Israeli army has been ordered to cease fire in Lebanon, Hezbollah accuses Israel of being ‘fully responsible’ for violations of the truce | LIVE

Ghalibaf and Araghchi among members of the Iranian delegation headed to Switzerland to negotiate with the United States tomorrow

Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that U.S.-Iran “technical” discussions will take place Sunday in Switzerland in the presence of representatives from Pakistan and Qatar, the mediating countries.

According to Iranian state television, the delegation that left the country for Switzerland includes Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as the governor of the Central Bank.

The memorandum of understanding concluded this week between Tehran and Washington provides for the launch of 60 days of negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement, focused on Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel accuses Hezbollah of “constantly” violating the cease-fire

Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Hezbollah of violating the cease-fire announced the previous day by Washington in Lebanon.

“Hezbollah continues to constantly violate the cease-fire,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said on X, as deadly Israeli strikes and clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah accuses Israel of being “fully responsible” for violations of the truce

Hezbollah accused Israel of being “fully responsible” for violations of the truce announced the previous day, as Israeli strikes continue to hit southern Lebanon and western Bekaa, killing dozens since yesterday.

The ongoing Israeli attacks “are not only violations of the cease-fire agreements but clearly constitute aggression and a continuation of the war,” the group said in a statement, adding that “the Israeli occupation is fully responsible” for the situation.

According to Hezbollah, Israel “has never accepted the terms of the cease-fire,” including those contained in the memorandum of understanding signed this week between the United States and Iran and the new truce announced Friday.

According to figures presented by Hezbollah, the Israeli army has carried out more than 300 strikes since dawn yesterday.

“These attacks include airstrikes carried out by fighter jets and drones, artillery fire of various calibers and phosphorus shelling targeting more than 25 towns and villages, including the city of Nabatieh,” the party said, adding that the attacks have killed more than 111 people and wounded 176.

According to Hezbollah, Israel also used cluster bombs during these attacks, which are prohibited under international law.

Israeli army ordered to cease fire in Lebanon, directive passed on to troops on the ground

The Israeli army has recently received orders to cease fire in Lebanon, according to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12.

“At the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, and following coordination between political authorities and the United States, the IDF has recently received orders to cease fire in Lebanon,” the outlet reported, adding that the directive has been relayed to forces deployed on the ground.

The report also said that the Israeli army will not withdraw from Lebanon for the time being.

“In accordance with this directive, the IDF will maintain its positions along the Yellow Line and will not withdraw for now. If Hezbollah respects the cease-fire and refrains from any attacks or violations, the IDF will also cease offensive operations,” the broadcaster added.

U.S. military says it remains “vigilant” after Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces remain “vigilant” in enforcing the cease-fire agreement with Iran, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said after Tehran announced a new closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, AFP reported.

According to CENTCOM, transit through the Strait of Hormuz continued safely on Saturday, with 55 commercial vessels passing through the waterway.

Technical talks between the United States and Iran to be held tomorrow in Switzerland, Pakistan says

Pakistan, which has acted as a mediator, announced that technical talks aimed at implementing the U.S.-Iran agreement to end the war in the Middle East will be held in Switzerland tomorrow.

“Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding … , technical talks will take place in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on June 21,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that Pakistani and Qatari mediators would participate alongside U.S. and Iranian representatives.

Vance says he expects to leave for Switzerland soon

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he expects to leave for Switzerland “in the coming days” for negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at reaching a lasting end to the war.

“You know, it’s always a delicate dance of coordination and diplomatic protocols,” Vance told Fox News, before Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

According to Vance, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, have already been in Switzerland for several hours “to handle some of the technical aspects of these negotiations.”

Iran sends delegation to Switzerland for talks with the United States tomorrow

Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that U.S.-Iran “technical” talks would take place in Switzerland on Sunday in the presence of representatives from Pakistan and Qatar, the two mediating countries.

Iranian negotiators left the country for Switzerland today, state media reported. The memorandum of understanding reached this week between Tehran and Washington provides for a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a final agreement focused on Iran’s nuclear program.

