Lebanon, Israel agree to extend cease-fire by 45 days, according to US State Department | LIVE

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Israeli strike on a health facility in Sour: Lebanese Health Ministry condemns 'systematic [Israeli] attacks on health sector'

Reacting to the Israeli strike this afternoon on a health facility in Sour, which also damaged the city’s Hiram Hospital, the Health Ministry condemned “the Israeli enemy’s continued criminal approach against medical and rescue teams, as well as its insistence on carrying out systematic attacks against the health sector.”

According to the Ministry, the Israeli army “directly targeted the primary healthcare center in the city of Sour, reducing it to rubble and causing significant damage to the neighboring Hiram Hospital, which injured six of the hospital’s medical staff.”

He specifies that "the attack on the primary care center in Sour targeted a well-known medical facility, managed by al-Najda al-Shaabiya and supervised by the Public Health Ministry, as part of the network of primary healthcare centers spread across different regions of Lebanon."

Hezbollah claims responsibility for attacks against Israeli army in south Lebanon this afternoon, early evening

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks against the Israeli army in southern Lebanon this afternoon and early evening.

The group claims to have targeted an Israeli armored vehicle with a exploding drone in Deir Siryan (Marjayoun district) at 12 p.m., an Israeli army assembly in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil district) at 6:10 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. with rockets and artillery shells, and another in Qouzah (Bint Jbeil district) at 6:05 p.m. with rockets.

Lebanon-Israel negotiations: Statement from US State Department (transcript)

On May 14 and 15, the United States facilitated two days of constructive discussions between the State of Israel and the Republic of Lebanon at the State Department. The two countries agreed on a negotiating framework aimed at advancing toward a lasting peace between the two countries, full recognition of each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the establishment of genuine security along their shared border.

During these two days, significant progress was made on the political agenda, which will reconvene on June 2 and 3 to continue these political discussions.

The security agenda will be launched at the Pentagon on May 29, with military delegations from both countries. To this end, the parties agreed to extend the April 16 cessation of hostilities by 45 days to allow the security agenda to tangibly improve communication and coordination between Israel and Lebanon, under U.S. facilitation.

The United States remains aware of the challenges posed by Hezbollah’s continued attacks against Israel, carried out without the consent or approval of the Lebanese government, aimed at derailing the peace process. Washington welcomes the commitment of both governments to finding a long-term solution despite these ongoing challenges. The United States will continue to support both countries in pursuing these two objectives.

Lebanon-Israel negotiations: Israeli ambassador says 'potential for success is significant' despite 'ups and downs'

Israeli Ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, stated following the direct negotiations between Beirut and Israel that began Thursday and Friday that their "potential for success" was "significant."

"After two days of negotiations with Lebanese and American officials, I am pleased with the next steps. The peace talks were frank and constructive, and should progress on two fronts: security and politics," he wrote on his X account.

"There will be ups and downs, but the potential for success is significant. Throughout the negotiations, the security of our citizens and soldiers will remain the top priority," he continued.

Salam to Hezbollah: Enough with the accusations of treason, they will never intimidate us

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam delivered a harsher-than-usual speech against Hezbollah on Friday evening, implicitly calling on the organization to cease its "absurd adventures in the service of foreign interests" and to stop "insulting our intelligence" by describing death, destruction, displacement, and tragedy as "victories."

His remarks, made during the traditional dinner of the Makassed Islamic Charitable Works Association in Beirut, coincided with direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, which resulted in a 45-day extension of the cease-fire.

🔗More details here.

Israel strikes Sour, more than an hour after issuing an evacuation order for two areas of the city

Israeli warplanes carried out two strikes, four minutes apart, against one of the buildings targeted by the evacuation order in the city of Sour, issued more than an hour earlier, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli army also struck the Maaraka intersection, at the northern entrance to the city of Sour. No information on possible casualties is available at this time.

Lebanese delegation in Washington issued statement following meeting with Israeli delegation. Here is the transcript. (2/2)

The following is a continuation of the transcript of the Lebanese delegation's meeting in Washington:

Fundamental Principles of the Lebanese Position

Restoration of Sovereignty: Lebanon's absolute priority remains the restoration of the full and complete authority of the State over all Lebanese territory, guaranteeing the protection of borders, national sovereignty, and the security of citizens.

