IRGC Quds Force chief warns of possible escalation in Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits
The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, said Monday that Israeli operations in Lebanon and Gaza would prompt the “Axis of Resistance,” composed of Iran and its allies, to establish a situation of traffic disruption in the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz, according to state media.
“The evil of the Zionists [Israel] in Lebanon and Gaza, in the shadow of the shameless support of America, will mark the determination of the resistance axis to expand support from both fronts, take steps to activate other fronts, and equate the traffic situation of the Bab El Mandeb Strait with the Strait of Hormuz", Qaani said.
West Bekaa: interceptor missile falls on Qennaya road
An interceptor missile fell on the Qennaya road, below the town of Baaloul in West Bekaa, our correspondent Sarah Abdallah reported.
Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon
The Israeli air force targeted the village of Aita al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil district). A drone strike also hit Sojod (Jezzine district) as well as a vehicle traveling on the Majadel road in the Sour area. Another drone strike targeted the town of Arqi (Saida district).
Separately, an airstrike hit Hanaway (Sour district), accompanied by artillery fire on the area. Israeli artillery also targeted the outskirts of Ali al-Taher and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh district). Further strikes were reported in Yater (Bint Jbeil) and Bazourieh (Sour district).
Hezbollah claims strikes on Israeli targets
Hezbollah said it carried out strikes on Sunday targeting the Shomera and Yiftah barracks, as well as the Hadab Yaroun and Sadah sites, and Israeli artillery positions south of Kiryat Shmona using rockets.
On Monday, the group also said it targeted soldiers on the eastern outskirts of Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh district) with a rocket salvo. In the same area, it said it launched kamikaze drones at soldiers inside a house on the eastern outskirts of the village.
The group further said it targeted two tanks near Haddatha (Bint Jbeil district) with explosives.
Lebanon: UN military presence still ‘necessary’ after UNIFIL withdrawal
Maintaining a U.N. military presence in Lebanon after the withdrawal of the current peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) at the end of 2026 will be “necessary,” the U.N. Secretary-General said in a report submitted Monday to the Security Council, seen by AFP.
The report, requested by the Council, outlines three options ranging from nearly 2,000 to over 5,500 uniformed personnel to monitor the ceasefire and support the Lebanese Armed Forces.
UNIFIL, which currently has about 7,500 peacekeepers, is set to see its mandate expire at the end of December under a resolution adopted by the Security Council in August 2025 under U.S. pressure.
Netanyahu: ‘If Hezbollah does not stop attacking our cities, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he told U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he spoke earlier in the evening, that “if Hezbollah does not stop attacking our cities and our citizens, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut.”
“This position remains unchanged,” he added. He also said that the Israeli army would continue to operate as planned in southern Lebanon.
Qatar stepped up contacts to prevent strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, source says
A Qatari diplomatic source told Al Jazeera that the United States informed Qatar, following an exchange between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, of the cancellation of planned strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
According to the source, Doha stepped up contacts on Monday to prevent the strikes, and had already contacted Washington on Sunday to push for de-escalation in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon says it has received confirmation of Hezbollah’s approval of US proposal for mutual halt to attacks
Lebanese authorities have received confirmation of Hezbollah’s agreement to a U.S. proposal providing for a mutual halt to attacks, the Lebanese embassy in Washington said in a statement released by the Lebanese presidency.
Under the proposed arrangement, Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs would stop in exchange for Hezbollah’s commitment not to carry out any attacks against Israel, with a gradual expansion of the cease-fire to cover the entire Lebanese territory, the embassy said.
It added that the decision comes “within the framework of the efforts undertaken by the Lebanese state to preserve stability and avoid further escalation,” following a phone call between President Joseph Aoun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The statement also said that President Donald Trump held a call with Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Mowad Hamadeh, during which he said he had secured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval of the proposal.
The ambassador then relayed the outcome of these discussions to President Aoun, who informed Hezbollah, according to the statement.
Fadlallah says 'full cease-fire would be precursor to Israeli troop withdrawal from all Lebanese Territory'
Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said that “a full cease-fire would be precursor to Israeli troop withdrawal from all Lebanese territory,” Reuters reported.
He added: “We support a full cease-fire across all Lebanese territory.”
Trump says 'talks are continuing at rapid pace' with Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump said that “discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran are continuing at a rapid pace” in a message posted Monday on his Truth Social platform.
The U.S. president's statement contradicts a report by Iran's Tasnim news agency, which said Tehran had suspended indirect talks with Washington, notably because of the Israeli offensive in Lebanon.
Hezbollah continues its attacks
Hezbollah announced that it attacked the Israeli military base of Meron as well as the Zarit barracks using missiles.
The party also said it targeted Israeli soldiers in Qantara (Marjayoun) with missiles, as well as the Nimr al-Jamal site opposite the Lebanese town of Alma al-Shaab (Sour).
Trump says he spoke with Netanyahu, Hezbollah: 'no troops will go to Beirut', 'they agreed to stop all shooting'
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had “productive” call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as with “highly placed Representatives” of Hezbollah, adding that no troops will go to Beirut and that those already en route have been “turned back.”
According to him, both sides agreed to a halt in hostilities: “Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel,” he said.
