We are now closing our LIVE coverage of the region for tonight. Thank you for tuning in.
Israeli strikes on Habboush: Health Ministry reports 6 killed, including a child and a woman
According to the Health Ministry, the strikes on Habboush (Nabatieh), in southern Lebanon, have killed six people, including a child and a woman, and wounded eight.
This toll is still preliminary, according to health authorities.
Washington imposes new sanctions against Iran, threatens ships that pay tolls
The U.S. government has imposed new sanctions against Iranian interests and warned ships that pay Tehran authorities to transit the Strait of Hormuz, AFP reports.
The new sanctions include three currency exchange offices, according to a statement from the Treasury Department, which explained that the aim is to counter the conversion of yuan into local currency used by Chinese companies to pay for Iranian oil.
The administration also issued a warning explaining that ships paying tolls to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz risk being subject to sanctions themselves.
White House declined to comment on a new Iranian proposal
The White House declined to comment on a new offer of negotiations from Iran, stating only that "discussions are ongoing."
"We do not provide details about private conversations. President Trump has made it clear that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and negotiations are continuing to ensure the short- and long-term national security of the United States," said Anna Kelly, Deputy Press Secretary for the White House, in a statement to AFP.
"The Islamic Republic submitted the text of its latest proposal to Pakistan, the mediator in the talks with the United States, on Thursday evening," reported the official Iranian news agency IRNA, without providing further details.
Israeli strikes on Habboush: Rescuers forced to leave the area after drone strikes
All rescue teams deployed to Habboush following the series of strikes on the village have had to evacuate, according to sources close to our correspondent.
They were forced to leave the village, where they were searching through the rubble of bombed buildings, due to attempts by Israeli army drones to target them.
Israeli strikes on Habboush targeted residential building, supermarket, and homes
The series of strikes on Habboush (Nabatieh) has left at least six people dead, according to a new toll provided by the deputy mayor of the municipality, Hussein Traboulsi, to our correspondent in southern Lebanon. Rescue teams are continuing their search for people missing under the rubble, he said.
According to the official, the Israeli air force carried out "sudden and simultaneous" strikes, targeting several locations, including a residential building, a supermarket, and several homes. Shortly after the strikes, the Israeli army issued a forced evacuation order for the entire village, which lies outside the "buffer zone" that Israel intends to establish in South Lebanon and north of the Litani River.
Israeli army demolishes the convent and school of the Sisters of the Holy Saviour in Yaroun
The Israeli army has demolished the convent and school of the Sisters of the Holy Saviour in the town of Yaroun (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent. The village has been largely destroyed since the last war between Hezbollah and Israel in the fall of 2024.
Israel launches series of strikes on Habboush, at least 5 killed
The Israeli army carried out at least four airstrikes on the village of Habboush shortly after its forced evacuation from the town near Nabatieh. Images sent to our correspondent in southern Lebanon show thick plumes of smoke rising from the targeted sites. According to initial reports, these bombings have killed at least five people. The victims are civilians, including women, according to our correspondent.
The Israeli army also bombed Yater, Burj Qalaway, Ghandourieh, Froun (Bint Jbeil), Yohmor al-Shaqif, and Zawtar al-Gharbieh (Nabatieh). In Ghandourieh, a second strike on the targeted site prevented rescue workers from approaching, according to our correspondent. Artillery fire also targeted Zawtar al-Sharqieh (Nabatieh) with phosphorus shells, Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), Qleileh, Haniyeh (Sour) and Kounin (Bint Jbeil).
Death toll in Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 2,618, with 8,094 wounded
The death toll in Lebanon since March 2nd has risen to 2,618, with 8,094 wounded, according to the latest figures from the Health Ministry, representing 42 additional deaths since Thursday.
Of this total, 184 children and 299 women were killed in Israeli attacks.
A woman was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Ain Baal (Sour)
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Ain Baal (Sour) in the early afternoon killed a woman and wounded three other people, according to a preliminary report from our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah claims to have targeted a Merkava tank in Rshaf and an Israeli army assembly in Bayada
Hezbollah continued its attacks against the Israeli army in southern Lebanon this afternoon, claiming to have targeted a Merkava tank in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil) and Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in Bayyada (Sour) with a drone, using a "swarm of attack drones."
