Amal, Hezbollah MPs criticize Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington
MP Qassem Hashem, of the Amal Movement bloc, described the images of the talks between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington on Tuesday as "provocative, despite all efforts to justify and gloss over them."
Nawaf Moussawi, a senior Hezbollah official, also sharply criticized the talks. "What happened in Washington today is that Lebanon reached out to beg and didn’t even receive a handout," he said. Asked about MP Ali Hassan Khalil's visit to Saudi Arabia at the request of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Moussawi noted that according to his information "Khalil's visit ... is linked to halting the aggression against Lebanon."
Israeli soldier wounded in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army announced on its X account that a soldier "was seriously wounded during an operational activity in southern Lebanon." "The circumstances of the incident are under investigation," it added. "The officer was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, and his family has been notified."
Plasschaert on Lebanese-Israeli talks: 'First step ... to break the cycle of conflict'
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, welcomed the meeting held today in Washington between Lebanon and Israel.
"The first step to end the current hostilities and break the cycle of conflict that has prevailed for far too long. Hoping momentum will build, step by step, towards lasting stability for all," she wrote on X.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon
- Israeli artillery struck Ain Baal, Sour district, shortly after 8 p.m. Half an hour later, five artillery shells hit the central square of Qana, Sour district, destroying several houses.
- At around 8.40 pm, a huge explosion was heard in Khiam, Marjayoun.
- An Israeli drone strike hit a car in the town of Sour. Another strike targeted the area around Abbassieh, in the district of Sour, with no reported casualties.
- The previously reported Israeli attack on Adloun, south of Saida, killed, Wissam Hassan Nejme, and injured another person.
- At around 9.45 pm, Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil) was hit once again by an Israeli airstrike
- Hezbollah, for its part, announced operations against Israeli soldiers in Shlomi, in northern Israel, at 7.40 pm, near the Lebanese village of Naqoura at 4 p.m., and against Metula at 8.55 p.m.
Intense battles ongoing in Bint Jbeil
The sounds of machine-gun fire and shelling in the center of Bint Jbeil can be heard from a distance this evening, our correspondent reports. Israeli forces are continuing their advance towards the town center, drawing closer to the main market.
According to security sources, Israeli forces are now positioned some 500 meters from the market. This advance is accompanied by fierce fighting and a deterioration of the situation in the town.
Lebanon’s ambassador says she stressed the need to implement the November 2024 cease-fire agreement
Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, said that the preparatory meeting with her Israeli counterpart had been constructive, thanking the U.S. side for hosting and facilitating the meeting.
Following the meeting in Washington, Mouawad stated: “I emphasized the urgent need for the full implementation of the November 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement, and I underlined the integrity of our territory as well as the State’s full sovereignty over the entire Lebanese territory.”
She called for a cease-fire and the return of displaced persons to their homes, as well as for concrete measures to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis the country continues to face due to the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, speaks to the press following meeting with Lebanese counterpart
Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, spoke to the press following his meeting with Lebanon’s Ambassador to the United States. Here is a verbatim transcript of his remarks:
"I was honored to sit around negotiating table with His Excellency, Michel Issa, United States Ambassador to Lebanon, and to Her Excellency, Nada Hamadeh, the Lebanese Ambassador to Washington.
We discovered today that we're on the same side of the equation. That's the most positive thing we could have come away with. We are both united in liberating Lebanon from an occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah.
Lebanon is under their occupation, and we are suffering from their constant barrages of missiles and terror attacks trying to cross our border. We talked about a number of things, most importantly, the vision, the long term vision, where there will be a clearly delineated border between our countries, and where the only reason we'll need to cross each other's territory will be in business suits to conduct business, or in bathing suits to go on vacation. We made it very clear that the security of our civilians is not up for negotiation.
That is understood by the government of Joseph Aoun, and I must say, this was a victory for sanity, for responsibility, and for peace, because the head of Hezbollah warned the government of Lebanon yesterday, not to participate in these talks, and the government of Joseph Aoun bravely said no to Hezbollah. And this is the beginning of a very strong and fortified, consistent battle against Hezbollah. They are weakened as they've never been, and together, we'll continue to read the threat of this Iranian proxy, which is so maligned, and so malignant in the region."
Lebanon’s ambassador to the US has left the State Department
Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, has left the State Department in Washington following her meeting with her Israeli counterpart. The latter is now addressing the press.