Iran warns the United States that agreement is “in danger”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that the memorandum of understanding reached with the United States would be “in danger” if its provisions were not implemented quickly, as violence escalates in Lebanon.

“The other side must take the necessary measures as soon as possible, otherwise the entire memorandum of understanding,” including provisions calling for an end to hostilities in Lebanon, “will be in danger,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.

One killed in drone strike in Nabatieh

A drone strike that earlier targeted a vehicle near the Hassan Kamel al-Sabbah statue in Nabatieh killed one person, Mohammad Ali Ahmad Khodor, a grocery store owner from Jibsheet, according to our correspondent.

Conflict toll rises to 4,057 killed and 12,121 wounded as of June 20, including 83 killed yesterday

In an updated toll released this afternoon, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has killed 4,057 people and wounded 12,121 between March 2 and June 20.

Yesterday’s escalation alone killed 83 people and wounded 141 others. Among the victims, 17 people were killed in the city of Nabatieh and 10 in Harouf, including one child and three women. Eight others were killed in Habboush on yesterday.

Israeli strikes continue in Nabatieh district; two more killed

Israeli strikes continued across southern Lebanon, particularly in the Nabatieh district, where two additional people were killed.

According to our correspondent, a strike between Arabsalim and Jarjouh killed Mohammad Nasser Haidar. Another person was killed in a new drone strike in the city of Nabatieh near the Hassan Kamel al-Sabbah statue.

Another drone strike targeted the city, while a separate strike and artillery shelling hit Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Two strikes also hit Shouqine, in the same district.

Drone strikes additionally targeted Nafakhieh (Sour district) and Rihane (Jezzine district).

Israeli strikes continue in Nabatieh district; two more killed

Israeli strikes continued across southern Lebanon, particularly in the Nabatieh district, where two additional people were killed.

According to our correspondent, a strike between Arabsalim and Jarjouh killed Mohammad Nasser Haidar. Another person was killed in a new drone strike in the city of Nabatieh near the Hassan Kamel al-Sabbah statue.

Another drone strike targeted the city, while a separate strike and artillery shelling hit Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Two strikes also hit Shouqine, in the same district.

Drone strikes additionally targeted Nafakhieh (Sour district) and Rihane (Jezzine district).

⚡ Iran says it is “closing” the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon

Iran's military command announced Saturday that it had once again closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which it said violated the memorandum of understanding reached with the United States.

"It is hereby announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to maritime traffic ... This initial measure is a response to the enemy's violation of its commitments," the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a statement broadcast by state television.

"If the aggression continues, further measures will be planned and implemented to compel the enemy to respect its obligations," it added.

U.S.-Iran agreement: Preparatory talks begin in Switzerland

“Preparatory” discussions between diplomats began today at a Swiss resort with the aim of maintaining dialogue on the preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East, according to Swiss authorities.

Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry said the talks were taking place in the resort town of Bürgenstock, near Lucerne in central Switzerland, without providing further details.

A diplomatic source told AFP that the discussions were preparatory in nature.

70 airstrikes, 18 drone strikes and at least 38 killed in southern Lebanon in less than 24 hours

Our correspondent in southern Lebanon has counted the Israeli strikes carried out in south Lebanon from midnight until 3 p.m:

• Israeli warplanes carried out 70 airstrikes against 22 villages.
• Drones launched 18 strikes on 13 localities.
• The strikes killed 38 people, according to a preliminary toll, while rescue operations are still ongoing.

Israeli strike on Qanaarit has an increasing death toll: now 9 dead, 22 wounded

The death toll from the Israeli strike on Qanaarit, in the Saida district, has risen again to nine dead and 22 wounded, most of them women and children, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon. He added that the victims were residents of Qanaarit.

The area, located north of the Zahrani River, is generally considered relatively safe. It had been hosting a shelter for people displaced from areas farther south, according to local officials cited by our correspondent.

Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes continued their raids around midday, notably targeting Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Harouf, in the Nabatieh district, partially destroying the social center of the mosque (the Ahl el-Beit Husseiniyeh).

