Israeli artillery fire in several southern villages
Israeli artillery bombardments targeted Touline (Marjayoun), the area around Qana, the area between Jabal al-Botm and Shaaitiyeh, the outskirts of Siddiqine, Mansouri (Sour), Haddatha (Bint Jbeil) and Ali al-Taher (Nabatieh), reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Beirut’s demands, Israel’s terms, and Washington’s stance: Behind the scenes of the negotiations
Following the progress of the Islamabad talks, and pending the potential outcome of the Beijing summit, direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began Thursday in the United States.
The two sides entered this long round of discussions with profoundly divergent demands.
Hezbollah accuses authorities of 'weakness' towards Israel, criticizes ongoing Washington negotiations
The Hezbollah parliamentary bloc stated that the Lebanese authorities "continue to sink into a posture of retreat and weakness in the face of the arrogance and tyranny of the Israeli enemy, supported by American cover and backing," criticizing them for relying "on weak diplomacy to restore rights, end the occupation, and preserve the sovereignty" of the country.
Regarding the direct negotiations conducted by the Lebanese authorities with Israel, while "the enemy continues its crimes and attempts to extend its occupation of our territory to the south," the parliamentary bloc believes that these negotiations allow Israel "to exploit the negotiations to its advantage."
It accused the government of making numerous "concessions" without obtaining "even a ceasefire," which, according to the bloc, "exacerbates internal divisions."
The bloc thus reiterated its call to the authorities to "abandon this shameful policy" and to "return to the fundamental principles of the Constitution and the National Pact" in order to strengthen national unity and consensus.
Rocket barrages towards Israel
Rockets were fired from Lebanon towards Israeli territory, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Two drone attacks claimed by Hezbollah in Ras Naqoura and Tayr Harfa
Hezbollah announced that it had targeted, using an attack drone, a gathering of Israeli army soldiers in Ras Naqoura (Sour) and a Hummer-type military vehicle in Tayr Harfa (Bint Jbeil).
Israel has killed 2,896, injured 8,824 in Lebanon since March 2
The Disaster Risk Management Unit, attached to the Prime Minister's Office, announced in its daily report that the total number of displaced persons housed in shelters has now reached 129,724, while the total number of displaced families in these centers is 33,715. Since March 2, Israeli strikes have killed 2,896 people and wounded 8,824.
Hezbollah targets Israeli artillery position in Odaisseh, technical equipment in Blat
Hezbollah said it targeted an artillery position belonging to the Israeli army in the town of Odaisseh (Marjayoun) was targeted with an exploding drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle that loiters in the air, locates a target via sensors, and dive into it to detonate.
The party also said it targeted technical equipment at the newly established Blat site (Marjayoun) with a loitering attack drone.
China has stated that it will not supply weapons to Iran but will continue to buy Iranian oil, according to Trump
The U.S. president stated during an interview with Fox News that his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, had assured him that his country was not supplying weapons to Iran but that it did not intend to stop buying Iranian oil.
"They're not at war with us or anything. [Xi Jinping] said he wasn't going to supply military equipment. That's an important statement. But at the same time, he said they buy a lot of their oil there and they want to continue doing so," he said more specifically during his interview with Sean Hannity.
Latest developments in south Lebanon
Israeli army artillery fire targeted Arnoun and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), as well as Srifa (Sour), while an airstrike targeted Haris (Bint Jbeil), reports our regional correspondent.
CENTCOM asserts Iran's arms supply, support to Hamas, Houthis, Hezbollah cut off
The head of U.S. Central Command, Bradley Cooper, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the war launched by the United States against Iran had succeeded in "cutting off the Islamic Republic's arms supply and support."
"This outcome was neither inevitable nor accidental. It is the culmination of months of meticulous planning, based on decades of experience," he said, according to a message posted on CENTCOM's X account.
Bradley Cooper added that Iranian-backed groups attacked U.S. troops and diplomats more than 350 times in the 30 months leading up to "Operation Epic Fury."
Aoun, Salam agree to monitor negotiations with Israel through 'ongoing contact'
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have pledged to "closely monitor the progress" of the ongoing negotiations with Israel in Washington "through ongoing contact," according to the Lebanese presidency.
Meeting at the Baabda Presidential Palace, Aoun and Salam discussed the negotiations between the Lebanese, American, and Israeli delegations, "in light of the directives given to the Lebanese delegation during the preparations preceding the start of the discussions."
'Aita al-Shaab is no more,' Katz declares
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that “Aita al-Shaab is no more,” stating that houses located along the front line in southern Lebanon, “used for terrorist activities, are currently being destroyed.”