Aid for displaced Lebanese: US State Department reported to have approved $58.8 million
A U.S. State Department official, quoted by several regional media outlets, stated that “the State Department has recently approved $58.8 million in new humanitarian programs to provide vital aid to displaced Lebanese.” He added that “our funding will be directed towards vital needs in the areas of food, health, water, sanitation, shelter, and emergency response for those most affected by the conflict."
He also reiterated that, “as President Donald Trump has made clear, there is no link between the U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad and the Israel-Lebanon talks."
Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington: Preliminary meeting concludes
The preliminary meeting held today between the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel at the U.S. State Department in Washington has come to and end concluded after about two hours of talks, according to the National News Agency (NNA).
Hezbollah issues several statements in the last hour
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks on the Israeli towns of Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Misgav Am at 6.30 pm, as well as an attack targeting a gathering of Israeli soldiers near Khiam (Marjayoun) at 6.15 pm. The party also claims to have targeted the Avivim area at 6.40 pm, Israeli artillery positions in Beit Haemek at the same time, and then the town of Shlomi at 7.40 pm with a barrage of drones.
Amal says they remain opposed to direct negotiations with Israel
In a statement signed by the chairman of the Amal Movement’s Executive Council, Mustapha Fouhani, Hezbollah reiterates its stance of “rejecting any form of direct negotiation with the Zionist enemy.”
The text states that “the mechanism committee” [the committee established to oversee the November 2024 cease-fire] “remains the practical and executive framework for bringing the Israeli offensive to an end and ensuring the full implementation of all articles of the cease-fire adopted in November 2024, none of which Israel has complied with."
The statement adds that the movement “needs no one to prove its patriotism, its commitment to the resistance and to coexistence,” in response to “those who cast doubt on the Amal movement’s track record.”
Bernie Sanders vows to block $500 million in US funding for Israel
Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders has stated on X that he is working to block half a billion dollars in U.S. aid to Israel.
Bernie Sanders introduced three resolutions this week aimed at blocking this funding. He wrote: “This week, I will force a vote to block nearly $500 million worth of bombs and bulldozers destined for Israel. Enough is enough. American taxpayers must not continue to fund the mass killings and displacement of civilians by the Netanyahu government in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon,” he wrote.
Israeli military confirms capture of 3 Hezbollah members in Bint Jbeil
The Israeli army confirmed in a statement posted on X by its Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, that three Hezbollah members were captured on Monday in Bint Jbeil, a development previously reported by Israeli media.
The capture was carried out by members of the Israeli army’s Givati Brigade, he added.
Guterres: Talks between Lebanon and Israel must create the conditions for change
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Tuesday that no one expects the current talks between Lebanon and Israel to resolve all the issues at stake, but that it is very important to create the conditions for change, Reuters reports.
He also indicated that the available signals suggest it is “highly likely” that negotiations aimed at ending the war between Iran and Israel will resume shortly.
Israeli attacks continue across southern Lebanon
According to our correspondent:
- At around 7 pm, Israel carried out strikes on Aitit, Tayr Debba, Jwayya (Sour), Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil).
- At around 7.20 pm, Israel carried out a strike on Braasheet without causing any casualties, then Jmeijmeh al-Majdal, as well as Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).
- A little later, Israel carried out airstrikes and fired artillery shells on the village of Tiri (Bint Jbeil) before targeting Sultanieh (Bint Jbeil) with an airstrike.
- Israel targeted Tibnin (Bint Jbeil) and Adloun, south of Saida, with airstrikes as well.
Trump suggests talks with Iran could resume 'within next couple of days'
U.S. President Donald Trump told the New York Post that talks with Iran could resume within the next couple of days.
The newspaper reports that, during an initial telephone conversation, Donald Trump had indicated that the talks were “moving forward, but, you know, a bit slowly,” before adding that a second round of direct negotiations aimed at ending this war, which has been going on for seven weeks, would likely take place somewhere in Europe.
About half an hour later, President Trump rang the newspaper back to provide an update. “You really ought to stay there, because something might happen in the next couple of days, and we’re quite inclined to go there,” he said, referring to Islamabad. “It’s more likely, you know why? Because the army is doing a great job.”
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon
An Israeli air strike targeted the town of Braasheet, with no casualties reported.
Israeli artillery shelling on Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh).
Marco Rubio’s remarks at start of Lebanon-Israel talks
"We are very honored to be joined by the two countries that the United States wants to have strong relations with the world. We’re obviously very happy to serve in this facilitating role. This is a historic opportunity. We understand we are working against decades of history, complexities, that have led us to this unique moment and the opportunity here. I know some of you were shouting questions about ceasefires. This is a lot more than just about that.
