wounding one person.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for drone attacks against Israeli positions in northern Israel

Hezbollah announced that it carried out concentrated airstrikes this morning against Israeli army positions in northern Israel.

The Shiite group stated that it conducted an attack using swarms of attack drones targeting several locations, including soldiers' dormitories in Yiftah and Kiryat Shmona, a military position in Beit Hillel, a fire control room near the Kfar Giladi position, a command center and a tent housing soldiers at the Kfar Giladi barracks, and a headquarters and a tent in Margaliot.

Hezbollah also claimed to have launched a squadron of drones against Israeli soldiers in Naqoura (Sour district) at 1:45 p.m.

Furthermore, our correspondent in the region indicated that Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes on Tibnin (Bint Jbeil) and the surroundings of Ain al-Mezrab (Nabatieh).

Heavy clashes between Hezbollah, Israel in Bint Jbeil

Heavy clashes are currently taking place between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in the city of Bint Jbeil, according to our correspondent.

An Israeli drone targeted a Rapid-type armored vehicle in the village of Jwayya (Sour). Another Israeli drone strike was reported on the Taaounieh neighborhood in the village of Choukine (Nabatieh).

Furthermore, Hezbollah reported firing artillery shells at Israeli soldiers in Blat, southern Lebanon, at 12:45 p.m. The group also stated that it launched drones at Israeli soldiers at the Ras al-Naqoura site at 1:20 p.m.

Netanyahu: Cease-fire with Iran could collapse 'very quickly'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes the cease-fire with Iran could collapse "very quickly," according to Israeli Channel 12.

He also expressed his support for the blockade of Iranian ports imposed by Donald Trump, stating that he is in close coordination with the United States on the matter.

"Iran has violated the rules [of the peace talks in Pakistan], and President Trump has decided to impose a naval blockade," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting, according to a video released by his office. "We, of course, support this firm position and are in constant coordination with the United States."

Hezbollah, Israel continue cross-border attacks

Israeli warplanes carried out a strike on a house in the village of Summaqieh (Sour), causing no casualties.

Israeli airstrikes also targeted the villages of Knaissah, Majdal Zoun, Jwayya (Tyre), and Kfar Sir (Nabatieh).

Israeli forces detonated a large explosive device in the village of Shamaa (Sour).

In addition, Hezbollah reported launching a squadron of attack drones at an Israeli Paratroopers Brigade training base in Karmiel at 1 p.m. It also stated that it fired a salvo of rockets at Doviv in northern Israel at 12:30 p.m.

No stability in the Middle East as long as Lebanon is still being bombed, warns Von Der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen has stated that there can be no stability in the Middle East as long as Lebanon is still being bombed, according to Reuters.

Hormuz: Paris, London to hold conference for 'peaceful multinational mission'

France will organize a conference with the United Kingdom "in the very near future with countries ready to contribute" to "a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday.

"This strictly defensive mission, separate from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows," the French president added on the X network. In other words, this mission is not intended to be directly integrated into the United States' efforts in the strait.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for another attack; Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah announced it fired a salvo of rockets at Israeli soldiers in Miskav Am and Zariit at 12:50 and 12:55 pm..

According to Israeli Channel 12, 10 Hezbollah drones have entered Israeli airspace since this morning.

Furthermore, Israeli warplanes carried out another airstrike, targeting the Deir Qanoun Ras al-Ain area (Sour).

Israeli artillery fire targeted the villages of Siddiqine (Sour).

One person killed by Israeli drone strike in Rashidieh

One of the two people wounded in the Israeli drone strike that targeted a motorcycle on the Sour-Rashidieh road has died from their injuries, according to our correspondent in the South.

Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes targeted the village of Shaqra (Bint Jbeil) and Israeli drones flew low over the city of Saida.

In addition, Hezbollah announced that it fired a salvo of rockets at Avivim at 12:30 p.m.

Latest developments in south Lebanon

Hezbollah announced that it fired a squadron of drones at Tallet al-Oweida in the village of Odeisseh (Marjayoun) at 11 a.m., causing a fire at the targeted site.

The party also reported firing drones at Kiryat Shmona, Avivim, and Shomera.

