Israel intercepts Hezbollah rocket launchers in south Lebanon
The Israeli army announced it had intercepted Hezbollah rocket launchers in the Yater and Kafra areas of southern Lebanon, “north of the Advanced Defense Line.” “These rocket launchers posed a threat to Israeli soldiers and civilians,” a statement said.
“Earlier today, the Hezbollah terrorist organization launched explosive drones toward soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, south of the Advanced Defense Line. The drones exploded near the soldiers; no injuries were reported among the soldiers,” the Israeli army continued.
“This incident constitutes another flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreements,” it added.
Abbas Araghchi to meet with Pakistani prime minister
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will hold meetings with Pakistani leaders — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — to discuss the latest regional developments and ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, Reuters reports.
Fifth attack of the day claimed by Hezbollah
Hezbollah issued its fifth statement of the day, announcing that at 2:30 p.m., it targeted an Israeli armored vehicle transporting troops in Ramaya, in the Bint Jbeil district. The drone hit its target, according to the movement.
US imposes new sanctions related to Iran, according to the US Treasury
The United States imposed new sanctions related to Iran on Friday and issued a blanket license authorizing the phased winding-up of agreements involving the Chinese company Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co., according to a notice published on the U.S. Treasury Department website, Reuters reports.
Iran denies reports that Ghalibaf has resigned as head of negotiating team
Iran’s parliament’s media office has denied reports that President Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has resigned as head of the country’s negotiating team, stating that he remains in his post and that no new talks have been scheduled, according to Reuters.
This statement comes despite earlier remarks from the White House that Iran has made contact to request a face-to-face meeting, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner scheduled to travel to Pakistan on Saturday for talks.
Iran: Trump envoys to depart for Pakistan on Saturday
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for further talks with Iran aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, the White House spokesperson said Friday.
"I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will again depart for Pakistan tomorrow morning to hold talks... with representatives of the Iranian delegation," Karoline Leavitt told Fox News, indicating that Vice President JD Vance is not expected to be part of the trip this time. She also said she hoped it would be "a fruitful conversation."
'The resistance continues to fight in Bint Jbeil,' Fadlallah asserts
Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah declared that “the resistance continues to fight in Bint Jbeil.”
“The image of its heroic resistance fighters confronting the enemy with their soldiers and aircraft represents the dignity and pride of Lebanon, while the regime plays with the destiny of the homeland at the negotiating table in Washington,” he said.
Israel has killed 2,491, wounded 7,719 in Lebanon
A new report from the Health Ministry indicates that 2,491 people have been killed and 7,719 wounded between March 2 and April 24, 2026, by Israel, representing an increase of eight deaths and 12 injuries in the last 24 hours.
Among these victims, 22% of the dead and 64% of the wounded are men. Furthermore, the Nabatieh Governorate has the highest number of victims, with 1,000 killed and more than 3,000 wounded, according to the report.
'Violent clashes' in Bint Jbeil between Hezbollah, Israel
Violent clashes took place today in Bint Jbeil between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Israeli strikes on Deir Aames again
The Israeli army has once again struck the town of Deir Aames (Sour), this time using a drone, according to information from our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Aoun returned from Cyprus after participating in informal meetings held ahead of EU summit
President Joseph Aoun returned from Cyprus after participating in informal meetings held ahead of the EU summit.
Aoun returned to Beirut in the evening after participating in an informal meeting of European Union heads of state and government, in the presence of leaders from the southern neighborhood countries, convened by Cyprus as part of its EU presidency, according to a statement from the Baabda Presidential Palace.
Fourth attack claimed by Hezbollah today
Hezbollah issued its fourth statement of the day announcing that it had targeted an Israeli army Hummer-type military vehicle at the entrance to Qantara (Marjayoun), without specifying the type of projectile used, but asserting that it had hit its target.
Israel claims to have killed 6 Hezbollah members in Bint Jbeil
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that the Israeli army killed six Hezbollah militants in the city of Bint Jbeil, releasing an aerial photograph showing bodies presented as those of members of the movement.
According to the statement, “Forces from the Israeli army’s Paratroopers Brigade identified Hezbollah militants operating south of the ["yellow line"] in southern Lebanon.”
“After locating them, an exchange of fire broke out between the militants and the soldiers. The forces killed three militants with gunfire. They then targeted the building from which the militants were operating, and in the strike, three more militants were killed,” Adraee said, adding that no injuries were reported among the Israeli soldiers.