In a post on X, Trump wrote: “I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of Israel, and there will be no troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back. Likewise, through very highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop — that Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel.”
Tehran blames Washington for cease-fire violations in Lebanon
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that “the United States bears direct responsibility for violations of the cease-fire with us, as well as for Israel’s violations of the cease-fire in Lebanon,” adding that “any violation of the cease-fire on one front amounts to a violation across all fronts.”
Trump says he will ask Netanyahu 'what is happening in Lebanon'
U.S. President Donald Trump told CNBC that he would “ask” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “what is happening in Lebanon.”
Reuters reported Monday afternoon that Trump and Netanyahu had spoken by phone.
Beirut’s southern suburbs: major Israeli strike postponed following US intervention, Kan reports
A major Israeli strike that had initially been planned against Beirut’s southern suburbs was postponed at the last minute following U.S. intervention, according to Israel’s Kan channel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is nevertheless seeking to convince the United States of the need to carry out such an operation.
Earlier on Monday, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had threatened to strike Beirut’s southern suburbs. In the afternoon, the Israeli army called on residents to evacuate the area.
Three killed in Israeli strike on Khardali, correspondent reports
Three people were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a vehicle on the Khardali road between Nabatieh and Marjayoun, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
One body was recovered by rescuers from Al-Rissala, while the two other victims were pulled from the wreckage by the Red Cross.
Several other strikes were reported across south Lebanon. One attack targeted an area between Kfar Tibnit and Nabatieh Fawqa, while a drone strike hit Shahour (Sour district). Another strike was reported in Blat (Marjayoun district), near the river, as well as in Reshkananay (Sour district).
Israeli warplanes also targeted the village of Shehabieh (Sour district), while artillery shelling struck Yahoun, Braasheet and Shaqra (Bint Jbeil district).
Hezbollah carries out strikes in south Lebanon and northern Israel
In its 24th, 25th and 26th statements of the day, Hezbollah said it targeted a vehicle used by the Israeli army for communications in the Lebanese village of Qantara (Marjayoun district) with an Ababil drone.
The party also said it attacked an Iron Dome platform near the Israeli town of Metula with an exploding drone.
It further reported targeting soldiers in the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona with a barrage of rockets.
Lebanon: UN 'deeply alarmed,' calls for cease-fire to be respected
The United Nations on Monday expressed its alarm and called for all sides to respect the cease-fire as Israel expanded its offensive into Lebanon, while negotiations to end the U.S.-Iran war appeared in peril, AFP reported.
"We are deeply alarmed by the escalation in military activities across southern Lebanon and beyond," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said.
"We urge all actors to respect the cessation of hostilities and avoid further escalation."
Israeli army says it 'eliminated commander of Hezbollah missile unit'
The Israeli army said in a statement that it carried out a strike in the Nabatieh area during which it claims to have "eliminated Mohammad Mousa Mteirek," whom it described as a commander in a Hezbollah unit.
According to the statement, Mteirek held several positions within the movement over the years. He was reportedly responsible for planning and carrying out “hundreds of rocket and drone launches targeting Israeli civilians as well as soldiers operating” in the Beaufort Castle area in south Lebanon.
IRGC threatens to open 'new fronts' in face of Israel’s offensive in Lebanon
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to open “new fronts” in response to Israel’s offensive in Lebanon, Iranian state television reported Monday.
“Iran considers crossing the red lines in Lebanon and Gaza tantamount to a direct war,” and “in response, is determined to carry out defensive operations” and to “open new fronts,” the Guards said, referring to Israel’s operations in the Palestinian territory and its offensive in the neighboring country.
6 killed, 23 injured in Israeli strikes near Jabal Amel hospital in Sour
A provisional toll reported by our correspondent in south Lebanon says 6 people were killed and 23 injured in Israeli strikes that hit the vicinity of Jabal Amel hospital in Sour.
The injured were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment. Significant damage was also reported inside the hospital.
Hezbollah targets Ya’ara barracks
Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli army command headquarters located at the Ya’ara barracks with a barrage of attack drones.
Iran warns northern Israel if Beirut’s southern suburbs targeted
The commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ali Abdollahi, warned residents of northern Israel and called on them to evacuate in the event of strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
“If Beirut’s southern suburbs [Dahiyeh] are targeted, we warn residents of northern Israel to evacuate those areas,” Abdollahi said.
Hezbollah says it will not stop shelling northern Israel, source close to party tells AFP
Hezbollah will not stop shelling northern Israel, a source close to the group told AFP on Monday, in response to Israeli threats to strike Beirut’s southern suburbs if its attacks do not cease.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Monday that there would be “no calm” in Beirut and its suburbs unless Hezbollah’s attacks stop.
A U.S. official also said on Sunday that Washington had proposed a plan under which “Hezbollah would stop all its attacks against Israel, and in return Israel would refrain from any escalation in Beirut.”
“Hezbollah will not commit to stopping the shelling of northern Israel,” the source, who requested anonymity, said. “Why stop these strikes that are hurting Israel while it is bombing Lebanon?”