Furthermore, Israeli drones carried out strikes on the villages of Tiri (Bint Jbeil) and Nabatieh Fawqa, according to our correspondent in the South.

A resident of the village of Marwanieh (Saida) received a phone call instructing him to evacuate the village square, according to our correspondent in the South. As a precaution, residents left the area, and security forces were notified to investigate the call.

Our correspondent also reports that an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle on the road to Rashidieh (Sour), wounding two people. An Israeli airstrike was also reported on the village of Haniyeh (Sour).

Furthermore, Hezbollah announced a new attack against Israeli soldiers in Kfar Giladi in northern Israel.

Adraee: The capture of the Bint Jbeil stadium is not just a military success, but the destruction of a symbol of arrogance

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that "the capture of the Bint Jbeil stadium is not just a military success, but the destruction of a symbol of arrogance."

"Glory is not built with speeches, but with the sound of soldiers' footsteps. The capture of the Bint Jbeil stadium is not just a military success, but the destruction of a symbol of arrogance. Those who threatened us with weakness have seen their fortresses crumble in the face of our resilience," Avichay Adraee wrote on X.

"Where they thought we were more fragile than a spider's web, we have risen today to show the world the truth," he added.

Most Israelis believe Tel Aviv should continue military operations against Hezbollah, according to an Israeli poll

An Israeli poll shows that most Israelis believe Tel Aviv should continue its military operations against Hezbollah, regardless of the cease-fire with Iran.

A survey conducted by the Institute for National Security Studies between April 9 and 10 showed that a clear majority of Israelis (69%) believe Israel should continue its military operations against Hezbollah, regardless of the truce between Iran and Israel, according to the Israeli daily Haaretz. Despite this, 62% of respondents said the current war in Lebanon will not bring long-term security or stability.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that 61% of respondents oppose the current cease-fire agreement with Iran. The vast majority (73%) believe that Israel will have to resume fighting with Iran in the coming year, and 76% think that negotiations with the Islamic Republic will not achieve the objectives of the war.

'Bint Jbeil 2026': Israel claims capture of Bint Jbeil Stadium, where Nasrallah delivered his famous speech after liberation of south Lebanon 26 years ago

The Israeli army has claimed to have taken control of and destroyed the Bint Jbeil stadium, where, in 2000, former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivered a victory speech following the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, declaring at the time that Israel was “more fragile than a spider’s web.”

The message of the former secretary-general of the party, assassinated in September 2024, focused on the “weakness” of the Israeli army, which “shows every day that it is more fragile than a spider’s web,” according to the expression used by Hassan Nasrallah in his May 25, 2000 speech in Bint Jbeil to celebrate the liberation of southern Lebanon from Israeli occupation.

“Bint Jbeil 2000: Someone here was talking and boasting about webs and spiders,” said Brigadier General Guy Levy, commander of the 98th Division, in a message to his troops. “Today, that man is gone, the stadium is gone, and his words are worthless,” he continued. “Bint Jbeil 2026: Our forces control the area, destroying terrorist infrastructure and killing dozens of fighters,” he added.

In a post on her X account, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Ella Waweya, shared an aerial photograph of a ruined stadium, accompanied by a message referencing Hassan Nasrallah’s famous speech.

Turkey says Israel's actions in Lebanon resemble those in Gaza

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the Turkish news agency Anadolu that "Israel's actions in Lebanon resemble those in Gaza," accusing Tel Aviv of "destroying homes and infrastructure as part of a depopulation campaign."

'Full operational control of Bint Jbeil will be achieved within a few days,' an Israeli military official stated

“Full operational control of Bint Jbeil will be achieved within a few days,” an Israeli military official told Reuters.

He also indicated that “at this stage, Hezbollah has limited capabilities in Bint Jbeil and can no longer launch attacks against northern Israeli communities from this area.”

“We eliminated terrorists as they were leaving the hospital in Bint Jbeil, and we also located numerous launchers and weapons,” he added, noting that “only a small number of terrorists remain in the area.”

Israel has decided to establish 15 permanent outposts in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli media

Israel has decided to establish 15 permanent outposts in the border area of ​​southern Lebanon, according to Israeli Channel 12.