This latest attack, the third claimed against the Israeli army in this coastal town since this morning, inflicted "losses... which necessitated the intervention of an evacuation force under a thick smokescreen," according to the Hezbollah statement.
Israel has issued a forced evacuation order to all residents of Habboush, near Nabatieh
The Israeli army has issued a forced evacuation order to all residents of Habboush, a village located near the city of Nabatieh, north of the Litani River, according to a message on X from its Arabic-speaking spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
"Following Hezbollah's cease-fire violations, the Israeli army is compelled to act forcefully against them and does not intend to target you," the message reads, instructing residents to move "at least 1,000 meters away from the village."
The Israeli army struck the village earlier in the day without prior warning.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for 2 afternoon attacks against Israeli army vehicles in south Lebanon
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two new attacks against the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, targeting vehicles it says it "hit."
At 1:15 p.m., it targeted a military vehicle in Bayyada, located on the coast south of Sour, with drones, and then at 1:25 p.m., a Hummer-type vehicle in Taybeh (Marjayoun).
Hezbollah 'not at all concerned' by potential negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv
Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, known as “Loyalty to the Resistance,” issued a statement in which it “rejects and condemns” any direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, at a time when Beirut is being urged by Washington and Tel Aviv to reach a negotiated agreement with Israel within two weeks.
“Any outcome or result of this [diplomatic] process is of no concern to us whatsoever,” the members of the group wrote.
Direct negotiations are expected to begin soon between the two countries, following two preparatory meetings held in Washington at the level of ambassadors to the United States since mid-April.
In this context, Hezbollah once again criticized the Lebanese authorities, who “unfortunately continue their decline in the path of negotiations.”
“The regime is adopting a destructive policy of ambiguity that accentuates its image of incompetence and emptiness, causing it to completely lose the trust of citizens and placing it in a position of total submission to the dictates and tutelage of the American administration,” the parliamentary bloc further denounced, referring to the cease-fire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, published on April 17 by the U.S. State Department.
The agreement notably grants Israel the right to “take all measures necessary for its legitimate self-defense.”
Finally, Hezbollah boasts of having “established a new equation in Lebanon, one that does not allow the occupier to carry out aggressions and bombings without suffering a punitive and painful response.”
The group continues its daily attacks against Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, claiming responsibility on Thursday for ten attacks, a daily record since the cease-fire.
Iran has submitted a new proposal to the United States via Pakistan
Iran has presented a new offer aimed at resuming negotiations with the United States, currently stalled, to bring a lasting end to the war, the official Iranian news agency IRNA announced.
"The Islamic Republic transmitted the text of its latest proposal to Pakistan last night, which is mediating the discussions with the United States," according to the agency, which did not provide further details.
Israel kills 2 people in targeted strikes in south Lebanon
The Israeli army killed two more people this afternoon in targeted strikes on scooters, one in Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil district) and the other between Qana and Hanaway (Sour district), according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Furthermore, the Israeli army continued its bombardment of southern Lebanon, particularly the Nabatieh district, which has been especially hard hit in recent days.
It targeted areas in Kfar Tibnit, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Habboush, and Kfar Roummane. It also bombed Braasheet, Touline (Marjayoun), Kfar Hamam, Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), as well as a house in Kafra (Bint Jbeil) and another in Ain Baal (Sour). She finally blew up houses in Shamaa (Sour), according to our correspondent.
Negotiations with Israel: Aoun calls for an end to Israeli strikes before further meetings in Washington
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa at the Baabda Presidential Palace this afternoon. Issa had recently returned from Washington.
According to the presidency, the discussions between the two men focused on "consolidating the cease-fire and halting attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure" in southern Lebanon.
The end of these strikes would be a "prelude to continuing meetings in Washington, which should lead to the achievement of peace and stability on the border and their announcement from Washington," the presidency stated.
