At least 2 killed and several injured in Israeli strike on Safad al-Battikh; Trump cancels Witkoff and Kushner's Pakistan trip | LIVE

Netanyahu orders Israeli army to strike Lebanon over alleged Hezbollah cease-fire violations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “ordered the Israeli army to strike with force in Lebanon following repeated cease-fire violations by Hezbollah,” according to Israel’s Channel 12.

Over 2,490 people killed in Lebanon since March 2

According to the Health Ministry, 2,496 people have been killed and 7,725 injured in Lebanon since March 2.

Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon

Israeli artillery shelling targeted the outskirts of Samaaieh, Batoulieh, Zebqin, and Hosh in the Sour district, according to reports from southern Lebanon.

Iran says control of Strait of Hormuz is its 'ultimate strategy'

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Saturday that controlling the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil and gas supplies — is Tehran’s “ultimate strategy” in its confrontation with the United States.

“Controlling the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the deterrent effect it creates on America and the supporters of the White House in the region is the ultimate strategy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Guards said in a statement published on their official Telegram channel.

Strike on Safad al-Battikh: Casualties reported

An Israeli airstrike on the village of Safad al-Battikh in the Bint Jbeil district targeted a residential home, leaving at least 10 people injured, including women and children, according to preliminary reports from a correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Multiple ambulances rushed to the scene. The village is not located within the areas the Israeli army has previously called on residents to evacuate in southern Lebanon.

Israeli army continues demolitions in southern Lebanon

Alongside ongoing airstrikes, the Israeli army is continuing the demolition of homes in several villages in southern Lebanon, including Yaroun (Bint Jbeil), Houla, Qantara, and Taybeh (Marjeyoun), according to reports from the region.

Trump says no need for '18-hour flight' in talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said he sees little value in sending officials on long-haul flights for ongoing negotiations, suggesting remote communication would be just as effective.

“I see no point of sending them on an 18 hour flight in the current situation [of the negotiations]. It's too long. We can do it just as well by telephone. The Iranians can call us if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there,” Trump told Global Affairs Correspondent for Axios, Barak Ravid.

When asked whether his comments signal a possible return to military action, Trump dismissed the idea but left the door open to future decisions.

“No. It doesn't mean that. We haven't thought about it yet,” he said.

His remarks come amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts and broader regional tensions.

Israeli army carries out series of strikes in Bint Jbeil district

The Israeli army carried out a series of strikes in the Bint Jbeil district, targeting Kounine, Safad al-Battikh, Jmeijmeh twice, as well as the town of Bint Jbeil, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon. It also shelled an area in Majdel Selm (Marjayoun).

No immediate casualties were reported.

Trump announces cancellation of Witkoff and Kushner trip to Pakistan amid Iran talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has canceled a planned trip to Pakistan by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, scheduled for Saturday, citing the “Iranian position in the negotiations,” according to journalist Barak Ravid.

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had presented Tehran’s “demands” and its “reservations” regarding U.S. proposals to end the conflict during meetings with Pakistani officials in Islamabad before leaving the country.

Israeli army carries out series of strikes in Bint Jbeil district

The Israeli army carried out a series of strikes in the Bint Jbeil district, targeting Kounine, Safad al-Battikh, Jmeijmeh twice, as well as the town of Bint Jbeil, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon. It also shelled an area in Majdel Selm (Marjayoun).

No immediate casualties were reported.

Hezbollah claims attack on Israeli army in Qantara

Hezbollah said it carried out an attack against the Israeli army on Sunday afternoon, stating it targeted an Israeli military vehicle in Qantara at 3 p.m.

The group did not provide further details on the outcome of the strike or whether there were any casualties.

Israeli army says it 'eliminated more than 15 Hezbollah members' over the weekend

The Israeli army said it had “eliminated” more than 15 individuals in southern Lebanon over the weekend.

“Forces from the 36th Division targeted and eliminated three Hezbollah members traveling in a vehicle carrying combat equipment. Another individual was also eliminated while riding a motorcycle in southern Lebanon, south of the forward defense line,” the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson wrote on X.

“Earlier in the day, forces from the Golani Brigade combat team and the Multidimensional Unit identified two armed Hezbollah members in the Litani area, south of the forward defense line. The individuals were eliminated in an airstrike directed by the forces,” she added.

Update on the situation in southern Lebanon

Israeli artillery shelling targeted Kounine (Bint Jbeil), Tiri, and Qantara.
The Israeli army demolished homes in Rshaf (Nabatieh).
Homes were also set on fire in Taybeh (Marjayoun).