He also asserted that the Israeli Defense Ministry was aware of the drone threat and “fully mobilized” to counter it. In recent weeks, Hezbollah has been using fiber-optic exploding drones several times a day, making them the bane of the Israeli army.
These statements were made during the annual ceremony commemorating the Six-Day War and the War of Attrition, held on Jerusalem Day. Katz also stated that Israel was “prepared for the eventuality” of resuming military strikes against Iran, according to Haaretz.
“We are prepared for the possibility that we may soon be called upon to act again to ensure the achievement of the war’s objectives,” he said, adding that “Iran has suffered extremely severe blows over the past year, but our mission is not over. We must complete the objectives of this campaign.”
First round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel begins in Washington
After two preparatory meetings, direct negotiations between Beirut and Israel have begun in Washington. To continue the talks, Lebanon insists on the need for a cease-fire, or at the very least a de-escalation, and even an Israeli commitment not to launch any military operations before the reactivation of the "mechanism" and a return to the pre-March 2 situation.
Israel, for its part, is putting forward particularly tough demands, clearly seeking a common tripartite position endorsing a mechanism for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Two paramedics wounded in Israeli strike on Islamic Health Committee center in Zrarieh
The Israeli army carried out a strike against a Civil Defense center belonging to the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee in Zrarieh, in the Saida district, wounding two paramedics, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Israel targets Civil Defense position belonging to Islamic Health Organization in town of Zrarieh
Israel targeted Civil Defense position in the Islamic Health Organization, resulting in the injury of two paramedics, our correspondent in the south Muntasser Abdallah reported.
Hezbollah targets Israeli positions and gatherings in southern Lebanon
Hezbollah targets the newly established Israeli Blatt (Marjayoun) position with artillery shells, and a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil.)
Israel continues attacks in southern Lebanon
Israel targeted a locality between Arnoun and Kfar Tebint (Nabatieh).
Lebanese ambassador arrives at US State Department
Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Michel Issa has arrived at the U.S. State Department in Washington, according to MTV’s correspondent in the U.S. capital.
In images:
An airstrike targeted Froun (Nabatieh), our correspondent reported. (Courtesy of Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
Israel kills 2, injures 1 in Zrarieh strike
Two people have been killed and one has been injured in the Israeli strike on Zrarieh (Saida), our correspondent in the south reported.
Around 77,000 children in Lebanon are ‘experiencing heightened distress from repeated exposure to violence, loss and displacement,’ UNICEF says
"Beyond the immediate impact of bombs and airstrikes, an estimated 770,000 children are experiencing heightened distress from repeated exposure to violence, loss and displacement,” UNICEF said in a statement.
“Children and caregivers report symptoms linked to traumatic stress and grief, including extreme fear and worry, nightmares, sleeplessness and feelings of hopelessness. Without mental health and psychosocial support in safe and secure settings, these children are at serious risk of developing chronic or lifelong mental health issues,” the statement said.
Israel targets ambulances in Qsaibeh, kills 1
Israel targeted ambulances in front of the Civil Defense center of the Risala Scouts in Qsaibeh (Nabatieh).
One man, Abbas Said, was killed in the strike.
An airstrike targeted Sinay near Ansar
An airstrike targeted Sinay near the town of Ansar in the Nabatieh district. Another strike targeted the town but the rocket did not explode.
Injuries in Kfar Melki strike
A house and a lumber yard belonging to the al-Tawil family and the Hammoud family were targeted in Kfar Melki (Saida).
Three were injured in the strike, one in critical condition, our correspondent in the south reports.
Hezbollah targets gathering of Israeli soldiers, vehicles and Merkava tank in Bayyada
Hezbollah targeted a gathering of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the town Bayyada (Sour) with artillery shells and a rocket barrage.
The party also targeted a Merkava tank while it was moving in Bayyada with a guided missile, achieving a confirmed hit.
Israeli strikes continue
Israel targeted Qsaibeh, a car in Kfar Sir, and a car in Jarjou (all located in Nabatieh), and Kfar Melki (Saida.)
One man, Abbas Said, was killed in the strike.
Araghchi to UAE: 'Your alliance with Israel did not protect you, reconsider your policy'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the UAE representative during a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting that the Gulf country’s alliance with Israel “did not protect it,” and that the United Arab Emirates “should reconsider its policy toward Iran,” according to a message he posted on Telegram and cited by Reuters.
Diplomats from BRICS countries, including Iran and the UAE, are meeting in New Delhi on Thursday for talks expected to focus on the Middle East war and the energy crisis.
The UAE, which signed an agreement with Israel, has been targeted by Iranian missiles in the Gulf during recent escalations following attacks involving the United States and Israel. The UAE has also recently withdrawn from OPEC as of early May, amid reports of tensions and alleged attacks in Iran.