This is about bringing a permanent end to 20 or 30 years Hezbollah’s influence in this part of the world, and not just the damage it’s inflicted on Israel. The damage it’s inflicted on Lebanon. We have to remember, the Lebanese people are victims of Hezbollah. The Lebanese people are victims of Iranian aggression and this needs to stop.
And so our hope here, and I know this will be process, OK? All of the complexities of this matter are not going to be resolved in the next six hours, but we can begin to move forward to create the framework, for something to happen, something very positive, something very prominent so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve. And so that the people in Israel can live without fear of being struck by rocket attacks from a terrorism proxy abroad. So that is the hope here today. That is what we are beginning to work with,
We are joined by excellent people who will be in a position to obviously take this back to their respective capitals.
This is a process, not an event. This is more than just one day. This will take time, but we believe it's worth this endeavor. And it's a historic gathering that we hope to build on. And the hope today is that we we can outline the framework, upon which a permanent and lasting peace can be developed, so that, as I said, the people of Israel can live in peace, and the people in Lebanon can build but not just the peace but the prosperity and security they deserve. OK? Thank you."
Health Ministry: 2,124 people killed and 6,921 injured since March 2
The latest Health Ministry toll from Israel's war on Lebanon now stands at 2,124 people killed and 6,921 injured since March 2.
On April 14 alone, Israel killed 35 people and 159 new casualties were admitted to hospital.
Iraq: 3 injured in drone strike against Iranian Kurds
A drone struck a group of Iranian Kurdish opposition activists on Tuesday, injuring three people, in the first attack of its kind in northern Iraq since the Iranian-American truce, a spokesperson for the Komala movement told AFP. Commander Mohammed Hakimi, of the Komala party in exile, blamed the attack on “Iran and its affiliated militias."
Since the start of the war in the Middle East in late February, Iran has repeatedly struck positions belonging to exiled Iranian Kurdish groups in the autonomous region of Kurdistan, in northern Iraq.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for 13 attacks on northern Israel, following start of talks between Lebanon and Israel
Hezbollah stated that it had fired simultaneous rocket salvos at the villages and towns of Kiryat Shmona, Metula, Misgav Am, Kfar Giladi, Malkia, Tel Hai, and Dishon at 6pm, coinciding with the start of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington.
The party also stated that it had fired further simultaneous barrages at the villages and towns of Kiryat Shmona, Metula, Misgav Am, Kfar Giladi, Manara, Margaliot, Kfar Blum, Malkia, Tel Hai, Dishon, Liman, Saar, and Nahariya at 6.15 pm.
Hezbollah also claimed to have targeted Israeli military infrastructure in the town of Maalot-Tarshiha and the city of Nahariya at 5.15 pm and 5.30 pm respectively.
It further stated that, in response to Israel’s repeated attacks on the city of Sour, it had "engaged" an Israeli Hermes 450 (Zik) drone over the Zahrani coast using a surface-to-air missile at 4.30 pm.
Hezbollah attacks on Israeli occupation troops, northern Israel; Engages with Israeli drone over Sour
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack “using artillery shells” against Israeli soldiers in Qawzah (Bint Jbeil), as well as a rocket strike on an Israeli occupation army position south of Khiam (Marjayoun, in the eastern sector).
Hezbollah also said it had fired rocket salvos at northern Israel, notably targeting Kiryat Shmona, Manara, and Israeli army infrastructure in Karmiel, “in response to attacks on Sour.”
Hezbollah has also said that it has “engaged an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over Sour at 4pm, using a surface-to-air missile," in response to Israel’s repeated attacks on the city of Sour.
Hezbollah also reported firing rocket salvos and artillery shells at Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the villages of Bayada and Shamaa (Sour) at 5.20 pm.
According to our correspondent, Hezbollah is currently firing rocket salvos towards Israeli positions.
The center of Bint Jbeil completely destroyed
According to our correspondent, Israel has completely destroyed the center of Bint Jbeil, where intense fighting has been taking place for several days between Hezbollah Israeli troops.
Israeli media, moreover, reported of three Hezbollah members captured in Bint Jbeil.
Rubio: 'Historic opportunity'
Lebanon-Israel talks: Rubio describes this as a "historic opportunity" for lasting peace.
Litani River Authority says Israeli targeted vicinity of Ibrahim Abdel Aal Hydroelectric Power Plant
The Litani River Authority (LRA) said in a statement that Israel has targeted he vicinity of the Ibrahim Abdel Aal Hydroelectric Power Plant between the Mashghara plain and Ain al-Zarqa in the Western Bekaa this afternoon.