Return of Displaced Persons and Reconstruction: Lebanon remains committed to the safe and dignified return of civilians displaced to the South, supported by effective economic assistance and sustainable reconstruction efforts.

Release of Detainees and Repatriation of Remains: Lebanon continues to work towards the release of all Lebanese detainees and the repatriation of the bodies of those who have died.

Independent Verification Mechanism: To avoid the failures of previous arrangements, Lebanon insists on the adoption of a phased and verifiable implementation mechanism, supported by the United States, that guarantees the fulfillment of all commitments without infringing upon Lebanese sovereignty.

Lebanon is negotiating for a future where its borders will be respected, where its sovereignty will be ensured exclusively by the Lebanese Army, and where its people can live in lasting peace and security.

Lebanese delegation in Washington issued statement following meeting with Israeli delegation. Here is the transcript. (1/2)

The Lebanese delegation concluded two days of negotiations at the State Department in Washington. The tripartite talks between Lebanon, the United States, and Israel resulted in tangible diplomatic progress for Lebanon.

The parties agreed to extend the current cease-fire for an additional 45 days to allow for the launch of a U.S.-sponsored security process on May 29 and to build upon the political momentum achieved in recent days.

Key Outcomes

It was agreed to extend the cease-fire for an additional 45 days, in conjunction with progress on the security and political fronts.

A formal political process has been launched, reflecting Lebanon's constructive engagement and strengthening the chances of achieving a lasting peaceful solution. The next round of meetings will be held on June 2 and 3, 2026, at the U.S. State Department in Washington.

The United States will facilitate and strengthen direct military communication and coordination channels between Lebanon and Israel through a security process scheduled to begin on May 29 at the Pentagon in Washington.

The parties committed to reviewing progress made with a view to extending the cease-fire again should the negotiations yield positive results.

The Lebanese delegation welcomes the results achieved today. The extension of the cease-fire and the establishment of a U.S.-sponsored security process provide vital space for our citizens, strengthen state institutions, and open a political process toward lasting stability. Lebanon will continue its constructive engagement in the negotiations, while preserving its sovereignty and protecting the security of its people.

The delegation reaffirms its full and unwavering commitment to reaching an agreement that restores Lebanon’s full national sovereignty and guarantees the safety and safe return of all its citizens. The goal is to transform the current momentum of the cease-fire into a comprehensive and lasting agreement, preserving the dignity, security and future of the Lebanese people.

Rajji met with Magro during Washington talks, thanked France for its 'support' for Lebanon

Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji met with French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro on the sidelines of the talks in Washington between Beirut and Israel, to which France was not invited.

Rajji thanked France for its "support" for Lebanese diplomatic efforts. “The current priority is to consolidate the cease-fire, put an end to the ongoing Israeli attacks, and ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the South, as a prelude to the restoration of the Lebanese state’s authority over its entire territory,” the minister wrote on his X account.

For his part, Magro “reaffirmed his country’s support for the Lebanese decision based on a diplomatic solution, while emphasizing France’s readiness to engage in any international process likely to contribute to the establishment of a cease-fire and the stability of Lebanon.”

Lebanon, Israel agree to extend cease-fire by 45 days, according to US State Department

Lebanon and Israel have agreed to extend the cessation of hostilities by 45 days to allow for further progress, the U.S. State Department announced Friday.

Israel orders the evacuation of two buildings in Sour and surrounding buildings

The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, ordered residents of the city of Sour to immediately evacuate two buildings in the city and nearby buildings.

These buildings, marked in red on maps attached to his message on X, are, according to him, "used by Hezbollah."

Gaza: Israel says it targeted a senior Hamas military official in an airstrike

Israel announced Friday that it had carried out an airstrike in the Gaza Strip targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, described as the top Hamas military official in the enclave.

According to Israeli authorities, he was one of the main organizers of the attacks planned for Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas did not immediately respond.

