Trump tells Netanyahu that destroying buildings 'gives Israel a bad image' | LIVE

Putin warns Trump of the 'harmful consequences' of any new military action against Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump of the “harmful consequences” that any new military action against Iran would have, the Kremlin said.

Hezbollah’s latest claims

Hezbollah announced that it targeted, at around 6 p.m., two Merkava tanks near the square of Qantara (Marjayoun district) with two suicide drones. It also said it targeted another Merkava tank near the village of Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil district) 15 minutes later.

Head of Haniyeh municipal council calls on leaders to send rescue teams to search for missing people

Ahmad Mrad, head of the municipal council of Haniyeh, south of Sour, called on the Lebanese Red Cross, the Lebanese Army, the president of the Republic and the prime minister to make the necessary contacts to determine the fate of a woman, her son and her grandson, who went missing after an Israeli strike hit their home in the village.

According to Mrad, the Israeli army is preventing rescue teams from reaching the site of the strike to save the family. He urged officials to contact the cease-fire monitoring committee, the “Mechanism,” in order to open a safe corridor for rescue workers to reach the area.

Adraee to Hezbollah fighters: The cease-fire does not grant you immunity

Israeli army Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned Hezbollah fighters that “the cease-fire does not grant them immunity, because the Israeli army will pursue them whenever the need to protect Israel arises.” He also addressed residents of southern Lebanon, urging them to reject Hezbollah and not cooperate with it.

“Observe the destruction it has caused in your villages after dragging Lebanon into a destructive war in service of Iran, and now it is trying to violate the cease-fire and destroy more villages,” he said.

He also announced that the army carried out strikes on the villages of Shaqra, Tayr Zibna, Khiam and Braasheet, after issuing warnings the previous day about “Hezbollah activity” in those areas.

Israeli army chief threatens strikes 'beyond the yellow line' from southern Lebanon

Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir threatened from southern Lebanon to strike Hezbollah “beyond the yellow line,” which marks an area controlled by Israeli forces in the border region, according to a military statement.

“Any threat, wherever it may be, against our communities or our forces, even beyond the yellow line and north of the Litani River, will be eliminated,” he said during a visit to Israeli troops in what Israel describes as a “security zone” established in southern Lebanon.

Latest developments in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent:

Around 7 p.m., Israeli warplanes carried out a strike on Qabrikha (Marjayoun district) and another on Khirbet Silm (Bint Jbeil district). Shortly afterward, Mansouri (Sour district) was hit by an Israeli bombardment.

At around 7:30 p.m., the Israeli army carried out a demolition operation in the wooded areas of Tiri and Rashaf (Bint Jbeil district), before Touline (Marjayoun district) was also targeted by shelling.

A previous strike on Yater (Bint Jbeil district) killed one person and injured another.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Hezbollah issued a statement saying it had targeted, at 7 p.m., a group of Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in the village of Bayyada (Sour district) with two suicide drones, “hitting them directly.”

Destruction of buildings in Lebanon 'gives Israel a bad image,' Trump tells Netanyahu

U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Channel 12 that he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “act in a more targeted way in Lebanon” and “not bring down buildings.”

“You can’t do that kind of thing. It’s terrible and it gives Israel a bad image,” he added.

“I love Lebanon,” Trump also said. “I love its leaders. Hezbollah is the problem. It used to be a great country, but Iran destroyed Lebanon.”

“But Lebanon can become what it once was,” he said, adding: “If we solve the Iran problem, we will automatically solve the Hezbollah problem.”

The speaker of the Iranian parliament calls for 'unity' in the face of the US blockade

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, has called for “unity” against the United States, whose naval blockade he said aims to create “internal divisions” in order to “bring down” Iran from within.

Read more here.

The Pentagon estimates the cost of the war in Iran at $25 billion so far, AFP reports.

The war against Iran has cost the U.S. military $25 billion since it was launched in late February, a senior Pentagon official said Wednesday.

"We're spending about $25 billion on Operation Epic Fury. Most of that is in munitions," acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst told lawmakers, an estimate later echoed by Pete Hegseth during the hearing, his first since the war began in late February.

Trump rejects Iran proposal, maintains blockade until nuclear deal, Axios reports

U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios that he rejects Iran’s proposal. According to the outlet, Trump said he will maintain a naval blockade on Iran until an agreement is reached on its nuclear program.