Drones also struck an area between the villages of Arabsalim and Jarjouh, in the Nabatieh district, as well as Jibchit, Choukine and Jarjouh. A drone strike also targeted a motorcycle between Arabsalim and Houmine al-Fawqa.

Hezbollah says it will not tolerate any Israeli attempt to seize territory or expand its occupation

Hezbollah accused Israel of “spreading false allegations to justify its violations of the cease-fire, which it has never respected, including the violations it has committed since last night.”

In a statement, the party-militia said it had committed to respecting the cease-fire since the evening of Friday, June 19, 2026, despite what it described as Israeli violations “from the very first moments.” It added that it had remained on alert, “aware of the enemy’s constant treachery.”

The militia further claimed that, on the ground, “the Israeli infiltration attempt toward the Ali al-Taher heights remained unsuccessful despite repeated efforts.” It said it had “ambushed the infiltrating Israeli infantry unit, inflicting casualties on it.”

Hezbollah also referred to intensive Israeli airstrikes “inside and outside the area of operations, targeting, as usual, defenseless civilians in order to conceal its military failure.”

The group concluded by saying that, while respecting the cease-fire, it would not tolerate any Israeli attempt “to seize territory or expand its occupation,” adding that its fighters would remain vigilant and fully prepared to defend their land, people and homeland, whatever the sacrifices.

Israeli strike on Qanaarit kills 7 and wounds 13, Health Ministry says

Lebanon’s Public Health Ministry said an Israeli strike on the town of Qanaarit, in the Saida district, killed seven people and wounded 13 others in a preliminary toll.

The casualties include five children and five women, according to the ministry.

Israeli strike on Sohmor kills 4

The death toll from the Israeli strike on Sohmor, in western Bekaa, has risen to four, according to our correspondent in the Bekaa.

The four victims were members of the Qalaaji family: a Lebanese mother from the town, her Syrian husband, their daughter and their grandson.

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon: Two killed near Sour, one killed in Habbouch

A drone strike on a coastal orchard in Maaliyah, near Sour, killed two Palestinians from the Rashidieh refugee camp, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

An earlier strike on Habbouch killed Hassan Ali Obeid, a rescuer with the Al-Rissala Scouts, affiliated with the Amal Movement.

Israeli army continues strikes on Nabatieh district

The Israeli army carried out several strikes on both the Nabatieh district and the city of Nabatieh.

A strike near the Hassan Kamel al-Sabbah statue in Nabatieh killed two people. Israeli warplanes also carried out two raids on the city in the Kassar al-Zaatar area.

Israeli artillery shelled the Ali al-Taher hill, which Israeli forces have been attempting to occupy for several days.

A strike targeting a vehicle in Zebdine seriously wounded the driver, while a drone strike hit an open area near Arabsalim.

Israeli strikes on Qanaarit kill 5

Israeli warplanes fired four missiles at the old cemetery in the town of Qanaarit, in the Saida district, killing five people, four women and an elderly man, according to our correspondent. Search efforts are ongoing for possible additional victims.

Speaking to L’Orient-Le Jour, the mukhtar of Qanaarit said that two people were pulled alive from the rubble, while four homes were completely destroyed. Between four and five people are still missing.

According to the mukhtar, the strike was “very violent,” with rocks and shrapnel found nearly 1,000 meters from the impact site, forcing the closure of the main road.

New strike on Sohmor kills three, wounds one

A new Israeli strike targeted the town of Sohmor in western Bekaa, our correspondent in the region reported.

The strike killed three people and wounded one, according to a preliminary toll.

Lebanon’s Civil Defense says Israeli strikes kill 16 in Nabatieh region

Lebanon’s Civil Defense said Israeli strikes in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon killed 16 people today, a day after the announcement of a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Civil Defense teams, mobilized “since the early hours of the morning” in the Nabatieh district in response to “ongoing attacks targeting the area,” transported “16 dead and 12 wounded” to hospitals, the agency said in a statement.

Hezbollah will not allow Israel to enjoy “freedom of movement”

Hezbollah will not allow Israel to enjoy “freedom of movement” in Lebanon in what it describes as occupied Lebanese territory, a senior official from the party told Reuters.