Iranian official says escalation in Lebanon will not be tolerated
“The Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control. We will not allow the continuation of maritime blockade, and escalation of tensions in Lebanon will also not be tolerated. The patience of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran has its limits,” said Mohsen Rezaee, military adviser to Mojtaba Khamenei to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Hezbollah targets Israeli soldiers, vehicles in Qawzah and Debbine
Hezbollah said it targeted a gathering of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the town of Qawzah (Bint Jbeil district) with a rocket salvo.
The group also said that, for the second time today, it targeted a gathering of Israeli army vehicles on the southern outskirts of the town of Debbine (Marjayoun district) using precision missiles.
Araghchi and Fidan discuss Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers Abbas Araghchi and Hakan Fidan held a phone call on the latest regional developments related to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, according to Araghchi’s press office.
Hezbollah targets Israeli vehicles and soldiers near Beaufort Castle for 4th time today
Hezbollah said in two separate statements that it targeted a gathering of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers near Beaufort Castle for the fourth time today, using a rocket barrage.
The group also said it struck a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Kiryat Shmona, opposite Houla (Marjayoun district), with a rocket barrage.
Map: Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon
Berry told US that Hezbollah is ready for a full cease-fire with Israel, Axios reports
Lebanon’s Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri told the Trump administration on Sunday that Hezbollah is ready for a full and immediate cease-fire with Israel and has pledged to ensure its implementation, according to Ali Hamdan, a senior adviser to Berri, cited by Axios.
However, according to a knowledgeable source, U.S. officials reportedly told Berri they do not believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would accept such an option.
“I called the U.S. ambassador to Beirut, Michel Issa, on Sunday and told him on behalf of Speaker Berri that Hezbollah will be ready to totally commit to a comprehensive cease-fire and we are ready to guarantee it," Hamdan told Axios.
"The proposal we received was no Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel and that in return Israel will not bomb Beirut and then gradually the cease-fire will expand to other areas," Hamdan said. "Speaker Berri's reply was, "Why a partial cease-fire? Let's have a full cease-fire."
An Israeli official confirmed that Hezbollah had expressed willingness for a full ceasefire without demanding an immediate Israeli withdrawal. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to Axios’ requests for comment.
Berri reportedly proposed a land, air and sea ceasefire, under which Israel would also agree to stop the destruction of homes in southern Lebanon.
“We are sure Hezbollah will commit to a total cease-fire. We think it will be more productive. We know time is running out,” Hamdan added.
The United States has urged Israel for weeks not to strike Beirut as part of a broader de-escalation effort, but a U.S. official suggested on Sunday that this position could change. “The United States does not expect Israel to absorb continued attacks on its civilians by a terrorist organization,” he told Axios.
On Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu issued a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz threatening to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs “following repeated violations of the cease-fire.”
The Israeli army then ordered residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate "for their safety," warning that if Hezbollah continues firing on Israeli cities and communities, it will respond by striking “terrorist targets” in the area.
Jabal Amel hospital in Sour severely damaged by Israeli strikes
Following an Israeli strike on the city of Sour, Jabal Amel hospital sustained major damage, our correspondent in the South reports.
The hospital courtyard and surrounding areas were heavily affected, including the parking zone. The COVID-19 treatment centre located inside the hospital was also damaged. Morgue refrigerators containing the bodies of people killed in the conflict were completely destroyed. The targeted building, located opposite the hospital, was reportedly hit by three missiles, causing its near-total destruction.
South Lebanon: Israeli attacks continue, our correspondent reports
- A vehicle was targeted by a drone-fired missile on the Khardali road between Nabatieh and Marjayoun.
- An airstrike hit the town of Yater in the Bint Jbeil district.
- Another strike targeted the area between Ghandourieh and Burj Qalaway in the Bint Jbeil district.
Israeli strikes hit Jal al-Bahr near Sour, building struck and several wounded
Airstrikes targeted a building in the Jal al-Bahr area on the outskirts of Sour, with reports of multiple injuries and urgent calls for ambulances to the scene. The building, located opposite Jabal Amel Hospital, is inhabited by civilians, and injuries were reported. The building had been threatened twice previously but was not struck until today. Its residents had fled for two weeks before some families later returned. The strike also caused damages to the Jabal Amel Hospital.
Hezbollah targets Israeli army vehicles and soldiers near Beaufort Castle
Hezbollah said it targeted, for a second time today, a gathering of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the vicinity of Beaufort Castle with a rocket barrage.
The party also targeted Israeli army soldiers on the southern outskirts of the village of Debbine (Marjayoun district) with a precision missile.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon kill 3,433 and injure 10,395 since March 2
Lebanon's Health Ministry has said Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 3,433 people and wounded 10,395 others since March 2.
Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli army in Marjayoun district
Hezbollah said it carried out an attack on a communications vehicle used by the Israeli army in the village of Qantara (Marjayoun district) using an Ababil attack drone.
It also said it targeted, on Sunday, a gathering of vehicles and Israeli soldiers on the southern outskirts of the village of Debbine (Marjayoun district) with precision missiles.
On the same day, it said it struck two groups of Israeli soldiers in Kiryat Shmona, opposite Houla (Marjayoun district), using rocket barrages and artillery shells.
Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli army in Marjayoun district
Hezbollah said it carried out an attack on a communications vehicle used by the Israeli army in the village of Qantara (Marjayoun district) using an Ababil attack drone.
It also said it targeted, on Sunday, a gathering of vehicles and Israeli soldiers on the southern outskirts of the village of Debbine (Marjayoun district) with precision missiles.
On the same day, it said it struck two groups of Israeli soldiers in Kiryat Shmona, opposite Houla (Marjayoun district), using rocket barrages and artillery shells.
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli aggression in Lebanon, reiterates support for Lebanese sovereignty
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned, in a statement, the “Israeli aggression against the territory of the Republic of Lebanon” and expressed its “categorical rejection of the Israeli incursion into Lebanese territory and the violation of its sovereignty.”
The ministry added: “We call on the international community to assume its responsibilities to put an end to this aggression and the Israeli military movements aimed at expanding into Lebanese territory.”
“We stress the importance of safeguarding the integrity of Lebanese territory and protecting the Lebanese people, in accordance with international agreements. We also reaffirm the importance of respecting the Taif Agreement, which guarantees the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over its entire territory, and respecting the Lebanese government's decisions restricting the possession of arms to the state and its legitimate institutions,” the statement said.
Egypt condemns Israeli military escalation in Lebanon
Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned “in the strongest terms the Israeli military escalation against Lebanon and the continuation of this brutal aggression, manifested by the expansion of the ground incursion into southern Lebanon.”
“Egypt affirms that this dangerous development constitutes a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and a clear act of aggression, revealing Israel's premeditated intentions to impose a new military reality on the ground, in blatant violation of all norms and rules of international law and the United Nations Charter,” the ministry said in a statement.
Kuwait says it faced attack, blames Iran
Kuwait’s air defense intercepted “hostile” missiles and drones, the army said on Monday, while Washington said it had shot down two Iranian missiles targeting U.S. forces in the Gulf country.
“Any sound of explosions results from air defense systems intercepting these hostile attacks,” the Kuwaiti army said in a statement posted on its official X account.
Kuwait’s foreign ministry later said in a statement that it “holds Iran fully responsible for these despicable attacks.”
Israeli strikes on Sour–Tayr Debba road and Kfar Tibnit
Israeli strikes hit the Sour–Tayr Debba road (Sour district), while an airstrike targeted the town of Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh district), our correspondent in south Lebanon reported.
Iranian media says Tehran has suspended talks with Washington
Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported Monday that Tehran had suspended negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.
According to Tasnim, the decision was taken because of the “crimes” Israel “continues to commit” in Lebanon and what it described as violations “on all fronts” of the Iranian-American cease-fire reached on April 8.
“The Iranian negotiating team is therefore suspending dialogue and the exchange of texts through mediators,” the agency said.
German and Norwegian ministers turn back en route to Beirut
The German and Norwegian ministers travelling to Beirut to express solidarity with the Lebanese population were forced to turn back and cancel their trip on Monday due to the risk of Israeli strikes, their respective offices said.
German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan and her Norwegian counterpart Åsmund Aukrust interrupted their journey while approaching Beirut “for military reasons” because of the “rapidly deteriorating situation,” a spokesperson for the German ministry told AFP.
In Oslo, a Norwegian government spokesperson also confirmed the cancellation of the visit to AFP. The two officials, who were traveling aboard a German military aircraft, ultimately landed in Cyprus, and the plane is expected to return to Berlin, according to the Norwegian daily VG.
Israeli army orders evacuation of Beirut’s southern suburbs
The Israeli army issued evacuation orders for Beirut’s southern suburbs' residents “for their own safety.” It said: “The State of Israel is not fighting the Lebanese people, but the terrorist organization Hezbollah.” It added: “If Hezbollah continues to fire missiles at Israeli cities and towns, the Israeli army will respond by targeting objectives in the southern suburbs.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that they had “ordered the Israeli army to strike” what they described as “terrorist targets belonging to Hezbollah in Beirut’s southern suburbs.”
The evacuation orders come after the Israeli army’s seizure of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, as talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv aimed at ending hostilities continued last Friday in Washington without any real breakthrough.
Hezbollah attacks northern Israel and Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon
Hezbollah said it targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Metula, opposite Khiam (Marjayoun district), with artillery shelling.
The group also said it launched a rocket barrage at Kiryat Shmona, across from Houla (Marjayoun district).
According to Hezbollah, a drone strike targeted a house on the southern outskirts of Dibbine (Marjayoun district) where Israeli soldiers were present.
The movement also claimed a rocket attack on a new Israeli military command post established in Taybeh (Marjayoun district).
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon continue to cause casualties
Israeli artillery shelling targeted the village of Blat and the outskirts of Debbine (Marjayoun district), as well as the villages of Shaqra, Qabrikha, Wadi Slouki, Majdal Selm (Bint Jbeil district) and Srifa (Sour district).
The Israeli air force also carried out strikes on Blat, Harouf (Nabatieh district), where casualties were reported, and on downtown Nabatieh.
A drone strike targeted a motorcycle in Zefta (Nabatieh district), killing one person and injuring another.