For now, the U.S. president views the blockade as his main leverage to pressure Tehran. He also does not rule out a military option if Iran continues to refuse any compromise, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Axios.

Pete Hegseth defends war in Iran

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to defend the Iran war in fiery remarks to Congress on Wednesday, saying it was not a quagmire and attacking Democratic lawmakers as "feckless" for criticizing the unpopular conflict, Reuters reported.

"You call it a quagmire, handing propaganda to our enemies? Shame on you for that statement," Hegseth said before the House Armed Services Committee, slamming "reckless, feckless, and defeatist" Congressional Democrats.

Israeli army to Lebanese: 'This is how Hezbollah destroys your homes in southern Lebanon'

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted a video on X allegedly showing rockets inside a house, saying: “Lebanese people, this is how Hezbollah destroys your homes in southern Lebanon by using them as launch platforms for rockets!”

“Hezbollah is not the protector of the South, but its destroyer. The mask has once again fallen,” he added.

Latest developments in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the region

Israeli warplanes carried out strikes on the villages of Zibqine (Sour district) and Yater (Bint Jbeil district).

Israeli artillery fire also targeted the outskirts of Yater.

In Bint Jbeil, the Israeli army blew up houses. Our correspondent in the locality further reports that, in recent days, Israeli forces had destroyed the “Al-Safina” restaurant in Bayyada (Sour district).

Israeli airstrikes target Bint Jbeil area, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes targeted the villages of Qalawieh, Safad al-Batikh and Srebbine near the village of Kafra (Bint Jbeil district). Meanwhile, Israeli artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Qantara (Marjayoun district).

Israel says it struck around 20 Hezbollah sites overnight

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X that the Israeli military targeted and killed a “Hezbollah militant” using an explosive drone, without specifying the exact date of the strike. He also posted a video showing the moment of the attack.

Our correspondent in the South had reported yesterday that a small Israeli drone crashed into a car before exploding on the main road of the Qleileh plain (Sour), near the junction of the village of Haniyeh.

“Units of the 146th Division identified a Hezbollah militant operating near our forces in southern Lebanon. The forces targeted and eliminated him while he was attempting to flee on a motorcycle, using an explosive drone,” the army statement said.

Such strikes remain relatively rare, as Israeli drones more commonly use missiles to hit their targets.

Adraee also said that over the past night, the Israeli army “attacked around 20 headquarters and facilities used by Hezbollah to prepare attacks against Israeli forces and civilians in several areas of southern Lebanon.”

2,576 people killed and 7,962 injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2

The Ministry of Health announced that Israeli strikes on Lebanon since March 2 have killed 2,576 people and wounded 7,962.

Israel carries out new strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting house more than 100 years old

Israeli warplanes targeted the village of Sammaaiyeh (Sour district) as well as the area between the town of Bint Jbeil and the village of Ain Ibl.

Our correspondent in the South also reported that the Israeli airstrike on the village of Nabatieh Fawqa, which earlier caused casualties, hit a 100-year old house.

Meanwhile, Israeli vehicles that had earlier advanced toward the al-Hammam junction at the northern entrance of Khiam (Marjayoun district) have since withdrawn back into the town.

Saar: Israel has no intention of occupying or expanding into Lebanese territory

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told Al Arabiya English that “Israel has no plans for occupation or expansion in Lebanese territory.” He added that “Israel’s actions aim to prevent Hezbollah forces from infiltrating Israeli territory,” describing the threat as “immediate and serious.” “Hezbollah’s actions risk dragging Lebanon further into the conflict,” he said.

On regional issues, Saar said U.S. President Donald Trump shares Israel’s position on “preventing a nuclear-armed Iran,” praising his leadership and his stance in favor of “zero enrichment.” “After decades without a strong leader, we now have President Trump,” he said.

Israeli strikes in south Lebanon claim new victims, according to our correspondent

An Israeli drone targeted a roundabout in Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh district) as well as the village of Nabatieh Fawqa, which resulted in casualties.

Meanwhile, five Israeli vehicles and a bulldozer were seen advancing toward the al-Hammam junction from Nazlet al-Shraiki, at the northern entrance to the town of Khiam (Marjayoun district).

