Israeli army intensifies attacks on southern Lebanon, says it is targeting ‘Hezbollah infrastructure and fighters’ | LIVE

Situation in southern Lebanon

The Israeli strike on a house in Habboush killed Mohammad Jamoul and his wife, Sakineh Abbas Makki.

One person was killed and another wounded in the Israeli bombardment that targeted Hosh (Sour district), according to our correspondent.

The Israeli army again targeted Deir Qanoun al-Nahr and Hosh (Sour district), as well as Mayfadoun (Nabatieh district).

Israeli strikes target the Sour and Nabatieh districts

Israeli strikes targeted a motorcycle in Bayad (Sour district), a house in Batoulieh (Sour district), and the village of Qsaybeh (Nabatieh district).

Situation in southern Lebanon

An airstrike targeted a house on the Hosh road in the Sour district, causing major destruction to several homes, according to our correspondent in the South. No casualty toll has been reported so far.

Another strike targeted a house in the locality of Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, in the same district. The strike caused more than 10 casualties. Rescue teams are still searching through the rubble.

Majdal Zoun and Hosh, also in the same district, were likewise targeted by Israeli warplanes.

Hezbollah says it targeted Israeli soldiers and vehicles in Deir Sirian

Hezbollah said its fighters targeted between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. “gatherings of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in Khallet Raj, in Deir Sirian (Marjayoun district), using artillery fire and waves of rocket barrages launched in several successive rounds.”

Israel targets towns in Nabatieh

Israeli airstrikes targeted the towns of Yohmor al-Shaqif and Zawtar al-Sharqieh (Nabatieh) with several missiles.

Israel targets Dbaal and Tayr Debba

Israeli warplanes carried out a strike targeting a site belonging to the Islamic Health Committee, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, in Dbaal, Sour district, according to our correspondent. Another strike again targeted Tayr Debba, in the same district.

Three people were killed in the Dbaal strike.The home of the assistant head of the Sour sector in the Islamic Health Authority was targeted, our correspondent in the region reported. The house was destroyed, along with surrounding homes.

Israeli strike on building in Tayr Filsey kills two

A rescuer from the Al-Rissala Scouts Association, which is linked to the Amal Movement, Hilal Jaafar Mazeh, and his mother, Samira Mazeh, were killed in an Israeli strike on a building in Tayr Filsey (Sour district), according to information from our correspondent in the South.

Pakistani minister in Tehran “to facilitate” Iran-U.S. talks

Pakistan’s interior minister arrived in Tehran “to facilitate” peace talks between Iran and the United States, which are currently at a standstill, Iranian media reported, according to AFP.

“Mohsin Naqvi arrived today in the Islamic Republic of Iran for a two-day official visit as part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate discussions and promote regional peace,” Tasnim news agency reported. The minister was received by his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni.

The visit comes only days after the trip to Tehran by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Lebanon war: 2,969 killed and 9,112 wounded since March 2

The Health Ministry released this afternoon an updated toll of victims of Israeli strikes between March 2 and May 16, now standing at 2,969 killed and 9,112 wounded. The figures represent an increase of 18 deaths and 124 injuries over the past 24 hours.

Putin discusses Iran with UAE president, Kremlin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iran conflict with his Emirati counterpart, Mohammed bin Zayed, the Kremlin said in a statement, Reuters reported.

“Both sides stressed the importance of continuing the political and diplomatic process aimed at reaching peace agreements based on compromise,” the statement said.

Putin also thanked the UAE for its support on humanitarian issues related to the conflict in Ukraine.

Hezbollah claims two more attacks on Taybeh square, another on Naqoura and one on Blat

Hezbollah said its fighters “targeted at 3 p.m. an Israeli army Hummer armored vehicle in Taybeh square, Marjayoun district, using an attack drone, and confirmed a direct hit,” in a statement. The party-militia said it carried out another attack on the same square at 3:30 p.m. against an Israeli army vehicle “using an attack drone, and confirmed a direct hit,” in a separate statement.