According to the statement, this led to the partial closure of the road leading to the plant and caused damage to some high-voltage lines (66 kV).
LRA confirmed that the plant is still operating at its production capacity and continues to supply the public electricity grid, thanks to the immediate efforts of its technical and engineering teams to ensure continuity of service.
While condemning this attack, the Authority stressed that "hydroelectric power facilities are considered essential civilian infrastructure and enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law."
The Litani River Authority finally called on "relevant international bodies, particularly U.N. organizations and entities concerned with the implementation of international humanitarian law to keep vital infrastructure and public facilities out of military operations."
Israel destroys construction base intended for building Shrine of "Jesus the King" in Ain Ibl
Israel has destroyed a construction base intended for building the Shrine of "Jesus the King" in the Christian village of Ain Ibl (Bint Jbeil). A municipal source told our correspondent that the demolition took place today and was not inside the town itself, but on its outskirts toward the town of Tiri.
Meanwhile, Israel carried out an airstrike on the outskirts of the village of Arzi (Saida district), near the highway in the Zahrani area. Electricity poles and high-voltage lines were damaged as a result of the strike, leading to power outages in the villages of Kharayeb, Arzi, and Zrarieh.
Israel also carried strikes on the villages of Kafra, Sultanieh (Bint Jbeil), Rmadieh, and the vicinity of the Qasmieh bridge (Sour). The village of Burj Qalaway (Nabatieh) has also been subjected to Israeli artillery shelling.
Our correspondent also reported that Israel killed a child, identified as Abbas Fadl Tarhini, in an airstrike that targeted a motorcycle earlier in the village of Abba (Nabatieh).
What we know about the Israel-Lebanon talks
Catch up on everything you need to know about the Israel-Lebanon talks here.
Canada is to provide $40 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon
Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Rajji received a telephone call from his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, during which she informed him that her country had allocated $40 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon via international humanitarian organizations, according to the National News Agency (NNA). Anand also reaffirmed Canada’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional institutions.
Furthermore, she expressed “Canada’s condemnation of the Israeli air strikes on Lebanon, which are causing civilian casualties,” emphasizing “her country’s support for the Lebanese government’s decisions aimed at extending state authority across its entire territory.”
For his part, Rajji expressed “Lebanon’s gratitude for Canada’s supportive stance” and informed his Canadian counterpart of “the Lebanese state’s position regarding recent developments and the evolving situation in the region.”
The Israeli army says it expects an 'escalation' in rocket fire from Hezbollah
Aoun hopes that negotiations with Israel will mark 'the beginning of the end' of the Lebanese people’s suffering
President Joseph Aoun says he hopes that negotiations with Israel will mark “the beginning of the end” of the Lebanese people’s suffering.
Rajji: 'Only the Lebanese state has the authority to negotiate on behalf of Lebanon'
“Only the Lebanese state has the authority to negotiate on behalf of Lebanon,” wrote Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji on X at the start of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington.
Talks between Lebanon and Israel, mediated by the US, begin in Washington
(L/R) US State Department Counselor Michael Needham, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Lebanon's Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad, and Israeli Ambassador to the US Y
The talks, mediated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involving the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh Moawad, as well as the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, are currently getting underway at the State Department in Washington. The participants posed for a group photo beforehand.
Srifa ‘devastated’ following series of Israeli airstrikes
After Israel carried out at least 13 airstrikes in the space of an hour on Srifa (Sour) the mayor of the southern Lebanese town, Mohammad Nazzal, told our correspondent in the region that the village is "devastated."
According to Nazzal, the strikes completely destroyed 20 houses and damaged dozens more. He reported that ongoing bombardment is preventing rescue workers from reaching affected areas to assess the human toll of the strikes which took place on populated and inhabited areas.
He noted that the scale of destruction since the start of the war is significant, with around 60 buildings completely destroyed and nearly 200 partially damaged, in attacks that have targeted civilian infrastructure such as shops, pharmacies, bakeries, and the town hall, causing a total cut-off of water and electricity supplies and blocking roads with rubble.
According to his information, Israeli attacks on the village have killed 35 people since 2 March, “mostly women and children.”
In this context, he called on the state to take action to put an end to the Israeli attacks and thanked the Lebanese Army for its assistance, particularly in clearing the rubble from the streets.
Seventeen countries call on Israel and Lebanon to ‘seize the opportunity’ presented by peace talks
Seventeen countries, including France and the United Kingdom, called on Tuesday for Lebanon and Israel to "seize the opportunity" presented by the direct peace talks due to take place in Washington under U.S. mediation.