Rajji insists, Beirut is ‘not speaking at this stage about a peace agreement’ with Israel
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said that in the negotiations with Israel whose first session begins today in Washington Beirut is “not speaking at this stage about a peace agreement.”
Instead, he said, “the priority is to stop the attacks, end the destruction, protect civilians, and create suitable conditions for serious and sustainable negotiations.” He added: “Serious negotiations cannot take place while civilians are being killed and villages destroyed.”
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Rajji affirmed that the Holy See and Italy's relationship is “shown by the Holy Father toward Lebanon’s suffering carries major political, moral, and humanitarian significance.”
The minister also stressed the importance of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, allowing displaced residents to return to their homes, and addressing the issue of prisoners.
Asked about the weapons of Hezbollah, Rajji stressed that “the Lebanese people want to live in a normal sovereign state where the monopoly on military force belongs exclusively to the state and its legitimate institutions.” He emphasized that this is “not a demand to satisfy Israel or the international community, but rather a sovereign national matter.” He also noted that the Lebanese government had called on Hezbollah to disarm and considered its military actions outside state legitimacy.
Regarding linking Hezbollah’s file to the United States–Iran talks, Rajji confirmed that “the Lebanese government has decided to completely separate the two tracks,” rejecting the idea that “any other party should negotiate on behalf of Lebanon.” He added: “We are a sovereign and independent state.”
Israel strikes in Zrarieh, Haddatha, and Jarjou
- An Israeli drone strike targeted a pickup truck in the Hamra area of Zrarieh (Saida). Ambulances rushed to the scene, and one injured person has been transported so far.
- Israel strikes Haddatha (Bint Jbeil) and Jarjou (Nabatieh.)
Trump and Xi agree Strait of Hormuz must remain open
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday during their summit in Beijing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, the White House said.
“Both sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy products,” the White House said.
According to Washington, Xi also expressed interest in buying more U.S. oil to reduce dependence on imports passing through the strait. Beijing did not mention such interest in its own readout of the talks.
Hezbollah drone severely wounds two, lightly wounds one in northern Israel
A Hezbollah fiber optic drone wounded three people in a parking lot in northern Israel, two of them severely, medics and the Israeli military said.
The drone struck the Rosh Hanikra parking lot near the border with Lebanon, wounding two severely and one lightly. The three were hospitalized in the Galilee Medical Center in Naharia.
According to the Israeli army, all three casualties are civilians.
Israel strikes Libbaya
An Israeli strike targeted Libbaya, in the Western Bekaa, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
Israel strikes Sohmor
(Credit: Sarah Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
An Israeli strike targeted Sohmor in the Western Bekaa, following an Israeli evacuation warning, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
⚡US, China agreed Iran can never have nuclear weapons, White House says
White House says the U.S., China agreed Iran can never have nuclear weapons, according to Reuters.
‘Hajj Hassan says US 'more aggressive than Israel'
Hezbollah MP Hussein Hajj Hassan criticized Lebanon’s leadership for engaging in direct negotiations with Israel under what he described as "U.S. pressure."
He reiterated Hezbollah’s rejection of direct talks, supporting only indirect negotiations.
He argued that Lebanese officials entered negotiations before a cease-fire was implemented, calling it a political mistake and accusing the U.S. of being “more aggressive than Israel.”
He further claimed that "Iran insists on a ceasefire in Lebanon and an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories as part of any potential agreement with the United States."
Jerusalem Post: US warns Lebanon to offer ‘major’ concession to Israel ahead of talks
The Jerusalem Post reported, citing sources that “the American message to the Lebanese ahead of the meeting between Lebanon and Israel was: ‘You must provide something significant to the Israelis, otherwise extending the ceasefire will become more difficult.’”
Situation in south Lebanon
Israeli warplanes bombed the Mshaa district in Tefahta (Saida).
An Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle, critically injuring its rider, according to our correspondent.
Israeli ambassador outlines '2 possible paths' with Lebanon
Ahead of direct talks with Lebanon in Washington, Israel’s ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter said in an interview with Israeli media outlet Walla that there are “two possible paths” with Lebanon.
“A cease-fire is being prepared, but we will protect our soldiers and citizens under all circumstances, and we will in no case allow Hezbollah to rearm,” he said.
He added that despite Lebanese government statements about dismantling Hezbollah in the south, the reality on the ground is different.
“Since the start of the operation, we have discovered 8,000 rockets, missiles and weapons in southern Lebanon,” he claimed.
He said Israel wants to see how the Lebanese government strengthens the Lebanese army and takes concrete action. “We will jointly define a zone and plan its dismantlement with them, and then continue our actions,” he added.