Two preparatory meetings have already taken place between Lebanon and Israel, with meetings at the level of the two countries' ambassadors to the United States, prior to the launch of direct negotiations.
Trump insisted Thursday evening that these talks would begin "within two weeks" and that a meeting between Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would take place soon.
In this context, the ambassador affirmed "the continued support of the United States for Lebanon and its institutions," while Joseph Aoun thanked Issa for "this support aimed at ensuring stability in Lebanon."
Hezbollah claims responsibility for 2 new attacks this morning against Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon
The group claimed responsibility for two new attacks against Israeli army soldiers in southern Lebanon, one near the Moussa Abbas compound in the city of Bint Jbeil, and the other near the Houla school in the Marjayoun district. Both attacks were carried out using artillery shells, according to the group.
Israeli strike on Zrarieh: At least 4 killed, all from the same family, in an airstrike that targeted two houses, according to a local official
The Israeli airstrike on Zrarieh (Saida) targeted two houses belonging to two brothers from the Mroueh family and killed at least four people, according to the local official, Zahra Mroueh, contacted by our correspondent in southern Lebanon. The victims are a father, Abbas Mroueh, his two children (a son and a daughter), and his brother's wife.
The local official added that the father's wife was seriously injured while she was near the house at the time of the strike. Rescue teams are continuing their operations at the scene.
A previous report indicated two dead and three people whose fate was unknown, trapped under the rubble.
Iran rejects any policy 'imposed' under threat, according to its judiciary chief
Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, asserted that Iran remains open to dialogue with the United States, but rejected any policy "imposed" under threat.
"The Islamic Republic has never shied away from negotiations... but we will certainly not accept having a policy imposed on us," Ejei declared in a video posted on the judiciary's website, Mizan Online, according to AFP. "We do not approve of war in any way, we do not want war, we do not want it to continue," he added.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that Iranians "had better get smart and fast!" Ejei emphasizes that Iran is "absolutely unwilling to abandon its principles and values in the face of this malevolent enemy in order to avoid war or prevent it from continuing."
A rocket and a drone crashed 'near' Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, causing no injuries
Hezbollah "launched a rocket and an explosive-laden drone, which landed near an area where Israeli forces are operating in southern Lebanon, without causing any casualties," the Israeli army announced on X. It also reported the interception of a drone, also launched toward Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.
The party, for its part, claimed responsibility for an attack carried out with a "kamikaze drone" on Israeli soldiers in Bayyada, on the coast south of Sour. It was not immediately clear whether this was one of the two attacks mentioned by the Israeli army.
Negotiations with Israel: US ambassador meets with Nawaf Salam
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa at the Grand Serail, the day after the embassy posted a message about direct negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv.
According to the Grand Serail's X account, the discussions between Issa and Salam focused on "consolidating the cease-fire and ongoing talks regarding negotiations with Israel."
On Thursday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump had pressed for a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, announcing negotiations within two weeks. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut posted a message on X stating that direct negotiations and an Aoun-Netanyahu meeting could mark "the beginning of a national renewal."
Two killed in Israeli strike between Zrarieh (Saida) and Braykeh (Nabatieh)
The previously reported Israeli strike on an area between Zrarieh (Saida) and Braykeh (Nabatieh) killed at least two people, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Three people are still trapped under the rubble, and rescue teams are working to determine their fate, he adds.
Israeli strikes in various areas of south Lebanon
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon continue, with bombings reported by sources of our correspondent Mountasser Abdallah in Zibqine, Qleileh (Sour), and between Zrarieh (in the Saida district) and Braykeh (in the Nabatieh district).
Israeli artillery also fired shells at Halta, in the Hasbaya district.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, particularly on the Sour coastline
Since 11:00 a..m., several Israeli airstrikes have hit southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent.
A fighter jet bombed an area between Braasheet and Kounin, in the Bint Jbeil district. The same area was targeted by a raid between Braasheet and Siddiqine.
An Israeli army drone struck an open area on the Sour coastline, near the Rest House Hotel, where many journalists stationed in the South are staying. In the same region, several bombings targeted Majdel Zoun.