“We welcome President [Joseph] Aoun’s initiative to open direct negotiations with Israel and the fact that Israel has agreed to begin these negotiations under U.S. mediation. We call on both parties to seize this opportunity,” the seventeen countries wrote in a joint statement.
In addition to France and the United Kingdom, the other signatory countries are Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Hezbollah claims attacks on Israeli occupation forces and inside Israel
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an attack on “a Hummer-type vehicle in Ain Ibil,” a Christian village in southern Lebanon that remains inhabited, in the central sector of the border.
In a series of statements, Hezbollah also claimed to have carried out several attacks on Kiryat Shmona, in northern Israel, one involving explosive drones targeting a military vehicle and the other using rockets. It also claimed responsibility for a strike on Misgav Am.
Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for two "surface-to-air" missile strikes, one on an Israeli military drone of the "Hermes 450 – Zik" type in the skies over Siddiqine (Sour), and one on an Israeli fighter jet over the western Bekaa Valley.
At least 12 Israeli strikes on Srifa, district of Sour
Israel has carried out at least 12 strikes on Srifa (Sour) reports our correspondent in the south, in what has been the most intense blast zone around the village since the start of the war.
These strikes targeted houses in the village and caused significant damage. In the same region, a drone strike targeted a scooter in Ain Baal. An air strike also targeted Blida, in the district of Marjayoun. Elsewhere, a drone struck a motorbike in Aabba (Nabatieh), killing its rider.
Casualties after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
The person who was severely wounded from the Israeli drone strike that targeted a "Rapid" car in the village of Abbassieh (Sour) succumbed to his wounds.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have targeted the villages of Shehabieh, Srifa (Sour), and Blida (Marjayoun). One person has been seriously wounded in the strike on Shehabieh.
An Israeli airstrike has also targeted the village of Arzoun (Sour), leaving casualties.
Moreover, Israeli warplanes have targeted the town of Bint Jbeil and a house in the village of Srifa (Sour), and an Israeli drone has targeted the village of Abba (Nabatieh).
Hezbollah says it shot down an Israeli drone in South Lebanon on Saturday
Hezbollah claimed several attacks carried out on Saturday, yesterday and today in seperate statements.
It then said that it shot down an Israeli Hermes 450 Zik drone on Saturday over the village of Seddiqin (Sour) using a surface-to-air missile.
Hezbollah said that it fired two attack drones yesterday at 4:30 p.m. at a Hummer vehicle in the village of Ain Ebel (Bint Jbeil district) and a logistical vehicle in the village of Kiryat Shmona in Northern Israel. It added that it confronted an Israeli warplane over the Western Bekaa yesterday at 2 p.m. "using a surface-to-air missile."
Finally, the party announced that it fired a rocket barrage at Kiryat Shmona at 3:15 p.m. today and another rocket barrages at Israeli soldiers near the complex of Moussa Abbas and the area east of the town of Bint Jbeil last night at 12:15 a.m. and this morning at 10:45 a.m.
‘Potential blockade breaker’ spotted in Hormuz Strait, says Windward
The marine intelligence platform Windward has identified what it describes as a “new potential blockade breaker” in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, the company said a Comoros-flagged bulk carrier has reappeared in the waterway after going “dark,” switching off its communications to conceal its position, since the start of the war on Feb. 28.
Windward added that the vessel’s last known port call was Bandar Imam Khomeini in Iran, and that it had previously been linked to transporting grain from ports in Russian-occupied Ukraine to Iran and Syria.
“Despite the current blockade, this vessel is back on the grid and navigating this high-stakes corridor,” the company said.
Rassamni files complaint to IMO over Israel's destruction of Naqoura fishermen port
The Public Works and Transport Minister, Fayez Rassamni, submitted an official complaint to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) over Israel's destruction of the fishermen’s port in the town of Naqoura (Sour district) a few days ago, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.
Rassamni noted that “this attack constitutes a blatant violation of international laws and agreements, particularly the rules that guarantee the protection of civilian maritime facilities and the freedom and safety of maritime navigation."
The complaint included a documented account of the incident, supported by satellite images showing the extent of the damage to the port, including the destruction of infrastructure and boats, and the resulting complete paralysis of maritime activity in the area, according to NNA.
The minister also affirmed that Lebanon “reserves its right to take all necessary legal and diplomatic measures to protect its vital facilities and the rights of its citizens,” calling on the international community to “assume its responsibilities in putting an end to these violations.”
Egyptian FM heads to Washington for talks on Middle East developments
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is traveling to Washington to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, according to a statement from Egypt’s foreign ministry website.