Israel claims to have bombed military buildings in Deir Ammas
The Israeli army stated on X that it had bombed Hezbollah “military buildings” in the town of Deir Ammas (Sour district), adding that rockets had been fired from this location toward Shatula, in northern Israel, the previous day.
The Israeli army asserts that Hezbollah used the targeted buildings to further “terrorist plans.”
Israeli artillery shells Yater, in south Lebanon; several people wounded, according to initial reports
Israeli artillery fire targeted the village of Yater (Bint Jbeil district), wounding an as-yet-undetermined number of people, reports our correspondent in the South.
Washington considering military options to reopen Hormuz Strait, according to CNN sources
U.S. military officials are working on new plans to target Iranian capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz should the current cease-fire with Iran collapse, according to several sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CNN.
These options include, among several types of targets under consideration, strikes focused on the "dynamic targeting" of Iranian capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz, the southern Arabian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman.
This includes small fast attack craft, mine-laying vessels, and other assets that have enabled Tehran to block the passage. U.S. intelligence assessments believe that the United States has succeeded in destroying Iran's larger warships, but that the Iranian regime still retains about half of its naval capabilities, including its suicide boats.
According to sources cited by CNN, the U.S. military could also carry out U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to strike dual-use (civilian and military) targets, as well as infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, or to target specific Iranian military commanders and other "disruptive elements" within the regime, accused by U.S. officials of actively undermining negotiations.
Ahmad Vahidi, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is among the priority targets, according to one of the sources.
Iran's remaining military capabilities, including missiles, launchers, and production facilities that were not destroyed during the first wave of U.S.-Israeli strikes, or that may have been relocated to new strategic sites since the start of the cease-fire, are also in the sights of the U.S. military.
Furthermore, several sources, including a major player in the maritime sector, told CNN that military strikes around the strait would probably not be enough, on their own, to immediately reopen the passage.
Netanyahu claims Hezbollah trying to 'sabotage' peace efforts with Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday accused the pro-Iranian Lebanese movement Hezbollah of trying to “sabotage” peace efforts with Lebanon.
“We have begun a process to achieve a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, and it seems obvious to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage it,” Netanyahu said, the day after announcing a three-week extension of the cease-fire between the two.
He added that Israel maintains “full freedom of action against any threat, including emerging threats,” and indicated that the army had struck targets “yesterday and today” in Lebanon, adding that Israel is “determined to restore security for the residents of northern” Israel.
Israel claims it targeted Iranian operatives planning attacks against Israeli citizens both in Israel and abroad
The Israeli military, through its Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee, stated that it had targeted, in cooperation with the Shin Bet and Mossad, "key operatives" linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who "were working to advance sabotage plans" targeting Israeli citizens both in Israel and abroad throughout the war.
According to the Israeli statement, these operatives "served as linchpins in the implementation of these plans, particularly Majid Khodari, the head of the apparatus, and Mohsen Souri, who led the sabotage operations unit and was a key figure in their progress."
Adraee added that in recent weeks, “a new Iranian sabotage plan has been set in motion, involving close participation from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, with foreign actors involved in the plan and direct funding from Iran.”
The Israeli military has provided no concrete evidence to support its claims.
In Pakistan, Araghchi will discuss Iran's position on proposed talks with US
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will hold bilateral talks during a brief visit to Pakistan on Friday, two Pakistani sources familiar with the negotiations told Reuters.
He will primarily discuss Iran's position on the proposed talks with the United States regarding the Iran-Iraq War, which will then be forwarded to Washington, the sources said.
The sources contacted by Reuters also indicated that a U.S. logistics and security team is already in place in preparation for the talks.
Hezbollah announces third attack today
Hezbollah stated that it launched an "attack drone" at 1 p.m. against an Israeli vehicle in the village of Qantara (Marjayoun), in response to an Israeli airstrike carried out earlier in the day in Khirbet Selm (Marjayoun), indicating that the drone had hit its target.
Israeli house demolitions continue in south Lebanon despite cease-fire
The Israeli army carried out a major explosion in the village of Deir Siryan (Marjayoun district). The blast was heard throughout the Nabatieh district, as well as in villages in the Zahrani region.
The Israeli army also detonated houses in Taybeh (Marjayoun).