Fadlallah says Hezbollah has the “full right” to respond to Israeli attacks

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said the movement had the “right” to respond to Israeli attacks, as Israel continues its strikes on Lebanon despite the announcement of a new cease-fire the previous day.

“There is talk of a cease-fire. For us, what matters is that the enemy fully and completely respects this cease-fire, and that it does not attempt to attack our country and our villages, nor occupy new positions,” Mr. Fadlallah said in a statement, adding that “the resistance [Hezbollah] has the full right to confront this enemy when it attacks us, because it is the aggressor and the occupier.”

Israeli army says it is targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army said it was targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon in response to attacks against its soldiers deployed in that part of Lebanon, despite the cease-fire announcement made the previous day.

“Overnight, the terrorist organization Hezbollah fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon,” a military statement said. “Following these attacks, the IDF is striking Hezbollah terrorist targets in the south of the country.”

The Israeli army also maintains that if Hezbollah stops violating the cease-fire agreements, stability can be restored in Lebanon and Israel.

The Israeli army began bombing southern Lebanon in the minutes following the entry into force of the cease-fire with Hezbollah at 4 p.m. yesterday.

Pakistani minister in Iran after postponement of Tehran-Washington talks in Switzerland

Pakistan’s interior minister, whose country is mediating between Iran and the United States, arrived in Iran as part of diplomatic efforts one day after talks in Switzerland were postponed, according to Iranian media.

“Pakistan’s Interior Minister [Mohsin Naqvi] will arrive in Iran today, Saturday, at noon, as part of Pakistan’s efforts regarding Iranian-American negotiations,” the ISNA news agency wrote, quoting Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.

Several local media outlets, including Tasnim, later reported that Naqvi had landed in Mashhad, in northeastern Iran. According to ISNA, Pakistan’s interior minister is due to meet his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, as well as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The visit comes a day after discussions between Tehran and Washington, initially scheduled for Friday in Switzerland following an agreement between the two rival countries, were postponed.

Pakistani minister in Iran after postponement of Tehran-Washington talks in Switzerland

Pakistan’s interior minister, whose country is mediating between Iran and the United States, arrived in Iran as part of diplomatic efforts one day after talks in Switzerland were postponed, according to Iranian media.

“Pakistan’s Interior Minister [Mohsin Naqvi] will arrive in Iran today, Saturday, at noon, as part of Pakistan’s efforts regarding Iranian-American negotiations,” the ISNA news agency wrote, quoting Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.

Several local media outlets, including Tasnim, later reported that Naqvi had landed in Mashhad, in northeastern Iran. According to ISNA, Pakistan’s interior minister is due to meet his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, as well as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The visit comes a day after discussions between Tehran and Washington, initially scheduled for Friday in Switzerland following an agreement between the two rival countries, were postponed.

Southern Lebanon: Strikes target Nabatieh district

Two strikes were reported in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, while a drone strike targeted the city of Nabatieh. Other strikes hit Kfar Rummane, in the Nabatieh district, and Jabal al-Rihan, in the Jezzine district. A low-flying drone was spotted over Saida.

A drone strike wounded one person in Harouf, while another strike targeted Kfar Sir, also in the Nabatieh district.

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon kill 6 people

Several Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed six people, our correspondent reported.

A strike earlier on Chehour, in the Sour district, hit the home of Moustapha Arzouni, killing one person and wounding four others, according to our southern Lebanon correspondent.

Meanwhile, a strike that targeted Arabsalim, in the Nabatieh district, this morning killed four members of the same family: Ali Nadar and his wife Leila, their son Mahmoud, and Jana Hachem, the wife of their son Moustapha.

Another strike in Nmeiriyeh, in the Nabatieh district, killed Mohammad Ahmad Jarmaki, according to our correspondent.

Lebanese Army announces death of soldier on Kfar Rummane-Nabatieh road in southern Lebanon

The Lebanese Army announced the death of a soldier in southern Lebanon after he was killed in an Israeli strike on the Kfar Rummane-Nabatieh road, despite the new cease-fire announced yesterday between Israel and Hezbollah.