Egypt has also joined Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in a four-nation bloc aimed at de-escalating the U.S.–Israel war on Iran. Their recent coordinated efforts helped pave the way for Saturday’s talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad.
Israeli strikes target car in Abbassieh, house in Rihan
An Israeli drone has targeted a "Rapid" car on the Abbassieh road (Sour), wounding one person seriously.
An Israeli airstrike has also targeted a house in the village of Rihan (Jezzine district).
Meanwhile, the outskirts of the village of Hannawieh (Sour) have been subjected to Israeli artillery shelling.
Separately, Hezbollah said that it fired a rocket barrage at the newly established Israeli artillery positions in the village of Biyyada (Sour) at 1:15 p.m.
France's Macron calls for US, Iran cease-fire talks to resume
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he had spoken with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday and called for talks to restart between Washington and Iran and for a halt of any possible escalation.
He added in a post on social media platform X that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened unconditionally as soon as possible.
"Under these circumstances, negotiations should be able to resume quickly, with the support of the key stakeholders," he said.
35 villages in southern Lebanon targeted by Israeli strikes between 12 am and 1 pm
Since midnight and until around 1 p.m., Israeli warplanes have carried out airstrikes targeting 35 villages in the south, with several villages being hit by multiple waves of strikes at times.
According to a medical source, three people were killed at dawn today in Kfarsir (Nabatieh district) and three others were killed in Adsheet (Nabatieh).
According to the latest information provided by our correspondent, an Israeli drone hit a motorcycle in the village of Barish (Sour district), killing one person. Another person has been killed in an Israeli drone strike that targeted the village of Kafra (Bint Jbeil).
An Israeli airstrike has also targeted the outskirts of Seddiqin (Sour), causing injuries.
Saar says he aims for 'peace and normalization' with Lebanon
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he hopes to achieve “peace and normalization” with Lebanon, just hours before a reported meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington.
The Israeli FM said Israel has no “dispute” with Lebanon, arguing that “the problem is Hezbollah.”
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions and continued military escalation along the Lebanon–Israel border, according to reports.
Israel says 10 soldiers wounded in Bint Jbeil, 3 in serious condition
The Israeli military said 10 paratroopers were wounded during an incursion into the Bint Jbeil area in southern Lebanon, including three in serious condition, Haaretz reports.
According to Israel, the forces were operating as part of an expanded ground offensive in the area. The military also said it had surrounded the village as part of ongoing operations in southern Lebanon.
Israel claimed that over 100 Hezbollah fighters were killed during the campaign and that militant infrastructure was destroyed.
Hezbollah fires drones at Israeli targets in northern Israel and occupied Golan
- Hezbollah says it launched a drone squadron at Israeli artillery positions in Kabri (northern Israel) at 11:45 a.m.
- The group also reported drone attacks on the Neve Ativ site in the occupied Golan at 12:10 p.m.
Israeli army bulldozes homes in Mais al-Jabal
- Israeli forces are demolishing damaged homes that residents had repaired at their own expense in Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun district)
- Bulldozing operations are ongoing in multiple neighborhoods, including al-Dabaka, Bab al-Shaqaa, al-Marj al-Shamali, and the western district
- Other targeted areas include the village square, al-Aqaba, surroundings of Abi Zar Mosque, and al-Jaafra toward Darb al-Souq
Israeli strikes cause casualties in South Lebanon
- Several people wounded in an Israeli airstrike targeting a motorcycle on the road between Jwayya and Mahrouna (Sour district)
- Renewed airstrikes hit Jwayya, destroying a commercial and residential center and nearby homes
- Additional strike targeted the al-Murj area, hitting shops belonging to Tarek Saleh
- Israeli warplanes also struck Burj Qalawieh, Shehabieh, and areas near Zawtar al-Sharqiah
- Two strikes hit Jbaa (Iqlim al-Tuffah), including a very powerful blast felt as far as villages east of Saida
- A drone strike hit Shehabieh
- Strike near a Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Authority volunteer center in Baflieh damaged ambulances
- Artillery shelling reported in Kafra and Yater (Bint Jbeil)
- Civil Defense says casualties were evacuated from rubble in Kafra, while earlier rescue operations continued in Aita al-Jabal
Italy suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced that her government will suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement between Italy and Israel, citing the current situation.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Verona in northern Italy, Meloni said the decision reflects growing concerns over ongoing developments.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who was in Lebanon on Monday, had previously condemned what he described as “unacceptable attacks” by Israel against civilians in Lebanon. Following his remarks, Israel summoned Italy’s ambassador.