Nine people were killed by Israel today in Harouf, according to the mayor

The Israeli army launched a fierce attack on Harouf (Nabatieh district) today, carrying out four raids and two drone strikes, killing nine people, according to a report from Harouf mayor Mohammad Harb, contacted by our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

The mayor issued an appeal for help, specifically requesting ambulances "due to the significant difficulties encountered in transporting the wounded and sick after ambulances were repeatedly destroyed in Israeli strikes."

He also mentioned the challenges faced by rescue teams due to the constant, low-altitude flyovers of Israeli drones above the village and surrounding area, as well as the "constant fear of being targeted."

Specifically, an airstrike targeted a group of young people who had gathered in front of a tire shop around 2 p.m. after a funeral in the town, killing five young men from the village, the official stated.

Furthermore, at 4 p.m., an Israeli drone repeatedly targeted a center belonging to the Islamic Health Committee in the town, resulting so far in four deaths and several injuries.

He emphasized that the death toll could still rise, as people are likely still buried under the rubble, though their number is unknown.

Israel reports Hezbollah attacks in south Lebanon using 'hostile aircraft, mortar shells, booby-trapped drones'

For its part, the Israeli army reported Hezbollah attacks "over the past 24 hours" against its soldiers in southern Lebanon using "hostile aircraft, mortar shells, and booby-trapped drones," according to a message on X. It did not mention any casualties among its ranks.

Furthermore, it stated that it had "intercepted several hostile aircraft launched" toward its soldiers in southern Lebanon "a few hours ago," and that "an attempt to launch a light surface-to-air missile against an Israeli Air Force aircraft operating in support of fighting forces in southern Lebanon failed."

Hezbollah claims responsibility for several attacks on Israeli soldiers, positions in the South

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks against Israeli positions and forces in the South, stating that it targeted Israeli soldiers deployed in Houla (Marjayoun district) with a swarm of attack drones, as well as a gathering of soldiers on the Bayyada-Naqoura road (Sour district) with the same type of drones.

The militia party also reported targeting the headquarters of the Israeli army's 300th Brigade with two attack drones, and a gathering of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles in the city of Bint Jbeil with rockets and artillery shells.

Furthermore, it claimed drone strikes against two Israeli army D9 bulldozers on the Bayyada-Naqoura road and in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil), stating that it hit its targets.

Latest Israeli strikes have killed at least 4 people, reports our correspondent

Earlier Israeli strikes killed two people in Aita al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil) and a third in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr (Sour). Artillery fire also targeted Kafra (Bint Jbeil), killing Abdallah Yehia, an Ogero employee.

Israeli aircraft also bombed Arab Salim, Breiqeh, and Toul (Nabatieh), as well as Arab al-Jal (Saida), where a two-story building was targeted, but no one was killed, as residents had fled the area after receiving Israeli threats.

Three paramedics injured by Israeli drone strike on Islamic Health Committee center in Harouf

Three paramedics were injured in a drone strike that targeted a center of the Islamic Health Committee in Harouf (Nabatieh), according to our correspondent.

UAE denies playing active role in the war, following accusations from Tehran

The United Arab Emirates has "categorically" rejected allegations from Tehran, which accused it of playing an "active" role alongside the United States and Israel in the war against Iran.

Minister of State Khalifa bin Shaheen al-Marar stated that the UAE "categorically rejects the Iranian allegations and attempts to justify Iranian terrorist attacks targeting the UAE" and other countries, according to a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as reported by AFP.

Israel has killed 2,951, injured 8,988 in Lebanon since March 2

The Health Ministry announced in its daily report that at least 2,951 people have been killed and 8,988 others wounded in Lebanon by Israeli attacks since the resumption of the war on March 2, despite the theoretical ceasefire that came into effect on April 17.

This represents an increase of 55 deaths and 164 injuries compared to the previous day's figures.

Hezbollah claims to have targeted Israeli soldiers in Qouzah and a helicopter in Bayyada

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for three attacks against Israeli positions in southern Libya, stating that it targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Qouzah (Bint Jbeil) with artillery shells, and then a second time with an attack drone.

The militia party also indicated that it targeted an Israeli army helicopter over Bayyada with a surface-to-air missile, claiming to have forced it to withdraw.