Our correspondent in the South also reported that Shawki Diab, who was killed earlier in the Israeli airstrike targeting the village of Haniyeh (Sour district), was an employee of the Council for the South.

One person seriously injured after another Israeli drone strike on a motorbike

Another Israeli drone strike on a motorbike, this time in Aamrieh, south of Sour, has seriously injured one person, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

This is the fifth targeted drone strike in southern Lebanon today. One of them killed a Lebanese Army soldier.

Israel targets Shaqra and Nabatieh Fawqa in southern Lebanon

Further Israeli air strikes have targeted Shaqra (Bint Jbeil) and Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh), our correspondent in southern Lebanon reported. These two towns had not yet been targeted today.

Hezbollah claims responsibility for attacks on Merkava tanks and Israeli soldiers in Qantara on Tuesday

Hezbollah claimed to have carried out two attacks in Qantara (Marjayoun) on Tuesday, at 5.30 p.m. and 6 p.m., first targeting two Merkava tanks with drones, then a group of Israeli soldiers with rocket fire. The group claims to have hit the tanks, but gives no further details regarding its attack on the soldiers.

The Israeli army reported earlier in the day that on Tuesday “several explosive drones detonated near Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon.” “Following these attacks, an Israeli soldier was slightly injured and evacuated to a hospital for treatment,” it added on X.

Hezbollah has not yet commented on any attacks it may have carried out on Wednesday.

Destruction following Israeli strike on Majdal Selm yesterday

The rubble left behind by the Israeli strike on Majdal Selm (Bint Jbeil) on April 28, 2026, the day after the attack. (Photo shared by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah)

Israel targets Shaqra, Nabatieh Fawqa

Photo shared by our correspondent in southern Lebanon, Muntasser Abdallah.

Israeli airstrikes targeted Shaqra (Bint Jbeil) and Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh), our correspondent in southern Lebanon reported.

The Lebanese soldier killed by Israel was a father who had received several honors, says army

The Lebanese Army has provided details of the Lebanese soldier killed earlier by Israel in a strike on Kherbet Selm (Bint Jbeil), stating in a message on X that he was Hussein Ahmad Soultane, born on May 1, 1996, in Saouane (Marjayoun). He had received several honors by the army commander-in-chief and was also married and the father of one child.

Israeli airstrike on Haniyeh kills family, ongoing rescue efforts in Jwayya

The airstrike on the town of Haniyeh (Sour) kills the mother, father, and son of the Diab family, our correspondent in southern Lebanon reports.

In Jwayya (Sour), search operations are still ongoing following an Israeli strike. So far, two female victims have been recovered, and it is believed that at least four more people remain trapped under the rubble.

Aoun welcomes family of Georges and Elie, the father and son shot dead by Israelis in Bint Jbeil last month

President Joseph Aoun welcomed the family of the two victims, Georges and his son Elie Said, from the border town of Dibil, who were shot dead by Israeli soldiers on a road between the villages of Dibil and Rmeish, in Bint Jbeil, on March 28.

The family spoke of “the circumstances of their deaths and the obstacles faced by residents in recovering their remains from the site of the strike,” according to a post on X by the Lebanese Presidency. They also informed the President “of the difficult conditions in which the local residents live, due to the siege imposed by Israel.”

Aoun stated that “steps” were being taken to “support the resilience of the inhabitants of the border villages,” and to “consolidate the cease-fire and put an end to the destruction of homes in the southern villages occupied” by the Israeli army.

Read our full story of Georges and Elie here.

Several rockets fired at Israeli army positions in the central sector of southern Lebanon

Several rockets have been fired at Israeli army positions in the central sector of southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the region.

At the same time, the Israeli army reports on X that air-raid sirens have been sounded in several areas of northern Israel.

Lebanese Army confirms one soldier killed by Israeli army

Fire fighters

The Lebanese Army has confirmed that one of its soldiers, along with his brother, was killed by the Israeli army in the strike on Kherbet Selm (Bint Jbeil). They were traveling by motorbike from the soldier’s place of duty to their home in the village of Souaneh when they were targeted, the army statement added.

A Hezbollah MP has vowed that the movement will thwart Israel’s “attempt” to create a “new Antoine Lahad”

Hassan Fadlallah, the Hezbollah MP elected in the Bint Jbeil district, has vowed that the party will thwart Israeli attempts to create a de facto "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon as well as a “new Antoine Lahad” — leader of the South Lebanon Army, a militia acting as an auxiliary to the Israeli army in southern Lebanon between 1984 and 2000.