“We are ready to follow two paths. The first is to negotiate full peace, as if Hezbollah did not exist: borders, embassies, visas, tourism, everything. Such an agreement could be reached within months. But it would be conditioned on the success of the second path: dismantling Hezbollah.”
He also said he told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel considers it essential to permanently eliminate the nuclear and ballistic threats, and that any agreement must include ending support for armed proxy groups.
Berri: 'If there is no real cease-fire, everything will collapse'
A few hours before the start of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Thursday that if the talks do not result in a “real cease-fire, everything will collapse.”
His remarks come as the truce that came into effect on April 17 is being violated daily by Israel and Hezbollah.
“The negotiations begin today at 9 a.m. Washington time. If there is no real cease-fire, it means everything will collapse,” Berri told the newspaper al-Diyar.
“We accept nothing less than the withdrawal of the Israeli army, followed by reconstruction, the deployment of the Lebanese Army, and the return of displaced residents,” he added.
Asked about a possible meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joseph Aoun, Berri said that, according to his information, this issue “is not under consideration by Mr. Aoun.”
👉More details here.
Situation in south Lebanon
Two people were killed early Thursday in the strike on Srifa.
Families are fleeing en masse from villages threatened this morning by the Israeli army, according to our correspondent.
Maritime incident near UAE
A vessel has been boarded by unidentified individuals off the United Arab Emirates near the Strait of Hormuz and is now heading toward Iranian territorial waters, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said Thursday.
The ship was “boarded by unauthorized personnel while at anchor” about 38 nautical miles (around 70 km) northeast of Fujairah, and is now “proceeding toward Iranian territorial waters,” according to a message posted on the UKMTO X account.
Israeli raids on Siddiqin and Kafra
Israeli airstrikes targeted Siddiqin (Sour), where ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and Kafra (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent.
Israeli army calls on residents of 8 villages to evacuate
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation order for residents of Lebbaya, Sohmor, Teffahta, Kfarmelki, Yohmor (Bekaa), Ain al-Tineh, Houmin al-Fawqa and Mazraat Sinai.
“In light of Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army is compelled to act forcefully against it … For your safety, you must immediately evacuate your homes and move at least 1,000 meters away from the villages and localities toward open areas,” he wrote on X.
Here are the overnight developments in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent:
- After midnight, two Israeli airstrikes targeted houses in the villages of Aitit and Batoulay (Sour district).
- After 1:00 a.m., Israeli drone attacks targeted Debaal (Sour), airstrikes hit Mayfadoun and Shouqin (Nabatieh), another strike hit Sawaneh (Marjayoun), artillery shelling targeted Srifa and Mansouri (Sour), and flares were fired over Kfar Tebnit, Arnoun and surrounding areas (Nabatieh). Another strike hit a building in Srifa (Sour).
- Several victims from an earlier strike on Arabsalim (Nabatieh) have been identified: a family consisting of the father, Ihab Fares Farhat, and his sons Ali and Hassan, as well as the sisters Zeinab and Batoul Youssef Farhat.
- Hezbollah issued two statements overnight: one announcing a missile strike on Israeli soldiers in Kfar Kila (Marjayoun), and another targeting Bayada (Sour).
- Overall toll for Wednesday: 29 villages in south Lebanon were struck by Israeli airstrikes, some multiple times; 13 drone strikes hit 13 villages; and 6 localities were targeted by artillery fire. Hezbollah claimed 17 drone attacks on Israeli military gatherings in occupied Lebanese territory, as well as one operation to prevent an Israeli advance.
Abu Dhabi denies any visit by Netanyahu or an Israeli military delegation
Authorities in Abu Dhabi denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or an Israeli military delegation visited the United Arab Emirates.
“The United Arab Emirates deny circulating reports regarding an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, or the reception of any Israeli military delegation in the country,” the foreign ministry said in a statement Wednesday evening.
Lebanon and Israel begin direct negotiations today in Washington
Israeli and Lebanese negotiators are set to meet in Washington starting Thursday, just days before the expiration of a cease-fire that has failed to prevent hundreds of additional deaths from Israeli strikes against Hezbollah.
The meeting comes a day after a series of Israeli strikes on around 30 locations in Lebanon that killed about 20 people, according to the health ministry.
Welcome to our live coverage
Welcome to our live coverage of a new day under the ceasefire in Lebanon — a truce increasingly undermined by daily Israeli bombardments in South Lebanon, where Tel Aviv continues to carry out deadly strikes and is attempting to establish a de facto “buffer zone,” as well as by attacks claimed by Hezbollah against Israeli forces.
We will also follow developments across the region, particularly in Iran.
➡️ Catch up on what you missed yesterday by reading our Morning Brief.
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