Israeli army captured 3 Hezbollah members in Bint Jbeil, Israeli media reports
Israel's Channel 14 reported that Israeli forces from the Givati Brigade captured three Hezbollah members last night in the town of Bint Jbeil.
"During the encounter with the cell, one of the [members] was shot and critically wounded, two others were more lightly wounded, threw down their weapons, and surrendered," wrote the channel's correspondent, Hallel Bitton Rosen, on his X account.
He added that they will be subsequently be transferred to interrogation or be killed.
There was no official comments from the Israeli army or Hezbollah on the incident.
Series of Israeli strikes target South Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes have targeted the villages of Baraashit, Kfardounine (Bint Jbeil district), Hanouieh, Shehabieh, Jebal al-Botm, Seddiqin, Deir Kifa (Sour), Sir al-Gharbieh (Nabatieh) and the area of Ain al-Joz in Shebaa (Hasbaya).
Moreover, Israeli drones have targeted the village of Baraasheet, near the village's municipality, and the villages of Jwayya and Mahrouna (Sour). The strike on Mahrouna wounded several people.
Aoun discusses Lebanon’s situation with UN special coordinator
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, for talks focused on the country’s situation and ongoing Israeli attacks, according to a statement from the presidential palace in Baabda.
Israeli strikes kill four in western Bekaa; renewed strikes hit south Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes targeted the village of Sohmor in western Bekaa, where a morning strike killed four members of the same family, including two parents and their two children, according to local reports.
Later, Israeli warplanes carried out two additional strikes on the same village.
In southern Lebanon, air raids also hit Shebaa (Hasbaya district) and Shamaa (Sour district).
Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it launched two new rocket attacks, targeting Misgav Am in northern Israel and a telecommunications site at the Aliqa barracks in the occupied Syrian Golan.
Hezbollah attacks northern Israel, Israeli strikes reported in southern Lebanon, western Bekaa
Hezbollah said that it fired a rocket barrage at the village of Miskav Am in Northern Israel at 10 a.m. The group also said that it fired another rocket barrage at a communications station at the al-Aliqa barracks in the occupied Golan at 10:30 a.m.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have targeted the neighborhood of Sleikh in the village of Shebaa (Hasbaya district), as well as the village of Shamaa (Sour).
In the Western Bekaa, Israeli warplanes have carried out two strikes on the village of Sohmor.
Last but not least, the death toll from the Israeli airstrike that targeted the area of al-Tall in Sohmor today at dawn has risen to four. All of those killed belong to the same family: the parents and their two children. The mother has been identified as Rim Hammoud from the village of Majdal Balhis (Rashaya).
Palestinian Red Crescent condemns Israeli strike that killed rescuer in Beit Yahoun
The Palestinian Red Crescent in Lebanon has condemned an Israeli strike that killed a Lebanese Red Cross rescuer on Sunday evening in Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil district.)
In a statement, it described the attack as a “blatant violation” of international laws and the Geneva Conventions, which protect medical and humanitarian personnel during armed conflict and prohibit targeting them under any circumstances.
The organization said that targeting rescue workers while they are carrying out life-saving duties reflects “a criminal approach that disregards all human and legal values,” calling the incident a clear breach of international law.
Third Iran-linked tanker transits Hormuz despite US blockade
A third Iran-linked tanker entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the first full day of the U.S. blockade on ships calling at Iranian ports, according to shipping data cited by Reuters.
The vessel, along with two others that recently passed through the strait, is not in violation of the blockade as none are bound for Iranian ports. One tanker is heading to the UAE’s Hamriyah port, while another is set to load fuel oil in Iraq.
A sanctioned tanker carrying methanol is also expected to exit the Gulf, marking the first such transit since the blockade began. The ship and its owner were previously targeted by U.S. sanctions for dealings with Iran.
China calls US blockade of Iran ports 'dangerous and irresponsible'
China said on Tuesday that a U.S. blockade China said on Tuesday that a U.S. blockade around Iranian ports was "dangerous and irresponsible," after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock there, AFP reports.
"The U.S. increased military operations and took a targeted blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile cease-fire agreement and further jeopardise safety of passage through the Strait," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference, adding "this is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour."
US and Iranian negotiators may return to Islamabad for talks this week
Teams of U.S. and Iranian negotiators could return to Islamabad, Pakistan, later this week to resume peace talks, four sources told Reuters on Tuesday.
A senior Iranian source said “No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping Friday through Sunday open,” according to the news agency.