In a fourth statement, Hezbollah said its fighters “targeted at 2 p.m. a gathering of Israeli army soldiers in Naqoura using two attack drones,” without providing further details on the outcome of the attack. Hezbollah also said its fighters targeted at 3 p.m. “the newly established Blat site (Marjayoun district locality) in southern Lebanon using artillery shells,” without giving further details on the success of the attack, in a fifth statement.

South Lebanon: Israeli air force targets the Bint Jbeil, Sour and Nabatieh districts

Israeli warplanes carried out a strike targeting Hadatha (Bint Jbeil district), and another between Tayr Debba and Abbasiyeh (Sour district), near Jabal Amel Hospital north of the city of Sour, according to our correspondent in the South. Another strike targeted Burj al-Shamali, in the same district, and rescue teams were deployed to evacuate the wounded from the village.

Two other strikes targeted Yohmor al-Shaqif and Zawtar al-Sharqieh in the Nabatieh district. Meanwhile, the toll from the strike on Tebnine (Bint Jbeil district) rose to three dead, including Haidar Mawassi, a member of the municipal council of Aitaroun, and two wounded.

The Israeli army says it killed Hezbollah fighters

Hezbollah fighters were “eliminated” by the Israeli army while they were “operating from an area from which rockets had been launched toward Israeli territory in southern Lebanon,” Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said.

“Following the strike, secondary explosions were observed, indicating the presence of weapons inside the building,” he added. Israeli soldiers from Brigade 769 “discovered a Hezbollah weapons depot in southern Lebanon containing, among other things, warheads, ammunition magazines, bulletproof vests, helmets and launch platforms,” he claimed.

Israel targets localities in the Sour and Marjayoun districts

Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes targeting the localities of Qleileh and Seddiqine (Sour district), as well as Majdal Selm (Marjayoun district), according to our correspondent in the South.

Artillery shelling targeted Shaatieh, Ramadieh and Seddiqine (Sour district).

The Lebanese Red Cross evacuates an elderly woman trapped in her home in Nabatieh al-Fawqa

The Lebanese Red Cross evacuated an elderly woman who had been trapped in her home in Nabatieh al-Fawqa after surviving Israeli artillery shelling the previous day that targeted the house, according to our correspondent in the South.

Israel targets homes in Mansouri and Hosh

• Two airstrikes targeted homes in the localities of Mansouri and Hosh (Sour district).
• Israeli artillery shelling targeted the villages of Froun (Bint Jbeil district), Qabrikha and Majdal Selm (Marjayoun district).

Israeli artillery targets the Sour and Nabatieh districts

• The villages of Smaiyeh, Qana, Srifa and Maaliyeh, in the Sour district, were targeted by artillery shelling.
• The Zawtar al-Sharqieh river area, as well as the locality of Kfar Tebnit in the Nabatieh district, were also targeted by artillery strikes.

Two killed in attacks on Shehabieh, strikes on the Sour district

Two people were killed in Israeli strikes on Shehabieh (Sour), according to our correspondent. An earlier strike killed one person, while a second strike later caused another fatality, our correspondent added.

Meanwhile, the Israeli air force struck Jabal al-Botom and Zebqine (Sour district). Artillery shelling also targeted the outskirts of Deir Qanoun Ras al-Ain (Sour district).

Iran says European countries in talks to cross Strait of Hormuz

Iran said that European countries were in discussions with Tehran to obtain authorization to cross the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic global oil trade route that has been blocked since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, AFP reported.

“Following the passage of vessels from East Asian countries, notably China, Japan and Pakistan, we received information today indicating that Europeans have begun negotiations with the Revolutionary Guards navy” to cross the waterway, state television announced, without specifying which countries were involved.

Injuries in Tayr Filsey and strikes in the Nabatieh and Sour districts

• An airstrike targeting a building in the town of Tayr Filsey, near Sour, caused injuries. Ambulances were quickly dispatched to the scene, our correspondent in the South reported.
• Artillery shelling targeted the outskirts of Breiqaa, in the Nabatieh district.
• An airstrike targeted the town of Yanouh, while another strike hit the village of Shehabieh, near Sour.