“We reaffirm that the enemy’s attempt to establish a security belt on our land and to recreate a new Antoine Lahad in the region will be thwarted thanks to the sacrifices of the resistance and the resilience of our people,” he said, without elaborating further on this point.

He also criticized the approach taken by the Lebanese authorities, who have chosen to disarm Hezbollah and launch negotiations with Israel. “Faced with the daily spectacle of the killing of defenseless civilians in the South and the systematic destruction of our border villages, it is essential that the authorities and their representatives immediately abandon any concessions, cease their inflammatory and treasonous rhetoric, and put an end to their hostility towards a large section of the Lebanese people,” the MP declared.

He argued that such actions deprive the authorities of their legitimacy and popular support. “Whatever they do, they will not be able to secure national backing for their direct negotiations with the enemy,” he further insisted.

Fresh Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon as Israeli drones fly over the Bekaa

Israeli warplanes have carried out a series of strikes on the outskirts of Jwayya (Sour) and the villages of Braasheet, Tibnin (Bint Jbeil), Debaal, and Haniyeh (Sour).

Meanwhile, Israeli drones have been flying at a medium altitude over the international Chtoura–Baalbeck highway, the city of Hermel and the villages of the district, as well as over the Eastern mountain range and the villages of Saraain, Nabi Sheet, Janta, Yafoufa, and Shaara (Baalbek).

Talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv are putting Aoun’s life at risk, according to Israeli intelligence

In recent days, the head of Israeli military intelligence has presented members of the Israeli parliament with a security assessment of the situation in Lebanon and Iran, stating in particular that “the negotiations led by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun with Israel are putting his life in danger,” according to Israel’s Channel 12.

Aoun is leading the effort in Lebanon on the unprecedented talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv – the first since 1983 – which are intended to define the framework for negotiations between the two countries, and through which Lebanon hopes to bring an end to the war on its territory.

Israeli intelligence is also reported to have told Knesset members that Israeli strikes on Beirut are “not on the agenda for the moment,” but that there is “authorization to strike in the event of emerging threats.” Furthermore, it stated that “the dismantling of Hezbollah is a long-term objective."

At the regional level, Israeli intelligence assessed that part of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal had been replenished, and that the Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was still alive, following press reports that he had sustained serious injuries during a strike on the first day of the war launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.

One person seriously injured in another targeted Israeli drone strike

Another Israeli drone strike, this time in Mansouri (Sour), targeted a motorbike and seriously injured its driver, according to our correspondent in the region.

Israeli drone strikes kill 4 including Lebanese Army soldier, in southern Lebanon

An Israeli drone struck a motorcycle in Kherbet Selem (Bint Jbeil), killing a Lebanese Army soldier and his brother. Another drone strike killed two people on the Shaaitieh road (Sour).

Israeli drones also targeted the villages of Braasheet (Bint Jbeil) and Mansouri (Sour), while warplanes carried out an additional strike on Braasheet. Artillery shelling also hit Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil).

Funerals of Civil Defence members killed in Majdal Zoun strike to be held Thursday in Sour

The funerals of Civil Defence members killed in an Israeli airstrike in Majdal Zoun (Sour district) will take place on Thursday at noon at the Civil Defence centre in Sour.

An announcement called on residents to attend, saying their presence would show loyalty and support for the victims. “We bid farewell to the heroes and renew our commitment that their blood will not be in vain,” the message said.

The strike killed three Civil Defence members — Hussein Sati, Hadi Daher, and Hussein Ghadbouni — as well as two civilians while they were responding to a rescue operation at a previously bombed site.

President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam quickly condemned the Israeli strike that killed the three men.

Israeli army says it intercepted drone launched from Lebanon after sirens in northern Israel

After warning sirens in northern Israel, the Israeli army said it intercepted a new drone launched from Lebanon before it entered Israeli territory. The statement was posted on X.

Ministers Haidar and Nasreddine condemn 'heinous crime' after strike on rescuers in Majdal Zoun

Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine and Labour Minister Mohammad Haidar, both affiliated with Hezbollah, condemned what they called a “heinous crime” after an Israeli strike on Tuesday targeted rescuers in Majdal Zoun (Sour district).