The channel added that the Israeli army has been instructed to "do as much as possible" in case Israel has to halt its attacks as part of negotiations with Lebanon, which are scheduled to begin tomorrow.

Channel 12 also reported that attacks will continue throughout Lebanon, except in Beirut and its southern suburbs, at the request of the Americans.

Furthermore, after the Israeli army announced earlier today that it had launched an operation on Bint Jbeil after encircling the city, the channel indicated that "it will take about a week for this operation to be completed."

Finally, the channel reported that Hezbollah has fired more than 400 rockets and 40 mortar shells since the cease-fire between the United States and Iran came into effect.

Pope Leo XIV says he has 'no intention of entering into a debate' with Trump

Pope Leo XIV stated that he has "no intention of entering into a debate" with Donald Trump, in response to criticism from the American president.

"I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with him, the message is always the same: to promote peace," the American pope told reporters aboard the plane taking him to Algeria.

Israeli strike kills two people, wounds another in a strike on Sohmor

A strike targeted Sohmor, in the West Bekaa Valley, killing two and wounding one, reports our correspondent in the region.

Latest developments in south Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes repeatedly targeted Mansouri, Qleileh, and Abbassieh (Sour district), reports our correspondent.

A drone strike on a motorcycle at the entrance to a Lebanese Red Cross center in Sour killed its driver. Israeli artillery fire continues near Yohmor al-Shaqif and Arnoun (Nabatieh district).

Rockets were launched from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel, according to our correspondent.

Israel claims to have completed the encirclement of Bint Jbeil and begun its attacks on the town

The Israeli army announced that forces from its 98th Division "have completed the encirclement of Bint Jbeil and begun an attack on the town."

"Forces from the Paratroopers, Commandos, and Givati ​​Brigades, under the command of the 98th Division, are continuing to expand ground operations to reinforce the forward defense line in southern Lebanon," Adraee wrote on X.

It further stated that "the forces completed the encirclement of Bint Jbeil last week and began attacking the town, where they eliminated more than 100 Hezbollah terrorists in ground and air engagements."

The Israeli army also claims to have destroyed "dozens of terrorist infrastructures and found hundreds of pieces of combat equipment in the area."

Iranian army warns no Gulf port will be safe if its forces are threatened

The Iranian army has warned that no Gulf port will be safe if its forces are threatened, according to AFP.

Iran military says US naval blockade is 'illegal,' constitutes act of 'piracy'

The Iranian military asserted on Monday that the U.S. naval blockade, scheduled to begin later that day, is "illegal" and constitutes an act of piracy, also warning that no Gulf port will be safe if its own are threatened.

"The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy," the Iranian Armed Forces Command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement read on state television.

"If the security of the Islamic Republic's ports in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe," it added.

Update on the situation in south Lebanon

An Israeli drone targeted Abbassieh (Sour), killing two and wounding two others, according to our correspondent.

Israeli airstrikes targeted Bint Jbeil and Mansouri (Sour).

Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Shaqra and Kounin (Bint Jbeil).

An Israeli drone carried out an airstrike targeting a motorcycle at the entrance to a Lebanese Red Cross center in Sour.

Israel says it destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army announced, through its Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee, that units of the Yahalom military engineering unit and the 7th Brigade destroyed "an underground passage belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon."

According to the statement, forces from the 7th Brigade are continuing their operations in the region and, as part of this, conducted a joint operation with the Yahalom engineering unit targeting "a tunnel used by Hezbollah members."

The statement specifies that "the underground passage was destroyed after sweeping operations carried out inside it."

Drone debris damages factory in northern Israel

Debris from an intercepted drone damaged a factory in Israel, Channel 12 reports.

According to the media outlet, the debris struck warehouses belonging to the Shaniv Sasatech group in the Dalton Industrial Park, located in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel.

Trump is considering limited strikes against Iran after talks break down

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering resuming "limited military strikes" against Iran, accompanied by a naval blockade of its ports in the Gulf, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing officials and sources familiar with the matter.