Hezbollah says it is still fighting Israeli forces around Beaufort Castle
Hezbollah said Monday that it continues to fight Israeli forces around Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, despite Israeli claims that it captured the site over the weekend.
In a statement, the group said Israeli forces had faced difficulty consolidating their positions around the fortress and accused Israel of overstating its control of the area.
“Since dawn yesterday and until the release of this statement, the Israeli enemy has encountered great difficulty in stabilizing its forces around the fortress,” Hezbollah said, adding that it is waging a “war of attrition” against Israeli troops in the area.
The group also dismissed Israel's announcement that it had captured the castle, describing it as a public relations effort intended to counter the impact of Hezbollah videos showing attacks on Israeli forces.
Hezbollah said Beaufort Castle lies only 4 kilometers from the border and claimed Israeli forces spent more than five days carrying out intensive airstrikes and shelling in Yohmor al-Shaqif and nearby villages in an effort to seize the site.
According to the group, Israeli troops reached the fortress on May 30 under cover of smoke and later released photographs from the site to support claims that it had been occupied. Hezbollah said the castle was not being used by the group at the time.
The claims could not be independently verified.
Iran says it is ready to facilitate maritime traffic
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said during a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that Iran has "full readiness to facilitate maritime traffic," according to Iranian state media, Reuters reports.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy exports.
Beaufort Castle damaged by airstrikes and shelling, mayor says
Beaufort Castle was repeatedly targeted by airstrikes and artillery fire before and after Israeli forces entered the site, causing significant damage, Arnoun Mayor Fawaz Qatbay told our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Qatbay said the attacks intensified over the past four days as Israeli troops advanced on the medieval fortress. He noted that he had previously called on authorities to protect the site from Israeli attacks.
The mayor renewed his call for the protection of Beaufort Castle and for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, warning that their continued presence could lead to further destruction.
He said the extent of the damage remains unclear because access to the castle is currently impossible, preventing any on-site assessment.
US says it intercepted 2 Iranian missiles targeting forces in Kuwait
U.S. forces intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at American troops stationed in Kuwait late Sunday, the U.S. military said Monday, according to Reuters.
The military said no U.S. personnel were injured in the incident.
Israeli strikes kill 2, wound 3 in south Lebanon
Israeli strikes on towns in the Nabatieh, Sour and Saida districts killed two people and wounded three others, one of them critically, according to our correspondent.
An Israeli airstrike targeted Yohmor al-Shaqif, while a drone strike hit the city of Nabatieh.
Hajj Qassem Bitar and Ali Lotfi Bitar, both from Nabatieh, were killed in an earlier strike on Shoukin.
Israeli warplanes also struck the area between Shahour and Sarafand in the Sour district, with explosions heard as far away as Saida.
A drone strike on Ebba wounded two people, while another strike targeting a motorcycle in Selaa seriously injured its driver.
Araghchi says cease-fire violations on one front affect all fronts
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that “any violation of the cease-fire on one front constitutes a violation of the cease-fire on all fronts,” Reuters reports.
“The United States and Israel are responsible for the consequences,” Araghchi added.
His remarks are consistent with Iran's position that any cease-fire agreement must apply across the region, including Lebanon, and that Washington and Israel would bear responsibility for any escalation resulting from violations of the truce.
EU calls on Israel to cease 'military escalation' in Lebanon
Keyfoun orders evacuation after reported Israeli threat
The municipality of Keyfoun in the Aley district ordered the evacuation of a house after a resident reportedly received a threatening call from an Israeli phone number.
According to the municipality, the caller told resident Chehab Awada to evacuate his home in the Horsh area before it was targeted by the Israeli army.
As a precaution, the municipality called for the immediate evacuation of the house and neighboring buildings for 24 hours.
Officials said the measure is preventive and intended to ensure residents' safety.
Japan urges Iran to show 'maximum flexibility' in US talks
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged Iran to show "maximum flexibility" to seize the opportunity for a cease-fire agreement with the United States during a phone call Monday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to AFP.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Takaichi said she also strongly urged the swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe and free navigation for ships from Asia and other regions.
She did not disclose Pezeshkian's response but said the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Photo: Israeli strike on Mleikh, in Jezzine district
(Credit: Muntasser Abdallah)
Israeli strikes continue across Nabatieh district
Israeli artillery shelled Nabatieh Fawqa, Jibsheet, and Shoukin, with the sound of the bombardment heard as far away as Saida, our correspondent in southern Lebanon reports.
A drone strike between Ebba and Doueir critically wounded one person.
Israeli warplanes also struck Mayfadoun and the Hamra area on the outskirts of Zawtar al-Sharqieh.
Another drone strike hit a pickup truck on the Shoukin-Mayfadoun road, injuring several people.
Katz says there will be 'no calm' in Beirut without halt to Hezbollah attacks
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday there would be "no calm" in Beirut unless Hezbollah halts its attacks on Israel, AFP reports.
"The southern suburbs of Beirut are no different from the towns in northern Israel: If there is no calm in the north, there will be no calm in Beirut," Katz said in a video released by his office. "We will not allow a situation in which our towns and our citizens are attacked while calm is maintained in Beirut."