Iran to soon announce traffic regulation plan for Strait of Hormuz, including tolls

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, announced that Iran had developed a plan, to be unveiled soon, aimed at regulating traffic in the Strait of Hormuz along a designated route, according to Reuters.

Azizi said that only commercial vessels and Iranian partners would benefit from the mechanism and that the route would be closed to operators involved in “Project Freedom.” He also said tolls would be imposed for specialized services.

Lebanese Forces delegation visits Hasbaya and Marjayoun in support of southern Lebanon residents

A delegation from the Lebanese Forces (LF), including MPs from the “Strong Republic” bloc, visited the Hasbaya and Marjayoun regions, reaffirming its support for residents of South Lebanon amid the current difficulties, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported. The MPs stressed that solidarity, under the authority of the Lebanese state, is the only possible path to overcoming the current crisis.

The delegation visited the Union of Municipalities of Hasbaya, where it praised “the resilience of the residents and underscored the party’s continued commitment to supporting communities in the South.”

The visit also included meetings with Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elias Kfouri, local religious and municipal figures, as well as residents of Rashaya al-Foukhar and Kawkaba.

Hezbollah targets Israeli soldiers in Khiam

Hezbollah claimed an attack using a suicide drone against a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Khiam, in the Marjayoun district.

Two dead and four wounded in the Bint Jbeil district

• One person was killed and two others wounded in an Israeli airstrike targeting the town of Tebnine, in the Bint Jbeil district.
• Another strike between the villages of Srifa and Hariss, also in the Bint Jbeil district, killed one person and wounded two others.

Iran has prepared a mechanism to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, says Azizi

Iran has prepared a mechanism to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz along a designated route that will be unveiled soon, the head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, Ebrahim Azizi, said, according to Reuters. Under this mechanism, only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran will be allowed to benefit from it. He added that the necessary fees will be collected for the specialized services provided under the mechanism. Azizi also said the route will remain closed to operators involved in “Project Freedom,” a U.S. mission aimed at securing the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sirens sound in northern Israel

Sirens sounded in northern Israel due to a suspected drone infiltration, according to Haaretz.

Strike near a hospital in Tebnine

An Israeli strike targeted the vicinity of the Tebnine hospital in the Bint Jbeil district, our correspondent in the South reported.

Social Affairs Ministry grants financial aid to 6,000 families in Hasbaya district

Social Affairs Minister Hanine Sayyed toured the Marjayoun, Arqoub and Hasbaya regions in South Lebanon on Saturday. From Hasbaya, she announced financial assistance for 6,000 families in the Hasbaya district.

“This aid aims to support residents and families affected by the repercussions of the war and to recognize the national and humanitarian role played by the region in hosting displaced people,” the state-run National News Agency (NNA) said.

“This assistance comes in addition to support already provided to more than 140,000 displaced families across Lebanon, as well as thousands of families in villages in the Bint Jbeil district,” the NNA added.

Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon

• Israeli airstrikes targeted the towns of Maarakeh and Shehabieh, near Sour.
• Israeli fighter jets also carried out a strike on the town of Habbouch, while a drone strike targeted Nabatieh al-Fawqa, both in the Nabatieh district.

Israel continues strikes on southern Lebanon

• Israeli airstrikes targeted the localities of Maarakeh and Shehabiyeh, near Sour.
• Israeli warplanes also carried out a strike on the locality of Habbouch, while a drone strike targeted the locality of Nabatieh al-Fawqa (both located in the Nabatieh district).

Airstrikes and artillery shelling continue targeting towns in southern Lebanon

Airstrikes targeted the towns of Ghassaniyeh, Bablieh (both located in Saida), Samaiyeh (Sour), and Habbouch (Nabatieh).