According to the newspaper, these strikes would aim to break the deadlock in negotiations with Tehran, following the impasse in talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

South Lebanon still under Israeli fire

On Sunday night, the Israeli army continued its attacks on southern Lebanon:

Airstrikes targeted a house near al-Hikma Hospital in the Sisters' Quarter of Nabatieh, in the Nabatieh district, killing Ahmad Mohammad Daya, a member of the Amal Movement, and wounding his son.

The Israeli army also targeted a house in Mayfadoun, as well as the village of Toul, the outskirts of Arnoun and Zawtar al-Sharqieh, a house near an Islamic Health Committee (affiliated with Hezbollah) center in Sir al-Gharbieh, and Nabatieh Fawqa, where one person was killed and another wounded, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

In the Sour district, Israeli aircraft carried out airstrikes on at least five homes in Bazourieh, destroying them, setting fires, and killing three members of the Damerji family.

According to the Health Ministry, the morning strikes on Bazourieh also wounded 18 people, three of whom are in critical condition. Israeli artillery fire also targeted Mansouri, Qleileh, Hanieh, and Ras al-Ain.

In the Bint Jbeil district, the towns of Kounin and Sultanieh were bombed. Israeli forces carried out demolitions in the area between Aita al-Shaab and Haniyeh.

In the Marjayoun district, automatic weapons fire was reported in Khiam and near Debbine.

Mohammad Maanieh, head of Hezbollah’s liaison and coordination unit in the south, succumbed to his injuries after being wounded in the strike on the Sayida Zahraa compound in the city of Saida on April 8.

On Sunday, Israeli aircraft carried out airstrikes on 42 locations in the South, while drones targeted seven others. Twenty-five locations were also hit by artillery fire. For its part, Hezbollah claimed responsibility on Sunday for 43 attacks targeting Israeli settlements, bases, and military installations.

Update on the situation in southern Lebanon this morning:

Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Majdal Zoun and Byout Siyad (Sour).

Israeli artillery fire targeted Bint Jbeil.

Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Metula at 8 a.m. and Israeli soldiers gathered in Shlomi at 8:35 a.m.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for two overnight attacks against Israel

Hezbollah claimed to have targeted Kiryat Shmona at 1:20 a.m. and Dovev at 2:45 a.m., in northern Israel, with "salutes of rockets."

Trump says he doesn't care whether Iran resumes negotiations or not

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he didn't care whether Iran returned to the negotiating table with the United States after talks in Islamabad collapsed.

"I don't care whether they come back or not. If they don't come back, that's fine with me," Trump told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, after returning from a weekend in Florida.

Trump attacks Pope after anti-war message

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is "not a big fan" of Pope Leo XIV, who the previous day had delivered a fiery anti-war address, and launched a scathing attack against him on social media.

"I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's very liberal, and he's not a man who believes in fighting crime," Trump told reporters at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. He accused the pontiff of "playing with a country that wants to get nuclear weapons," referring to Iran.

Shortly after, Trump posted a lengthy message on his Truth Social network, accusing Pope Leo XIV of supporting Iran's nuclear weapons program, opposing the U.S. military operation in Venezuela in January, and meeting with supporters of former Democratic President Barack Obama, among other things.

Trump accompanied his message with an AI-generated image showing him, in a white and red robe, placing his hand on the forehead of a sick man in a hospital bed, surrounded by people praying, against a backdrop of the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, fighter jets, eagles, and other sky symbols.

US plans to block access to all Iranian ports starting Monday at 2 p.m. (5 p.m. local time)

The blockade of Iranian ports, announced by the United States after the failure of talks with Iran, is set to begin Monday, a prospect that has caused oil prices to rebound.

Monday at 2:00 PM GMT [5 p.m. local time]: This is the time the U.S. military plans to impose a blockade on "ships of all nationalities entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas."

The unexpected announcement of the U.S. blockade, coupled with the failure of negotiations in Islamabad over the weekend to end the war in the Middle East, has triggered a new wave of concerns about the global supply of hydrocarbons from the Gulf.

Details here.

Good morning. We are now launching our LIVE coverage of the region for the day.

We are now launching our live coverage of the latest news from the Middle East, as the war continues in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel.

➡️ Access our Friday live coverage here.