Israel claims it 'destroyed more than 40 Hezbollah infrastructures' in past 24 hours
The Israeli army claimed to have "struck and destroyed more than 40 Hezbollah infrastructures in various areas of southern Lebanon," in a message on X. According to the army, the "targets included command posts where fighters operated, military buildings, and other infrastructure."
The message was accompanied by a video showing the demolition of a residential neighborhood, which appears to overlook the Litani Valley, without specifying the location or date of the operation. "Destruction of military structures of the Hezbollah terrorist organization," reads the Hebrew text on the video.
Trump was briefed Thursday on new plans for a possible attack against Iran
The head of CENTCOM (the U.S. military command for the Middle East), Admiral Brad Cooper, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, briefed U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday on “new plans for possible military action against Iran,” two U.S. officials told the Axios website. The meeting lasted 45 minutes, they said.
Prior to the meeting, the website reported that CENTCOM had prepared a plan for a “short but powerful” wave of strikes against Iran, likely targeting infrastructure, “in the hope of breaking the deadlock in negotiations,” citing three sources familiar with the matter.
Restrictions on gatherings and education will take effect Monday in northern Israeli communities
Restrictions on gatherings and education will take effect Monday in northern Israeli communities, according to Israeli media.
The Home Front Command in Israel has informed authorities in northern communities bordering Lebanon that a change in the "protection policy" will take effect "starting next week," according to Israel's Channel 12. Communities near the border will be classified as "yellow zones," gatherings will be restricted, and educational activities will be limited, the channel reported.
This comes as Hezbollah claimed responsibility on Thursday for its highest number of attacks on Israeli positions since the ceasefire, primarily in Lebanese territory but also in Shomera, in northern Israel.
Israel says it intercepted drone and at least 4 'aerial targets' originating from Lebanon, including 1 in northern Israel
The Israeli military says it intercepted a drone in northern Israel, after also "successfully intercepting three suspicious aerial targets before they crossed Israeli territory," according to a message on X.
Furthermore, it claims that "an additional interceptor was launched toward a suspected aerial target identified in an area where Israeli military forces operate in southern Lebanon."
Hezbollah had not yet claimed responsibility for any attacks as of Friday.
South Lebanon: Artillery fire across the border and a series of bombings overnight Thursday to Friday
Israel carried out numerous artillery strikes this morning in all three border sectors, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon. In the central sector, it targeted the strategic Wadi Hujeir valley as well as the outskirts and surrounding areas of the towns of Froun, Ghandourieh, Qalawieh, and Kounin (Bint Jbeil district).
In the western sector, the Israeli army bombed Haniyeh, Mansouri, and Majdel Zoun (Sour district), after having targeted Jbal al-Botm and Zibqine overnight Thursday to Friday. And in the eastern sector, it targeted Touline, Sowaneh, Bani Hayyan, and Talloussa (Marjayoun district).
Furthermore, Israeli aircraft continued their bombing raids overnight from Thursday to Friday, striking areas in Touline, Wadi Hujeir (Marjayoun), Selaa, Deir Kifa (Sour), Tibnin, Yater, Haris, Haddatha (Bint Jbeil), Zawtar al-Gharbieh, and Zawtar al-Sharqieh (Nabatieh).
These new attacks come after a deadly escalation on Thursday, during which 17 people were killed following Israeli airstrikes on 45 locations in southern Lebanon and artillery fire on 14 others, including two strikes using phosphorus shells. Eleven targeted drone strikes were also recorded that same day, according to our correspondent.
Welcome to our live coverage of the region
Welcome to our live coverage of this latest day of the cease-fire in Lebanon, a truce that is being undermined daily by Israeli bombings of southern Lebanon, where Tel Aviv seeks to establish a buffer zone along its border, as well as by attacks claimed by Hezbollah against Israeli forces.
We will also be following developments in the region, particularly in Iran, where a ceasefire remains in effect until further notice.
➡️ Find our live coverage from Thursday here.
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