Katz added that the Israeli military would continue operations against Hezbollah to remove threats and make the area south of the Litani River "an area under the security control of the Israeli army, free of weapons and terrorists."
15 ships transit Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says
Fifteen ships, including four oil tankers, transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours after receiving authorization from Iran, according to the Revolutionary Guard Navy, as reported by the Fars news agency.
The report comes as maritime traffic through the strategic waterway remains far below prewar levels amid ongoing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.
Israeli army issues new forced evacuation order for 7 villages
The Israeli army has issued a new evacuation order for seven villages in southern Lebanon, hours after announcing plans to strike Beirut's southern suburbs.
“Urgent alert to residents of the following villages: Houmine al-Fawqa, Arab Salim, Roumine, Aazze and Jbaa in the Nabatieh district, as well as Bnaafoul and Arki in the Saida district,” Israeli army Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.
He urged residents to leave their homes immediately and move at least 1,000 meters away from the villages to open areas.
Israel Katz states that there will be 'no calm in Beirut' until Hezbollah ends its attacks
Lebanese University postpones exams in Hadath and Saida campuses
The Lebanese University administration announced that exams at its Hadath and Saida campuses have been postponed for next week, following an Israeli threat on Beirut's southern suburbs.
“In light of security developments, the Presidency of the Lebanese University announces the postponement until next week of exams in all departments, faculties, and institutes at the Rafik Hariri-Hadath campus of the Lebanese University and in the city of Saida,” it stated in a press release.
“Exams will proceed as scheduled at other campuses,” the statement added.
Israeli drones strikes, and airstrikes continue targeting southern villages
*An Israeli drone strike targeted the Sour nature reserve, south of the city of Sour.
*An airstrike targeted Mleikh (Saida)
*An Israeli air strike hit Haddatha (Bint Jbeil). After several attempts to reach the town amid difficult field conditions, Civil Defense and health teams managed to enter and work on retrieving the injured and transporting them.
*A third airstrike hit Kfar Houneh (Jezzine), and another strike targeted Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh)
*Another drone strike occurred between Majdal and Jwayya (Sour), with no reported injuries.
Keyfoun municipality issues urgent 24-hour evacuation for a house after warning threat call
The Municipality of Keyfoun (Aley) announced that a phone call was received at Chehab Awada's residence in the Horsh area of the town, requesting the evacuation of the building in preparation for a possible strike.
Following verification and monitoring, authorities stated that the number used in the call was linked to Israel. As a precautionary measure, the municipality called for the immediate evacuation of the targeted house and adjacent and surrounding homes for 24 hours.
The municipality emphasized that the decision is preventive and aimed at ensuring the safety of residents.
Israeli opposition party leader: Iran deal would be a 'catastrophe'
Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Israeli opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu, sharply criticized ongoing negotiations with Tehran, saying a potential agreement with Iran would be "a catastrophe," Haaretz reported.
Speaking at a conference hosted by Yedioth Ahronoth and Sapir College, Liberman argued that "every future confrontation will be more deadly than the previous one" and said a lasting resolution of the Iranian threat could be achieved "only through regime change in Iran."
Israeli army preparing target lists in Beirut’s southern suburbs, awaiting final approval: Maariv
The Israeli army is preparing target lists in Beirut and is awaiting final approval, a military source told Israeli newspaper Maariv.
"We are currently working to flood the targets for attack and as soon as they are approved by the Air Force and [Israeli army] Operations Directorate procedures, we will act," the source told Maariv.
According to the report, potential targets are divided into three main categories: senior Hezbollah officials, command-and-control infrastructure, and weapons depots.
Maariv reported that among those considered potential targets is Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem.
The newspaper added that Israel is also planning to target what it claims are Hezbollah headquarters, communications systems, and command rooms, in addition to weapons and drone storage sites and technological facilities allegedly used by the group.
The report said Israeli assessments indicate that operations could soon extend to Beirut’s southern suburbs, though it remains unclear whether political approval has been granted for limited strikes or a broader campaign.
Ghalibaf says Israeli escalation in Lebanon proof of US 'noncompliance with the cease-fire'
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denounced in a post on X Israel's escalation in Lebanon, writing, "The naval blockade and escalation of war crimes in Lebanon by the genocidal Zionist regime are clear evidence of U.S. noncompliance with the cease-fire."
"Every choice has a price, and the bill comes due. It will all fall into place," he added.
3 Israeli strikes on Addousieh
The three Israeli airstrikes on Addousieh, near Saida, today hit the area of al-Barak, the coastal road, and the Aaqbiyeh area, behind a Pepsi facility.
Israeli attacks on south Lebanon intensify
*An Israeli drone strike on Shehabieh (Sour) killed at least one person.
*A third Israeli air strike hit Addousieh, near Saida.
*Two airstrikes targeted Kfar Houneh (Jezzine).
*Israel launched three successive waves of airstrikes on Hosh (Sour).
Photo: Israeli strike on the outskirts of Addousieh, near Saida
(Credit: Muntasser Abdallah)
Kuwait condemns Iranian attacks, reserves right to respond
Kuwait's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as repeated Iranian attacks, calling them a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the country's security and stability.