The discussions would follow up on negotiations held Sunday, which ended without a breakthrough. Those talks marked the highest-level engagement between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iran estimates $270 billion in war losses, seeks reparations
Iran has estimated its initial war-related losses at about $270 billion, though officials say the figure is still preliminary and could rise. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani shared the estimate in an interview with Russia’s RIA Novosti, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
She added that Iran’s negotiating team is actively pursuing the issue of war reparations, including during recent talks in Islamabad.
Mohajerani noted that assessing damages is a complex process carried out in multiple stages, and the current estimate reflects losses from U.S. and Israeli attacks.
Israeli drone strike targets can in Shebaa as strikes intensify across southern Lebanon
Israeli bombardments continued across southern Lebanon this morning, according to local reports.
A van parked on the roadside in Shebaa (Hasbaya district) was struck by a missile fired from a drone. No injuries were reported.
Additional Israeli airstrikes targeted the Iqlim al-Touffah area, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, and three separate raids hit Arabslim (Nabatieh).
Shelling also struck the village and plains of Qleileh, south of Sour, as well as Aaitit and the Hosh area.
US pushes 20-year halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment as talks stall
The United States has reportedly proposed a 20-year suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment program as part of efforts to end the war, but talks with Tehran have so far failed to produce a deal.
Negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance ended without progress, with key sticking points including Iran’s nuclear activities and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports say Washington offered sanctions relief in exchange for the long-term halt, while Iran countered with a five-year suspension.
The proposal marks a softer stance compared to earlier U.S. demands for Iran to permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions. However, Washington continues to insist on strict guarantees, including limit
An Israeli army reservist killed 'in combat' in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army announced this morning the death of a soldier “in combat” in southern Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, have been clashing for more than a month.
Sergeant Major Ayal Uriel Bianco, 30, a driver of a fire-fighting vehicle, “fell in combat in southern Lebanon,” the Israeli armed forces said in a statement. The reservist was attached to the 188th Brigade. The Israeli army also said that in the same incident, three other reservists were wounded — one moderately and two lightly.
Hezbollah claimed an attack on an artillery position located in Lebanese territory and on military positions in northern Israel
Hezbollah said it fired a “salvo of rockets” overnight at Israeli soldiers south of Khiam, in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon, where fighting has been ongoing for weeks between the group and the Israeli army.
In southern Lebanon as well, in the western sector south of Sour, Hezbollah claimed a rocket attack on a “new artillery position” of the Israeli army in Bayada.
On Sunday, artillery fire hit Kharayeb in the Saida district, north of Sour, 20 kilometers from the border — the first time such long-range artillery fire had been reported in Lebanon.
Hezbollah fighters also “targeted with suicide drones” the Liman barracks in Nahariya, a coastal city in northern Israel, as well as a command center in Kfar Giladi earlier this morning.
South Lebanon: Damage to Tebnine hospital, flares in the sky over Sour
In Tebnine (Bint Jbeil), an early morning raid killed at least five people, whose condition was not immediately known. The strike also caused damage to the government hospital in the village. Windows were shattered, doors torn off their hinges, and vehicles damaged near the facility.
In addition to these bombardments, in southern Lebanon, raids during the night targeted: Tiri, Deir Antar (Bint Jbeil), a house in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, a vacant lot in Arabsalim (Nabatieh), the heights of Mahmoudieh (Jezzine), houses in Shabriha (Sour), a house in Bayssarieh, Ansarieh (Saida), the Khardali area near an army checkpoint between Nabatieh and Marjayoun districts. For the first time since the start of the war, the Israeli army dropped flares over the sky of Sour.
In addition, a fire broke out overnight from Monday to Tuesday in a Syrian refugee camp in the Marj al-Khokh area, on the main road between Marjayoun and Ebel al-Saqi, destroying several tents but causing no casualties. While the causes are not yet confirmed, preliminary reports suggest incendiary material may have been dropped by an Israeli drone.
At least 7 killed in Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and the Bekaa since Monday evening
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and the Bekaa since Monday evening and up to this morning have killed at least seven people, according to our correspondents.
Two people were killed overnight in a drone strike on a car on the Msayleh road (Saida district). In the same area, three people were killed in a bombardment on Adloun, while in the Bekaa, three people — a mother and her children — were killed in an air raid on their home in Sohmor.
Welcome to our live coverage of Middle East news
Just hours before a meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington, as a preliminary step toward the first direct negotiations between the two countries in decades.
In the region, after the failure of talks between Iran and the United States on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and rhetoric between officials of the two countries is once again escalating.
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