UNESCO condemns Israel's assassination of journalist Amal Khalil in south Lebanon
UNESCO Director-General Khaled el-Enany condemned the killing of journalist Amal Khalil in Tiri on April 22, 2026, and called for a thorough investigation, according to a statement carried by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
“Journalists play a central role in ensuring the flow of information necessary for peacebuilding in conflict zones. Their protection is an absolute priority for all parties. I call for respect for U.N. Security Council Resolution 2222, adopted unanimously in 2015, which specifically addresses the protection of journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel as civilians in conflict zones — a status also reaffirmed in the Global Compact for the Future.”
(Credit: Yiannis Kourtoglou/Reuters)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, President Joseph Aoun, European Council President António Costa, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides attend a press conference on the day of a summit between the European Union and regional partner leaders in Nicosia (Lefkosia), Cyprus, on April 24, 2026.
Israeli army confirms one of its drones was shot down in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army confirmed that one of its drones was shot down in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired a “surface-to-air missile.” It said that “the incident is under investigation.”
The launch of the surface-to-air missile and the drone’s crash, above the outskirts of Sour, were filmed by residents, and debris was found in the streets of Hosh, a suburb of the city. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack.
Hezbollah claims drone attack on Israeli soldiers
Hezbollah said it launched “kamikaze drones” at Israeli soldiers in Qantara, claiming the attack “hit its target.”
The Israeli army earlier accused Hezbollah of carrying out the strike, saying it caused no casualties among its troops.
South Lebanon: Artillery shelling on coast south of Sour, demolition in Qantara
Israeli artillery shelling targeted the outskirts of Mansouri and Beit al-Sayyad, south of Sour, according to our correspondent in the South.
In the eastern sector, Israeli forces carried out a large-scale demolition operation in Qantara, in the Marjayoun district.
Raad calls on Lebanese authorities to 'withdraw' from negotiations with Israel
Hezbollah parliamentary bloc leader Mohammad Raad called on Lebanese authorities to withdraw from negotiations with Israel, criticizing the terms of the cease-fire extended Thursday night and describing it as a “deceptive ruse.”
“Any so-called truce that grants the occupying enemy in Lebanon an exception allowing it to open fire or carry out any action on the ground is not a truce at all, but a deceptive ruse,” Raad said in a statement.
He added that, under such terms, the cease-fire “covers Israeli attacks and turns a blind eye to the continuation of its violations.”
Israel accuses Hezbollah of a drone attack in Qantara, southern Lebanon
The Israeli military claimed it struck a Hezbollah rocket “launch site” in Kounine, south of Bint Jbeil, and accused the party of launching “exploding drones” toward its forces in Qantara, in the Marjayoun district.
“The drones exploded near soldiers, without causing any injuries,” according to the Israeli army. Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for the attack.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for shooting down Israeli drone over Sour
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing a surface-to-air missile that shot down an Israeli “Hermes 450” drone an hour ago over Hosh, on the outskirts of Sour.
“In response to the Israeli enemy’s violation of the cease-fire and its intrusion into Lebanese airspace, Islamic Resistance fighters shot down, on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2:10 p.m., an Israeli military ‘Hermes 450’ - Zik' drone over the Sour region, Hosh, using a surface-to-air missile,” the party wrote on its Telegram account.
Israeli army orders Deir Aames residents to evacuate immediately
The Israeli army's spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, issued an urgent order to residents of Deir Ames (Sour district) to evacuate immediately.
Deir Ames is not located in the buffer zone Israel is attempting to establish in south Lebanon.
Sirens sound in north Israel over suspected drone infiltration
Sirens sounded in Zarit in northern Israel following a suspected drone infiltration, according to Haaretz.
Unexploded missile found in Mashghara, security forces to detonate it in safe location
An unexploded missile was found in Mashghara in western Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region.
Security forces have arrived at the scene to transfer it to a safe location for detonation.
Mashghara was subject to major waves of Israeli attacks that caused mass destruction.
UNIFIL says peacekeeper injured on March 29 succumbed to his injuries
The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mourned in a statement Indonesian Corporal Rico Pramudia, who had been critically injured by a projectile explosion in Adsheet al-Qusair (Marjayoun), on March 29.
Pramudia, 31, "tragically succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Beirut," the statement read.
"We demand from all actors that they uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of U.N. personnel and property at all times," it continued. "Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes."
The attack on March 29 killed another Indonesian peacekeeper and injured two others. The U.N. reported that a “120-mm tank shell was fired by an Israeli Merkava tank from the east.”
Hezbollah MP Fayyad: Resistance cannot accept a cease-fire only enforced on Lebanon
In reaction to the extension of the cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel yesterday, Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad said that the "resistance cannot accept" a cease-fire enforced on the Lebanese side, while imposing no obligations, even minor ones, on the Israeli side, adding that Hezbollah rejects the agreement and is ready to confront it.