In a statement posted on X, the Ministry said the attacks violate international law and endanger civilians and critical infrastructure.
It added that the continued attacks undermine efforts to reduce regional tensions and reiterated Kuwait's rejection of what it called aggressive actions.
The ministry said Kuwait reserves "the full right to take all necessary measures" to protect its security and defend its territory, and held Iran responsible for the attacks under international law and U.N. resolutions.
Israeli warplanes intensify strikes across southern Lebanon
An Israeli missile that failed to detonate in the Bekaa Valley. (Photo provided by our correspondent Sarah Abdallah)
Israeli aircraft bombed Kfar Tibnit and Arnoun (Nabatieh), as well as Hadatha (Bint Jbeil), Marwanieh (Saida), and Majdal Zoun (Sour). A drone also carried out a raid on Shehabieh (Sour), reports our correspondent.
Israeli aircraft are continuing their overflights of the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Chouf Mountains, Saida, and Zahrani.
Furthermore, the remains of a missile that exploded over Rachaya last night were found in the Samah area, near residential areas, reports our correspondent in the Bekaa Valley, Sarah Abdallah.
Israeli minister says 'there is no cease-fire in the North'
Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch said Monday that “there is no cease-fire in the North, there is a war,” arguing that Israel has yet to achieve victory against Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran.
Speaking at a conference organized by Yedioth Ahronoth and Sapir College, Kisch said fighting on multiple fronts remains unresolved, according to Israeli media reports.
He also said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, regardless of U.S. policy.
“If the Americans do not act to prevent it, we are obligated to do so,” he said.
Iran accuses US of violating cease-fire
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday accused the United States of continuing to violate the fragile cease-fire, following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian territory and Iran's retaliatory attacks.
"The United States is also violating the ceasefire, including this morning," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai said at a news conference, according to AFP. He also accused Israel of violating the truce in Lebanon and reiterated that any agreement with Washington is contingent on a cease-fire there.
"We will not hesitate to take all measures we deem necessary to defend Iran's national security," Baghai said.
He added that Iran is not currently engaged in discussions with the United States on nuclear issues.
Israeli airstrike targets building in Harouf
Israeli aircraft struck Kfar Tibnit, Arab Salim, Yohmor al-Shaqif and a building in Harouf, all in the Nabatieh district, our correspondent reports.
Warplanes also carried out two strikes on Touline in the Marjayoun district, while Israeli artillery shelled Sarafand in the Sour district.
Overnight, Israeli aircraft also struck Maydoun in the western Bekaa, between Hasbaya and Kfar Houna, according to our correspondent Sarah Abdallah.
Netanyahu, Katz order strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have ordered the military to strike what they claimed were, as they often do without concrete evidence, “Hezbollah terrorist targets” in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to a joint statement reported by Haaretz.
The statement said the order came in response to what Israel described as repeated Hezbollah violations of the cease-fire agreement, as well as attacks on Israeli cities and civilians, all while Israel assaults and kills Lebanese people almost every day since March 2.
Hezbollah says it downed Israeli drone, attacked troops near Yohmor al-Shaqif
Hezbollah said it intercepted an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over western Lebanon at 7:30 p.m. Sunday using a surface-to-air missile.
The group also claimed responsibility for a rocket and artillery attack at 1 a.m. Monday targeting Israeli forces positioned on the eastern outskirts of Yohmor al-Shaqif in the Nabatieh district.
On Sunday, Israel attacked Lebanon with 89 airstrikes, Hezbollah claimed 21 attacks
According to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, Muntasser Abdallah, the Israeli air force carried out 89 airstrikes on 42 locations across southern Lebanon on Sunday.
Israeli drones struck 18 targets in 14 locations, while artillery shelled 18 areas. The Israeli army also demolished several homes in three locations.
For its part, Hezbollah claimed 21 attacks targeting Israeli troop concentrations and military positions in occupied Lebanese territory and inside Israel.
Israeli strike kills 4 people in Kfar Sir
An Israeli airstrike on Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district killed four people overnight, our correspondent reports.
Israeli warplanes also struck Qatrani in the Jezzine district and Burj Qalaway in the Bint Jbeil district, while a drone targeted Marwanieh near Saida.
Israeli artillery shelled Mayfadoun, Nabatieh, Nabatieh Fawqa-Toul, Kfar Roumman, Kfar Tibnit, Habboush and Ali al-Taher in the Nabatieh district, as well as Yater and Kafra in Bint Jbeil, Touline in Marjayoun, and Mahmoudieh, Khallet Khazem and the area around Rihan in Jezzine.
According to our correspondent, the strike on Toul earlier this morning killed one person.
Israeli strike kills 1 person in Arab Salim, Nabatieh
An Israeli drone strike on Arab Salim in the Nabatieh district killed one person Sunday evening, our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah reports.
Israeli aircraft also struck Deir al-Zahrani, while artillery shelled Ali al-Taher in the same district.
In the Marjayoun district, Israeli aircraft bombed Touline, and artillery targeted Debbine and Blatt.