Israeli army accuses Hezbollah of violating cease-fire after fire from Lebanon

The Israeli army said on X that sirens in northern Israel were triggered by “two launches from Lebanon.” It said one projectile was successfully intercepted, while another fell in an open area, causing no casualties.

“This constitutes a blatant violation of the cease-fire agreement by Hezbollah,” the army added.

Dar al-Fatwa backs negotiations with Israel, defends Nawaf Salam

The Higher Islamic Council, the highest religious authority of the Sunni community in Lebanon, called today for “respecting” the state’s decision to begin direct negotiations with Israel.

Chaired by Grand Mufti Abdellatif Deriane, the council also warned against “accusations of treason,” particularly targeting Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

While denouncing “the scorched-earth policy carried out by the Israeli occupation” in southern Lebanon, and without explicitly naming Hezbollah, the council reaffirmed its support for recent Cabinet decisions, including declaring the group’s military activities “illegal” and designating Beirut a “weapons-free” city.

Warning sirens sound in northern Israel, army says

Warning sirens were activated in Manara, Margaliot and Misgav Am in northern Israel, the Israeli army said on X, adding it is investigating the cause.

Macron says focus is on reopening Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron said today he is focused on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Athens alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he warned that geopolitical uncertainty alone can trigger energy shortages.

“Our objective is to secure a full reopening in the coming days and weeks, in line with international law, ensuring freedom of navigation without tolls in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

TotalEnergies CEO Patric Pouyanne warned yesterday of global energy shortages if the conflict in Iran continues for months.

Israeli army says it intercepted an “aerial target” in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army said it had “successfully intercepted” a “suspicious aerial target detected in an area” where its forces are present in southern Lebanon, without providing a precise location.

The target “did not enter Israeli airspace,” one of the Israeli army’s X accounts said.

Hezbollah has not yet claimed any attacks against the Israeli army today.

U.K. and Finland condemn attacks on Lebanese journalists

In a joint statement on “attacks against journalists in Lebanon,” the United Kingdom and Finland, as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, on Saturday condemned “attacks against journalists in Lebanon, including the strike that killed journalist Amal Khalil on April 22,” describing them as “unacceptable” and calling on Israel to respect journalists’ freedom and safety.

Iran threatens retaliation if U.S. blockade continues

Iran’s armed forces command threatened the United States today with a military response if the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues, denouncing what it described as acts of “piracy.”

“If U.S. armed forces continue their blockade and persist in acts of banditry and piracy in the region, they should know they will face a response from Iran’s powerful armed forces,” the command, Khatam al-Anbiya, said, according to state television.

“We are ready and determined, and we are monitoring the actions and movements of our enemies,” it added.

Four killed in Yohmor al-Shaqif, Health Ministry says

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that two Israeli strikes targeting a pickup truck and a motorcycle in the village of Yohmor al-Shaqif, in the Nabatiyeh district, killed four people on today.

Germany: Mine-hunter prepositioned ahead of possible deployment to Hormuz

A German mine-hunter is set to be prepositioned in the Mediterranean Sea ahead of a potential mission in the Strait of Hormuz following the end of the Gulf conflict, a spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry told AFP today.

The German Navy mine countermeasure vessel Fulda will be deployed “in the coming days” as part of NATO, the spokesperson said.

The move aims to make a “significant and visible contribution to an international coalition seeking to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” she added.

Iran has conveyed its “demands” and “reservations” regarding U.S. positions, Pakistani source says

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented Tehran’s “demands” in the negotiations, as well as its “reservations” about U.S. proposals to end the war, to Pakistani officials during his visit to Islamabad, a Pakistani source involved in the talks told Reuters today.

Two Israeli drone strikes on Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh)

After a relatively calm morning, the Israeli army carried out two drone strikes on Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh). The first targeted a car, and the second a motorcycle, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

No immediate information was available on possible casualties.

It is worth noting that Yohmor is, to date, the only locality north of the Litani included in the buffer zone that has not been taken by the Israeli army.

Southern Lebanon: artillery fire targets the locality of Qantara

Israeli army artillery fire targeted Qantara (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon. Qantara is a village included in the “buffer zone” Israel is seeking to establish in southern Lebanon.