This is Hezbollah's first statement since last night's announcement.
"It is necessary to stress that a cease-fire is meaningless in light of Israel’s continued hostile actions — assassinations, shelling, and gunfire — as well as its ongoing destructive devastation of Lebanese border villages and towns, and its insistence on freedom of movement under the pretext of potential threats," Fayyad said.
"Any Israeli attack against any Lebanese target, regardless of its nature, grants the resistance the right to respond proportionately according to the field context," he added.
Aoun meets with Macron
President Aoun also met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nicosia, the Lebanese Presidency announced on X.
Aoun meets Italian prime minister in Cyprus
President Joseph Aoun began his meetings at the EU summit in Nicosia with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, according to a statement released by the Lebanese Presidency on X.
During the meeting, they discussed the current situation in Lebanon in light of recent developments, as well as Lebanese-Italian relations and ways to develop them across all sectors, the statement added.
Kallas: EU discussing whether to have its own mission in Lebanon after UNIFIL withdraws
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said that the Lebanese Army needs "help to disarm Hezbollah and have control over the country," the EU reported.
"So, we have been discussing with the foreign ministers as well as the defense ministers, whether the EU is able to put its own mission together in Lebanon once UNIFIL's mission ends, but not with the same mandate, to really address the needs," she added.
In Cyprus, the EU wants to 'step up its efforts' to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East
European leaders stated their plans to step up efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East in Cyprus, before a working lunch with the presidents of Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria, and the Crown Prince of Jordan.
“Europe must commit even more.” This lunch will be “an opportunity to coordinate with Syria, Jordan, and others. They are affected by the situation in the region,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in Nicosia.
“It is in all our interests” for stability to return “as soon as possible,” he said.
Paris is ready to organize a conference in support of the Lebanese Army when 'Beirut deems it appropriate'
French President Emmanuel Macron repeated his calls for stability in Lebanon in a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Paris, adding that France is ready to organize a conference in support of the Lebanese Army when Beirut deems it appropriate.
Israeli strikes on south Lebanon kill 3
The overnight Israeli strike on Touline, in the Wadi Hujeir valley (Marjayoun), killed two people, our correspondent reported.
An Israeli strike on Khirbet Silm (Bint Jbeil) at dawn killed another person.
Israel also fired artillery shells at the Wadi Slouki valley, which is a natural boundary of the buffer zone it seeks to establish in southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent. It also carried out explosions in Bint Jbeil, Hanine, and Deir Siryan (Marjayoun).
Pentagon email floats suspending Spain from NATO, other steps over Iran rift
An internal Pentagon email outlines options for the United States to punish NATO allies it believes failed to support U.S. operations in the war with Iran, including suspending Spain from the alliance, a U.S. official told Reuters.
The policy options are detailed in a note expressing frustration at some allies' perceived reluctance or refusal to grant the United States access, basing and overflight rights (known as ABO) for the Iran war, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
One option in the email envisions suspending "difficult" countries from important or prestigious positions at NATO.
The policy options outlined in the email would be intended to send a strong signal to NATO allies with the goal of "decreasing the sense of entitlement on the part of the Europeans," the official said.
New Israeli strikes and demolitions in southern Lebanon overnight
At around 10:30 p.m., an Israeli airstrike struck the outskirts of Touline, in the Wadi Hujeir valley (Marjayoun). Another Israeli strike hit Touline at about 4 a.m., alongside artillery shelling, according to our correspondent in the South.
A separate bombardment targeted Majdal Zoun (Sour).
Israeli forces also carried out a large-scale demolition operation in Deir Siryan (Marjayoun).
More than 4,000 additional US troops heading to the Middle East
More than 4,000 additional U.S. troops — from the amphibious group “Boxer” and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit — are expected to deploy to the Middle East in the coming weeks, The Washington Post reported.
They will join the roughly 6,000 personnel aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, which is carrying dozens of combat aircraft and is now operating in the Indian Ocean, the U.S. military said.
Aoun expected at European summit in Cyprus
President Joseph Aoun is expected later in the day at the European summit in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, alongside Egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Syria’s Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah.
EU officials said they plan to discuss “the situation in Lebanon and the talks between Israel and Lebanon,” and to maintain “intensive dialogue” with countries in the region.
Good morning, and thank you for joining us for today's live coverage of the cease-fires in Lebanon and Iran and the events in the region.
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