“Israel’s brutal attacks against Lebanon continue after the recent escalation affected large areas from the South to the Bekaa, causing further martyrs and injuries and significant material damage,” the army said on X.

“In this context, a hostile Israeli strike targeted a Lebanese Army soldier on the Kfar Rummane-Nabatieh road, resulting in his death,” the statement added.

The army said it was “clear that the continuation of these brutal Israeli attacks aims to obstruct any solution that could help restore stability in Lebanon.”

Israeli strikes kill at least 12, including a Lebanese Army soldier, according to our southern Lebanon correspondent

Israeli strikes from yesterday night into today have killed at least 12 people, according to our correspondent in the South, who said rescue teams are still searching through the rubble.

A Lebanese soldier was killed in an Israeli drone strike on the Kfar Rummane roundabout earlier this morning. A strike on Arabsalim, in the Nabatieh district, around 6 a.m. killed at least four people.

Our correspondent also reported 42 airstrikes on 20 towns in the Nabatieh and Jezzine districts by 10 a.m., mainly in and around Nabatieh. Israeli drones targeted five locations.

By 10 a.m., Israeli bombardment was continuing without interruption, targeting Nabatieh and its surroundings. Thick smoke was rising from the targeted areas and spreading over the city and nearby villages.

Ambulances were struggling to move due to the intensity of the strikes and the constant presence of drones targeting movement on the roads.

Among the areas hit were Jebchit, the Maaliya plain south of Sour, Sohmor in western Bekaa, Chehour, Kfar Sir, Habbouch, Jabal al-Rihan, Sejoud and Chbeil.

The strike on Sohmor killed at least one person, according to our Bekaa correspondent.

Israeli bombardment continued through mid-morning

According to our southern Lebanon correspondent, the Israeli army has struck since early morning: Kfar Jouz, Harouf, Kfar Rummane (several times), Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Shouqine in the Nabatieh district; Kawkariet al-Riz in the Saida district; Burj Qalawiyeh in Bint Jbeil; Qabrikha in Marjayoun; Barish in Sour; and the al-Jabour hills in Jezzine and Barghaz hills in Hasbaya in a single strike.

Six additional raids targeted Nabatieh and its surroundings, particularly Kfar Tebnit and Nabatieh al-Fawqa. A drone struck a motorcycle on Nabih Berri Boulevard in Nabatieh, killing its rider.

Explosions linked to an interceptor missile were heard over Saida and the surrounding area.

The Lebanese Army closed the road at the al-Amriyeh checkpoint south of Sour as a security measure amid the Israeli military escalation.

Israel again attempts to advance toward Ali Taher hill

Our southern Lebanon correspondent reported a major Israeli escalation since dawn, focused mainly on the Nabatieh area, where Israeli warplanes carried out a series of intense airstrikes, alongside artillery shelling and ongoing clashes near the Ali Taher hills.

Fighting continued around Ali Taher, accompanied by heavy Israeli artillery fire, including phosphorus shells, throughout the night. Around 2 a.m., three airstrikes targeted Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit. Habbouch and Meidoun in western Bekaa were also shelled.

Reports also indicated Hezbollah launched rockets after 1 a.m. toward Israeli military positions near Kfar Tebnit and Ali Taher amid continued exchanges of fire and artillery shelling targeting Kfar Joz, Kfour and Kfar Rummane.

Israeli drones have remained over Nabatieh and surrounding villages since last night.

Field sources also reported the detonation of an explosive device against an Israeli force attempting to advance toward Ali Taher after 10 p.m., causing casualties among its ranks. The Israeli army reportedly deployed reinforcements near Kfar Tebnit in another attempt to advance toward the strategic hills.

At dawn, Israeli aircraft expanded their operations, carrying out at least six strikes on the al-Rihan hills, followed by a seventh shortly afterward. Artillery shelling also targeted Majdal Zoun, while machine-gun fire hit Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, Ras al-Ain and Bouyout al-Sayyad in the Sour district.