According to information from our correspondent, an Israeli army helicopter fired an air-to-surface missile from Bayyada airspace toward Mansouri (Sour).

Latest developments in south Lebanon, reported by our correspondent

The Israeli army continued its bombing campaign in southern Lebanon, conducting drone strikes on Jibsheet (Nabatieh) and Tibnin (Bint Jbeil).

An Israeli army helicopter also fired an air-to-ground missile from Bayyada airspace toward Mansouri (Sour).

Other Israeli strikes targeted Deir Qanoun (Sour), Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), Zrarieh, and Kharayeb (Saida), Beit Yahoun, as well as the outskirts of Tibnin and Aita al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil).

LRC evacuates 10 civilians from the Nabatieh district, reports our correspondent

The Lebanese Red Cross has successfully evacuated Inam, 72, and Seham Saleh, 65, from the village of Kfar Tibnit, as well as six civilians from Qaaqaiyet al-Jisr and two others from Shoukin, villages in the Nabatieh district, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

These villages have been heavily bombarded almost daily by the Israeli army for at least two weeks.

The Red Cross, which has been repeatedly targeted by Israel since the start of the conflict on March 2, declined to comment further on the details of its operation.

Haneen Sayed: Keeping residents on their land is the first line of defense against forced displacement

Social Development Minister Haneen Sayed, speaking from Marjayoun, the first stop on her tour of the South, declared that keeping residents on their land is the first line of defense against forced displacement plans, while also assuring that the return of displaced persons remains a priority for us.

She announced that she had provided financial assistance, without specifying the amount, to more than 6,000 families in the districts of Hasbaya and Marjayoun, in order to strengthen their resilience.

This initiative is part of the financial support provided by the government to more than 140,000 displaced families from the South who have been relocated from shelters, as well as to 6,000 families who remained in villages in the district of Bint Jbeil, she explained.

Speaking from Arqoub, a Sunni village in the Hasbaya district, Haneen Sayed also stated that there were "no more peripheral regions: Arqoub is not a marginal region, and the resilience of the inhabitants of the South is a national responsibility."

Merz 'agrees' with Trump on Iran after phone call with US president

The German chancellor stated on X that he had "a good phone conversation" with Donald Trump after his visit to China. "We agree: Iran must now sit down at the negotiating table. It must open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran must not possess nuclear weapons," he wrote.

Hezbollah strikes Israeli positions in south Lebanon with drones, rockets, artillery fire

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Israeli positions in southern Lebanon.

It stated that it "targeted a Merkava tank in Rshaf at 7:50 a.m. using an attack drone," and in the same area, Israeli soldiers with "artillery shells and rockets," as well as three bulldozers "carrying out earthmoving work" in Khiam, with artillery fire.

The party also attacked another Merkava tank "on the Bayyada-Naqoura road" with an exploding drone, as well as Israeli soldiers near the Litani River in the Deir Siryan area.

Israeli drone strikes kill 3 in Harouf (Nabatieh)

Three people were killed and five wounded after two Israeli drone strikes on Harouf, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent.

In addition, artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Zawtar al-Sharqieh, Mayfadoun, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in the same district. An Israeli airstrike targeted Ghandourieh and two others targeted Froun in the Bint Jbeil district, while artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Deir Kifa and Burj Qalaway, near a UNIFIL position.

Negotiations in Washington: Lebanese delegation arrives at the State Department

The Lebanese negotiating delegation, led by former ambassador Simon Karam, arrived at the State Department in Washington for the second day of direct talks with Israel, reports MTV.

Overnight, after the first day of meetings under American auspices, a U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the discussions had been "positive," without providing further details.

Lebanon-Israel negotiations: Qomati denounces 'conspiracy' against Hezbollah

Mahmoud C=Qomati, a member of Hezbollah’s Political Council, denounced a “conspiracy” against Hezbollah and the positions of the current President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, who he claims has “abandoned his commitments” to the party-militia by leading the negotiations with Israel.

The negotiations are taking place within a “context of a conspiracy against the homeland, its sovereignty, and its resistance,” the party official asserted, according to a statement released by the party’s media office.