Artillery fire also hit Burj Qalaway, Braasheet, Ghandourieh, Hariss, Sultanieh, Khirbet Selm and the outskirts of Safad al-Battikh in the Bint Jbeil district.
In the Sour district, artillery shelled Mansouri, Maaroub and Hosh. Israeli aircraft also struck the outskirts of Sour, targeting the area around the Italian Hospital in Hosh.
Israeli soldier ended up dead in southern Lebanon, army says
The Israeli army said Staff Sgt. Adam Tzarfati, 20, a member of the Maglan unit in the Commando Brigade, died in combat in southern Lebanon, according to Haaretz.
The army said Tzarfati was from Rosh HaAyin and that three other soldiers were wounded in the same incident.
Israel kills 2 in vehicle in Brayqeh, Nabatieh; injures one person in Nabatieh Fawqa
Two people were killed in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in Brayqeh, in the Nabatieh district, our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah reports.
Earlier, a drone strike on Nabatieh Fawqa seriously injured one person. Another drone targeted Toul, near Sheikh Ragheb Harb Hospital.
The Israeli air force also carried out strikes on Shoukin and Harouf in the Nabatieh district.
Meanwhile, two airstrikes hit Qabrikha in the Marjayoun district. Israeli artillery shelled Debbine, and Israeli forces demolished a house using explosives.
Israel orders forced evacuation of 2 villages in Jezzine
The Israeli army has ordered residents of Mlikha and Kfar Houna, in the Jezzine district, to evacuate their homes.
“You must immediately evacuate your homes and move at least 1,000 meters away from the villages and towns to open areas,” Israeli army Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.
Israel orders forced evacuation of 7 villages near Saida
The Israeli army has ordered residents of seven villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate and move north of the Zahrani River.
“Urgent warning to residents of the following localities and villages: Aaqbieh, Zrarieh, Marwanieh, Snaybir, Najjarieh, Addoussiyh and Kherbet Bassal. For your safety, you must immediately evacuate your homes and relocate north of the Zahrani River,” Israeli army Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.
He added that “anyone in the vicinity of Hezbollah members, their facilities or their means of combat is putting their life in danger.”
According to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, this is the first time the predominantly Christian village of Addoussieh, south of Saida, has received such a warning.
Aoun condemns Israeli aggression
President Joseph Aoun said Monday that Lebanon is facing “fierce and condemnable Israeli aggression.”
Marking the 39th anniversary of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rashid Karami, Aoun said Lebanon was navigating a difficult period as it seeks to rebuild state institutions amid ongoing hostilities.
“In these difficult days in Lebanon’s history, as we face fierce and condemnable Israeli aggression, and as we move forward toward restoring the state and rebuilding its institutions, we feel the weight of the absence of statesmen like Rashid Karami,” Aoun wrote on X.
He praised Karami for prioritizing national interests and said Lebanon lacks leaders who can rise above political divisions and work toward unity.
Kuwait says it is under missile and drone attack
Kuwait’s military said Monday that the country was facing a “hostile attack” involving missiles and drones, the second such incident in less than a week, AFP reports.
“Any sounds of explosions are the result of air defense systems intercepting these hostile attacks,” the military said on X, without specifying who launched them.
On Thursday, Kuwait reported a similar attack that it later attributed to Iran. At the time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted a U.S. base in retaliation for fresh U.S. airstrikes on Iranian territory.
Washington says Hezbollah must cease fire first
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about ongoing negotiations, a U.S. official said Sunday, according to AFP.
“To move these talks forward, the United States has proposed a clear plan: Hezbollah must end all its attacks against Israel. In return, Israel would refrain from any escalation in Beirut,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Trump seeks tougher US negotiating stance
While the United States and Iran appeared close to an agreement in recent days, The New York Times reported Saturday that President Donald Trump had hardened his proposal and sent Tehran a revised draft memorandum of understanding.
According to Axios, Trump — whose stated priorities are ending Iran’s nuclear program and restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — wants U.S. negotiators to take a tougher stance.
CBS reported Sunday that the latest U.S. proposal includes a 60-day extension of the cease-fire, provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a framework for resuming nuclear negotiations.
US, Iran exchange attacks
The United States and Iran announced reciprocal attacks overnight Sunday into Monday, dealing another blow to the cease-fire as negotiations to end the war remain stalled. Reports in U.S. media over the weekend of new American demands on Tehran dampened hopes for a near-term agreement, despite optimism voiced by President Donald Trump, AFP reports.
The U.S. military said it carried out a new wave of “defensive” strikes in southern Iran on Saturday and Sunday, the third such operation in just over a week.
According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes targeted radar and drone-control systems in Goruk and on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Centcom said the operations were conducted “in response to aggressive actions by Iran,” including the downing of a U.S. MQ-1 drone over international waters.
Shortly afterward, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had attacked a base used by the U.S. military to launch strikes against Iranian territory. It did not specify the base’s location. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military said the country was under attack by drones and missiles.
Good morning. We are now launching our LIVE coverage of the region for the day.
Here is our live coverage of Lebanon, where the Israeli army is continuing its attacks and advancing deeper into the South.
We’ll also be following developments across the region, including in Iran.
➡️ You can find our live coverage from yesterday here.
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