Airstrikes at dawn also hit Kfar Jouz, where two buildings were destroyed, as well as Habbouch, Toul, Kfour and Nmeiriyeh, where a residential building was destroyed. Several people were reportedly wounded in strikes on Nmeirieh, Shouqine and Arabsalim, where three people were reported killed.

According to Friday’s field assessment, Israeli warplanes struck 31 towns across southern Lebanon, mainly in the Nabatieh area. Drones targeted 12 towns, while 18 villages came under continuous artillery fire, including two hit with phosphorus shells.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, said in two separate statements that it had repelled two Israeli attempts to advance toward the Ali Taher hills, claiming to have inflicted casualties on the attacking forces.

Israel again attempts to advance toward Ali Taher hill

Our southern Lebanon correspondent reported a major Israeli escalation since dawn, focused mainly on the Nabatieh area, where Israeli warplanes carried out a series of intense airstrikes, alongside artillery shelling and ongoing clashes near the Ali Taher hills.

Fighting continued around Ali Taher, accompanied by heavy Israeli artillery fire, including phosphorus shells, throughout the night. Around 2 a.m., three airstrikes targeted Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit. Habbouch and Meidoun in western Bekaa were also shelled.

Reports also indicated Hezbollah launched rockets after 1 a.m. toward Israeli military positions near Kfar Tebnit and Ali Taher amid continued exchanges of fire and artillery shelling targeting Kfar Joz, Kfour and Kfar Rummane.

Israeli drones have remained over Nabatieh and surrounding villages since last night.

Field sources also reported the detonation of an explosive device against an Israeli force attempting to advance toward Ali Taher after 10 p.m., causing casualties among its ranks. The Israeli army reportedly deployed reinforcements near Kfar Tebnit in another attempt to advance toward the strategic hills.

At dawn, Israeli aircraft expanded their operations, carrying out at least six strikes on the al-Rihan hills, followed by a seventh shortly afterward. Artillery shelling also targeted Majdal Zoun, while machine-gun fire hit Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, Ras al-Ain and Bouyout al-Sayyad in the Sour district.

Airstrikes at dawn also hit Kfar Jouz, where two buildings were destroyed, as well as Habbouch, Toul, Kfour and Nmeiriyeh, where a residential building was destroyed. Several people were reportedly wounded in strikes on Nmeirieh, Shouqine and Arabsalim, where three people were reported killed.

According to Friday’s field assessment, Israeli warplanes struck 31 towns across southern Lebanon, mainly in the Nabatieh area. Drones targeted 12 towns, while 18 villages came under continuous artillery fire, including two hit with phosphorus shells.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, said in two separate statements that it had repelled two Israeli attempts to advance toward the Ali Taher hills, claiming to have inflicted casualties on the attacking forces.

Israeli strikes kill at least 5 in Lebanon after yesterday’s cease-fire

Israeli strikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon kill at least five people today, according to the state-run National News Agency, just hours after a cease-fire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah took effect.

The agency reported a series of airstrikes, drone attacks and artillery shelling overnight.

According to our southern Lebanon correspondent, the strikes also hit other parts of southern Lebanon, while our Bekaa correspondent reported Israeli bombardment in the Labbaya and Maydoun areas of western Bekaa.

At least one Israeli drone was flying over the Beirut area this morning, according to witnesses.

Talks with Iran: US envoy Steve Witkoff en route to Switzerland, Axios reports

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Switzerland for talks with Iran, U.S. media reported after negotiations between Washington and Tehran were postponed.

Witkoff is on his way to Switzerland, Axios reported yesterday, citing a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

His trip comes as “the United States and Iran are working to get technical discussions back on track” following the memorandum of understanding signed Wednesday, CNN reported.

Trump envoy Jared Kushner is also expected in Switzerland for talks, Axios and CNN reported, citing U.S. officials. Uncertainty remains over the start of the negotiations, initially scheduled for Friday in Switzerland, after Vice President JD Vance canceled his planned trip.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage

Israel continued bombing southern Lebanon despite the truce reached yesterday with Hezbollah, while the launch of talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland has been postponed.