Lebanese officials “have not kept their word regarding direct negotiations,” he said, adding that they had repeatedly stated they would not participate “before a complete and comprehensive cease-fire.”

“Yet, they went and continue to go, crawling on their hands and knees,” he further declared. According to him, Aoun has “reneged on his commitments to the resistance and continued his commitments to the Americans, the Europeans, and certain Arab countries aligned with the other side,” thus losing his “attempt at balance.”

Finally addressing his internal opponents, Qomati further stated: “We are not making threats, but we are telling some that if they think the resistance’s back is exposed because it is confronting the Israeli enemy, and that this is a golden opportunity for them to conspire and stab it in the back, then they are mistaken.”

Iran allows more ships to pass through Hormuz Strait

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps is now allowing more ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been almost entirely blocked by Tehran since the start of the Middle East war, state television reported.

The previous day, the channel had reported that more than 30 ships had been authorized to transit the strategic strait in the past 24 hours, while the Tasnim news agency indicated that "several Chinese ships" had been allowed to pass.

"More ships can now pass through the Strait of Hormuz with the coordination of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC]," a state television journalist reported from the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

"This indicates that many countries have accepted the new legal protocols that Iran and the IRGC naval forces have established in this region and in the Strait of Hormuz," he stated.

The Iranian parliament is considering proposals to strengthen control over the Strait of Gibraltar, after Vice President Hamidreza Hajibabaei announced on April 23 that Tehran had received its first revenues from transit fees. A fifth of the world's hydrocarbons typically pass through the strait.

New series of Israeli bombings on southern Lebanon

The situation in southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent:

An Israeli army drone targeted Harouf (Nabatieh), and two injuries were reported.

Zawtar al-Gharbieh (Nabatieh) was bombed.

The Kafra Valley, in Jbaa (Nabatieh), was targeted by a strike, but the missile did not explode.

Israel bombs Sohmor in the Bekaa Valley

The Israeli army bombed Sohmor in the Bekaa Valley without prior warning, reports our local correspondent.

Israel ordered forced evacuation of 5 outh Lebanon villages, in Sour, Saida, Nabatieh districts

The Israeli army has again ordered the evacuation of villages in southern Lebanon ahead of bombings, this time threatening Ain Baal (Sour), Kharayeb, Zrarieh, Arab al-Jal (Saida), and Arab Salim (Nabatieh).

In a message on X, military spokesperson Avichay Adraee called on residents to move at least one kilometer away from these villages before strikes targeting, according to him, Hezbollah.

Trump says Xi 'firmly believes' Iran should not possess nuclear weapons

U.S. President Donald Trump, who concluded a diplomatic visit to China, stated that his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping "firmly believes" that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, AFP reports.

Israeli strikes continue on Sour district; motorcyclist injured

Israeli airstrikes continue to target villages in the Sour district.

A drone strike targeted a motorcycle in Batoulieh, injuring the driver. Drones also targeted the Shaaitiyeh intersection. Meanwhile, the Israeli military bombed Srifa and Tayr Filsey, with the latter strike injuring four people who were taken to the hospital.

Furthermore, an airstrike also targeted Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil).

Araghchi says Iran 'received messages' from Washington to continue negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had "received messages" from Washington indicating a readiness to continue negotiations, AFP reports.

Araghchi says open to help in Beijning to resolve ME war

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in New Delhi that he is open to any support, including from Beijing, to help resolve the war in the Middle East.

"We appreciate any country that can help, especially China," he told reporters from the Indian capital, where he has been attending a BRICS meeting since the previous day. BRICS is a diplomatic bloc of 10 non-Western states.

"We have very good relations with China; we are strategic partners, and we know that the Chinese have good intentions. Any initiative from them that could support diplomacy would therefore be welcome for the Islamic Republic," he added.

Israeli strike on northern Sour: Hiram Hospital damaged, several injured

The director of Hiram Hospital in Sour, located at the intersection leading to Abbassieh in the north of the city, told our correspondent that the strike targeting the neighboring Najda Shaabiya building "shook the entire facility," which was engulfed in smoke.