Three Civil Defence members were killed while responding to a call to assist residents trapped at a previously bombed site.

More details here👈

Warning sirens sound in northern Israel over 'aircraft' infiltration

Air raid sirens were triggered in northern Israel after what the Israeli army described as a “hostile aircraft” entered the airspace over Avivim. “Details are under review,” the army said on X.

Rassamny briefs Aoun on measures to maintain operations at Lebanon’s ports and airport

President Joseph Aoun met Public Works Minister Fayez Rassamny at the Baabda Presidential Palace, where the minister outlined steps taken to ensure continued operations at Beirut International Airport and the country’s two main ports, Beirut and Tripoli.

The measures come amid ongoing tensions and reported truce violations involving Israel and Hezbollah, according to a statement from Baabda.

At least 1 killed in Israeli drone strike on motorcycle in Burj Qalawiyeh

An Israeli drone strike targeted a motorcycle in Bourj Qalawiyeh (Bint Jbeil), killing at least one person, about an hour after strikes on the town and nearby Qalawiyeh, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon. The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

Southern Lebanon: Israel says it ‘intercepted aerial target’ over its forces

The Israeli army says it has "intercepted" an "aerial target" over its forces "operating" in southern Lebanon, according to a statement posted on X by the Israeli army. “The target did not enter Israeli territory,” the Israeli army stated.

Hezbollah has not yet claimed responsibility for any attacks today, but targets Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon on a daily basis.

Trump asks advisers to prepare for ‘prolonged blockade’ of Iran, reports The Wall Street Journal

U.S. President Donald Trump has asked his advisers to prepare for a "prolonged blockade" of Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing U.S. officials.

In recent meetings, Trump has opted to continue putting pressure on Iran’s economy and its oil exports by preventing ships from entering and leaving its ports, the newspaper added. He says he believes that his other options, including resuming bombing or a hasty end to the conflict, would carry greater risks than maintaining the blockade.

Israel continues its attacks on the districts of Sour and Bint Jbeil overnight

The Israeli army continued to carry out strikes and demolitions in the districts of Sour and Bint Jbeil overnight. It blew up homes in Shamaa, Naqoura (Sour) and Hanine (Bint Jbeil), a village which it then bombed again at dawn, according to reports from our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

It also carried out two artillery shelling on the outskirts of the village of Majdal Zoun (Sour).

Furthermore, flares were fired into the sky over Mazraat Bastara, near the village of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya). The Israeli army also targeted Khiam (Marjayoun) with an airstrike and machine-gun fire.

These developments follow a particularly violent day in the south, during which the Israeli air force carried out strikes targeting 18 localities, according to our correspondent. Five localities were subjected to artillery shelling, including two with phosphorus shells, and the Israeli army carried out three house demolition operations in three localities.

Standing alongside Charles III, Trump claims US has ‘militarily defeated’ Iran

Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday, during a banquet at the White House attended by King Charles III, that the United States had "militarily defeated" Iran.

“We have militarily defeated this particular adversary, and we will never allow this adversary ... to possess a nuclear weapon,” the U.S. president said regarding Iran at the start of the banquet, adding that, on this point, “Charles agrees with me even more than I do,” according to AFP.

Israeli airstrike on Jibsheet: Death toll rises to five people, all from same family

The Israeli airstrike on Jibsheet (Nabatieh) on Tuesday evening killed five people, all from the same family, according to an updated toll reported by our correspondent in southern Lebanon. The victims have been identified as Mohammad Jaouad Bahja, his wife Lotfiya, Amani Jaber, his daughter Mariam Hilal Bahja and his son, Ali al-Rida Hilal Bahja.

An initial report from the Health Ministry had put the death toll at two, with 16 injured.

No progress in indirect talks between Iran and US

Efforts to end the war in the Middle East appeared to stall on Tuesday, with the United States appearing skeptical about a new proposal from Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which remains virtually paralyzed.

Welcome to our live new blog

Hello and welcome to our live news coverage of events in Lebanon and the wider region.

A cease-fire is currently in place in both Lebanon and Iran, though Israel has been attacking Lebanon on a daily basis since the truce went into effect on Friday March 17.

Catch up with yesterday's live blog here, and read everything you need to know in our Morning Brief here.