U.S. will not renew waiver on sanctions for Russian and Iranian oil, Treasury says

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that extending the waiver on sanctions for Russian oil, as well as the exceptional authorization to purchase stranded Iranian oil at sea, is not under consideration.

“Not the Iranians. We are enforcing a blockade [on Iranian ports], and no tanker will leave,” he said in an interview with AP.

Regarding Russian oil, he added: “I don’t think there will be an extension. I think the Russian oil at sea has already been sold.”

More than a month ago, the United States authorized the purchase of Iranian and Russian oil held in tankers at sea to reduce the economic impact of the war with Iran.

Bekaa: Sohmor resident wounded during the war dies of her injuries

A resident of Sohmor in the West Bekaa, who was wounded shortly before the ceasefire that took effect on April 17 in an Israeli strike on the area, has died of her injuries, our correspondent in the region reports.

The latest toll released Friday by the Health Ministry reported 2,491 people killed and 7,719 wounded in Lebanon between March 2, when Hezbollah entered the regional conflict, and April 24, 2026.

U.S. seeking “a way to save face,” says Iranian diplomacy

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the United States is seeking “a way to save face” regarding negotiations that have yet to resume in Islamabad, according to a local Iranian agency cited by AFP.

Israeli army reiterates call to avoid villages in southern Lebanon “buffer zone”

The Israeli army today again urged people not to travel to villages in the “buffer zone” it seeks to establish at a depth of 8 to 10 km in southern Lebanon. The zone covers about 602 square kilometers, roughly 5.8 percent of Lebanese territory, and includes 62 villages, according to L’Orient-Le Jour calculations. Based on field developments, 47 of those villages were occupied as of April 21.

Arabic-language Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an “urgent message to residents of southern Lebanon,” stating that “despite the cease-fire agreement, the Israeli army maintains its positions in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s terrorist activities.”

“For your safety and that of your families, and until further notice, you are requested not to move south of the designated villages and their surroundings,” the statement said, alongside a map of the area.

“It is also forbidden to approach the Litani River, Wadi al-Salhani and Wadi al-Slouki,” it added.

Southern Lebanon: Israeli army continues attacks, blows up homes in Bint Jbeil, Taybeh and Khiam

Despite the cease-fire in effect, the Israeli army continued attacks overnight from Friday to Saturday and at dawn today in southern Lebanon, within the “buffer zone” it aims to impose north of the Blue Line, leaving at least one person dead.

At dawn, it also blew up homes in key border villages, Bint Jbeil and Khiam(Marjayoun), as well as Taybeh (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Last evening, the Israeli army carried out three drone strikes, including a deadly one in Yater (Bint Jbeil), killing Abbas Mohammad Kadouh, a local resident. Other strikes hit Kafra (Bint Jbeil) and orchards in Maalieh, south of Sour.

Hussein Kamaleddine also died from previous injuries sustained in a strike on Srifa (Sour).

Shortly after midnight today, machine-gun fire targeted areas near Qantara in the Wadi Houjeir valley, as well as around Taybeh and Khiam.

At dawn, artillery shelling struck northern Houla (Marjayoun), Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil), and the Byout al-Sayyad area (Sour).

Iran says it executed “an Iranian Mossad agent”

Iran said it hanged an Iranian man on Saturday accused of working for Israeli intelligence, citing “vandalism and violence” during national protests this year, according to the semi-official Tasnim agency cited by Reuters.

The agency said Erfan Kiani, described as a “Mossad mercenary,” carried out acts of destruction, set fire to public and private property, spread fear in the central city of Isfahan, and wielded a machete.

He was hanged early Saturday after his sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court and legal procedures were completed.

Possible resumption of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad

U.S. envoys are expected in Islamabad on Saturday, where an Iranian delegation has begun talks with Pakistani authorities, though no direct meeting between the two sides is guaranteed.

Talks had started two weeks ago but have since been suspended.

However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on X that “no meeting is planned between Iran and the United States,” adding that Iran’s positions would be conveyed through Pakistani mediators.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt had earlier said U.S. envoys, representing President Donald Trump, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would travel to Pakistan for talks “with representatives of the Iranian delegation,” describing the meeting as requested by Tehran.

According to Reuters, citing Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Egyptian and Pakistani foreign ministers Badr Abdelatty and Ishaq Dar discussed overnight ways to advance diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran.

Welcome to our live coverage of the ninth day of the cease-fire, which was extended by three weeks following a Lebanese-Israeli meeting at the White House on Thursday evening. We will also follow developments across the region, particularly in Iran.