According to the director, Salman Aidibi, two maintenance workers in the hospital courtyard and four nurses inside the building were injured by flying glass. A ceiling also collapsed in one of the corridors. He added that this is not the first time the hospital has suffered damage, as numerous strikes have hit the area in recent months.

Israel says it has begun airstrikes on Sour region

While at least three airstrikes have targeted northern Sour, a major city in southern Lebanon, in recent minutes, according to our correspondent, the Israeli army announced that it has "begun attacking" Hezbollah in the Sour region.

In addition to the previously reported strikes, a strike also targeted the junction leading to Abbassieh, as well as Shabriha, according to our correspondent. These areas were included in an evacuation order issued this morning by the army.

Israel says it has begun airstrikes on Sour region

While at least three airstrikes have targeted northern Sour, a major city in southern Lebanon, in recent minutes, according to our correspondent, the Israeli army announced that it has "begun attacking" Hezbollah in the Sour region.

In addition to the previously reported strikes, a strike also targeted the junction leading to Abbassieh, as well as Shabriha, according to our correspondent. These areas were included in an evacuation order issued this morning by the army.

Three buildings targeted by Israeli airstrikes in Sour

Several hours after the order to evacuate five villages and neighborhoods of Sour, three Israeli airstrikes, including one by a drone, targeted buildings in al-Najda el-shaabiya, Taj al-Deen and popular housing in Sour, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

One killed by Israeli drone strike on car in Nabatieh

The drone attack on a car in the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon left one person dead and two wounded, according to information obtained by our correspondent.

Israeli military drones carried out several strikes in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent

(Credit: Muntasser Abdallah)

One strike targeted a scooter in Mjadel, in the Sour district, and ambulances were dispatched to the scene. The number of casualties from this attack was not immediately known.

Another raid targeted Majdal Selm, in the Marjayoun district. A third attack targeted a car in front of a husseinieh (a type of hut) in the city of Nabatieh.

Iran 'should' reach a deal, Trump warns

The U.S. president warned Iran that it must reach a deal with the United States, two and a half months after the start of the war in the Middle East and while a cease-fire is in effect, AFP reports.

“I’m not going to be much more patient… They should make a deal. Any sane person would make a deal, but maybe they’re crazy,” Donald Trump said in an interview broadcast Thursday by Fox News.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several operations in south Lebanon against the Israeli army on Thursday and into the night

Hezbollah said it conducted “retaliation attacks on Thursday at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. against Israeli aircraft and drones, using surface-to-air missiles,” in a statement.

“An explosive attack at 9:30 p.m. against an Israeli force as it attempted to infiltrate towards the water pumping station north of Taybeh,” followed by “bombings that caused casualties among the members of this force, forcing it to retreat under heavy fire and smoke, which was later used by Israeli helicopters to evacuate the wounded.”

“Two explosive attacks on Thursday at 11:30 p.m. against two Israeli army D9 bulldozers moving from Rshaf to Hadatha.” Hezbollah stated that “the attacked bulldozers were destroyed.”

The Hezbollah statement specifies, however, that “the Israeli air force carried out a strike against the second bulldozer following its attack, setting it ablaze and completely destroying it.”

“A rocket and artillery attack at 11:45 p.m. against an Israeli force near the new Bayyada position.” Hezbollah claims to have also “directly targeted a Merkava tank that was attempting to support the enemy force with a guided missile.” It specifies that “the rocket attack against the same force was repeated at 1 a.m. on Friday.”

The party-militia finally asserts that it “targeted Israeli soldiers moving in the Baydar al-Faqhani area of ​​Taybeh with rockets.”

Israeli aircraft strike Qseibeh, Nabatieh Fawqa, Froun in south Lebanon

A few hours after the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of villages and neighborhoods in Sour, aircraft bombed Qseibeh, Nabatieh Fawqa in the Nabatieh district, and Froun (Bint Jbeil), reports our correspondent.

Israeli advance attempt overnight in Hadatha, south Lebanon, thwarted by Hezbollah

An Israeli unit attempted to advance overnight from Rshaf towards the Balouha area in Hadatha (Bint Jbeil), using a backhoe, but Hezbollah responded, according to our correspondent.