The strike in Samaiyeh hit the Arab neighborhood, located at the entrance of the town. The area has been inhabited by displaced families from Yarine, Dhaira, and Marwahin (all located in Sour) since the 1980s and 1990s.

Artillery shelling hit the outskirts of Kfar Tibnit toward Arnoun (Nabatieh).

Israeli army announces strikes against “Hezbollah infrastructure” in southern Lebanon

Nearly two hours after issuing an evacuation order, the Israeli army announced it was carrying out strikes “against Hezbollah infrastructure in the south of the country,” according to its Arabic-language spokesperson, Ella Waweya.

Israeli army intensifies strikes in southern Lebanon

Israeli strikes targeted Mansouri (Sour district), a house in the area between Ansar and Sinai, Ghassanieh (Saida district), Qaaqaaiyet al-Snoubar, Tefahta and Tebna (Saida district), according to our correspondent.

An Israeli airstrike also targeted a house in Koutharieh al-Sayad (Saida district).

Israeli artillery shelling targeted Hanieh and Qleileh (Sour district).

Residents of the South are fleeing in large numbers following the Israeli evacuation order.

Israeli army calls for evacuation of nine villages in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army called this morning for the evacuation of nine villages in southern Lebanon that are not located within the “buffer zone” it established.

“Urgent warning to residents of Lebanon located in the following towns and villages: Qaaqaaiyet al-Snoubar, Kawthariat al-Siyad, Marwanieh, Ghassanieh, Tefahta, Arzi (Saida district), Bablieh, Ansar (Nabatieh district), Baissarieh. In light of Hezbollah’s violation of the cease-fire agreement, which the Israeli army classifies as a terrorist organization, the army is compelled to act forcefully against it,” Avichay Adraee wrote on X.

He called on residents to “immediately evacuate” their homes and move at least 1,000 meters away from the designated areas.

Morning Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

This morning, an Israeli airstrike targeted the area between Arnoun and Yohmor al-Chqif (Nabatieh district). It was preceded by artillery shelling involving three shells targeting the outskirts of Zawtar al-Charqieh.

Before these strikes, a fragile calm had prevailed across southern Lebanon since midnight, with no reported violations or overflights by Israeli warplanes or drones.

Morning Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

This morning, an Israeli airstrike targeted the area between Arnoun and Yohmor al-Chqif (Nabatieh district). It was preceded by artillery shelling involving three shells targeting the outskirts of Zawtar al-Charqieh.

Before these strikes, a fragile calm had prevailed across southern Lebanon since midnight, with no reported violations or overflights by Israeli warplanes or drones.

What happened during last night’s deadly strike on Sour, which injured at least 23 people

According to our correspondent in the region, Israeli warplanes first fired a warning missile at the building. After residents moved around 1,000 meters away from the targeted site, the warning missile exploded, leading residents, bystanders and rescue workers waiting nearby to believe that the strike had already been carried out.

Several residents, along with rescue and ambulance teams, returned toward the building to understand what had happened, but warplanes then launched a second strike with another missile, completely destroying the building.

Glass and stone fragments were projected toward residents approaching the site, believing the attack had ended with the first strike. At least 23 people were injured.

Relatively calm night in southern Lebanon

Last night saw a rarely observed calm, according to our correspondent in the region.

After 10 p.m., Israeli warplanes carried out a strike targeting a building in Mansouri (Sour district).

Yesterday, Israeli warplanes conducted strikes targeting 39 localities in the South, causing major damage to property, buildings, homes and healthcare centers. Drones targeted nine localities, while 15 localities were subjected to artillery shelling.

The Israeli army also destroyed several homes in Khiam.

For its part, Hezbollah carried out 33 attacks targeting Israeli military positions and troop gatherings.

Welcome to our live coverage

Welcome to our live coverage of this new day under the cease-fire in Lebanon, following the 45-day extension of the fragile cease-fire between Beirut and Tel Aviv after a second day of direct negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington.

We will also follow developments in the region, particularly in Iran.