US official says 'positive' first day of negotiations between Beirut, Israel

Talks Thursday between Israel and Lebanon on a cease-fire that is about to expire were "positive" and will continue as planned for a second day, a U.S. official said, according to AFP.

"We had a full day of productive and positive discussions that lasted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. [1 p.m. to 9 p.m. GMT]. We look forward to continuing tomorrow and hope to be able to say more at that time," said the senior State Department official.

20th Israeli soldier dead in Lebanon

An Israeli soldier died in southern Lebanon, the Israeli army announced Friday, bringing the death toll to 20 in clashes with Hezbollah since early March, AFP reports.

Sergeant Major Negev Dagan, 20, "fell in action in southern Lebanon," the army said in a statement.

In total, 20 Israelis have died in their attack on Lebanon — 19 soldiers and one contractor working for the army — since the start of the war on March 2.

During the same period, Israeli bombings have killed more than 2,800 people in Lebanon, including at least 200 children, according to Beirut.

Israel killed 4 people, injured 2 in Harouf, south Lebanon, overnight, according to our correspondent

During the night, Israeli aircraft carried out a strike between Tibnin and Sultanieh (Bint Jbeil district). Earlier, around 1 a.m., Israeli strikes targeted Mayfadoun, Nabatieh Fawqa, and Shoukin in the Nabatieh district, as well as Hosh (Sour) and Debbine (Marjayoun).

In the evening, artillery and phosphorus bombardments targeted the outskirts of Zawtar al-Sharqieh, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Kfar Tibnit, and Mayfadoun (Nabatieh).

Isralei airstrikes targeted Harouf (Nabatieh) and destroyed a building near the municipal headquarters, killing four people and wounding two. Israeli aircraft also launched several missiles at a building near the municipality of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, destroying it. Airstrikes also targeted Froun and Haris (Bint Jbeil), as well as Majdal Selm (Marjayoun), Debaal, and Qana (Sour), and the city of Nabatieh.

Israeli aircraft targeted an unoccupied apartment in a building behind the Italian Hospital in Hosh, on the outskirts of Sour, causing a fire. One resident of the building sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. Civil defense teams from the al-Rissala Scouts brought the fire under control.

Helicopters flew over the areas of Zawtar and Yohmor (Nabatieh), Taybeh, and Deir Siryan (Marjayoun).

In addition, the Lebanese Army evacuated a military position in the Amirieh region near Mansouri, south of Sour, after the surrounding area was directly bombed by an Israeli tank positioned in the occupied town of Bayyada.

Recap of yesterday's Israeli attacks in south Lebanon, according to our correspondent

Israeli aircraft carried out strikes on homes and buildings in 25 locations in the south, causing significant material damage.

Drones targeted seven sites in seven locations.

27 locations were subjected to heavy artillery bombardment.

An Israeli military demolition operation was conducted in one location.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 13 attacks targeting Israeli military installations, vehicles, and soldiers in Israeli positions located in the occupied Lebanese territories.

Israel has issued an evacuation order for villages in Sour, south Lebanon

The Israeli army has issued an evacuation order for several villages in southern Lebanon, including Shabriha, Hamadieh, and Hosh in the Sour district, as well as the Zuqouq al-Mufdi neighborhood in Sour, and the Maashouk area in Burj al-Shamali, east of the city of Sour.

"For your safety, you must immediately evacuate your homes and move at least 1,000 meters away from the villages and settlements to open areas," stressed Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, emphasizing "the danger to anyone of being near Hezbollah elements and installations."

Good morning. We are now launching our LIVE coverage of the region for the day.

We are now launching our live coverage of this latest day of the cease-fire in Lebanon, a truce weakened daily by Israeli bombardments of southern Lebanon, where Tel Aviv continues its killing spree and attempts to establish a de facto "buffer zone," as well as by attacks claimed by Hezbollah against Israeli forces.

We will also be following the negotiations in Washington between Lebanon and Israel, as well as developments in the region, particularly in Iran.

To review our live coverage from yesterday, click here.