Israeli detonations between Haddatha and Rshaf, Bint Jbeil district
The Israeli army carried out a series of detonations in two rounds between the towns of Haddatha and Rshaf, in the Bint Jbeil district. Meanwhile, three further explosions carried out by Israeli forces destroyed homes in Beni Hayan, in the Marjayoun district, while Israeli forces conducted sweep fire toward the town, our correspondent in the area reports.
Ali Taher heights remain in Israeli army’s sights
An Israeli drone dropped explosive materials over the wooded area of Ali Taher. The strategic hill in the Nabatieh district has been in the Israeli army’s sights in recent days, with Israeli forces tightening their grip around the area.
Meanwhile, Israeli artillery fire again targeted Beit Yahoun, while a house located on communal land in Mansouri was set on fire as Israeli forces carried out sweep fire toward the town.
South Lebanon: Israeli army says Golani Brigade soldiers have left Beaufort area for 'rest and recovery'
“After nearly 50 days of operations in the Beaufort area, soldiers from the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit are leaving the sector for a period of rest and recovery,” the Israeli army said in a post on X.
According to the statement, the soldiers helped establish “operational control” in the area, which the Israeli army describes as an important Hezbollah stronghold. It said they destroyed more than “300 terrorist infrastructures,” as well as weapons and stockpiles allegedly used by the Iran-backed group.
The Israeli army said the operations were aimed at reducing Hezbollah’s capabilities in the area and consolidating its “operational control” there. The Golani reconnaissance unit soldiers will now undergo a period of rest while, according to the army, maintaining their readiness for future missions.
The Golani Brigade has been associated with Lebanon’s history since 1982. During Israel’s second invasion of Lebanon that year, carried out under what the Israeli army called Operation Peace for Galilee, the brigade took part in the “conquest of Beaufort Castle,” a citadel near Arnoun in southern Lebanon.
Litani River water turbidity rises amid Israeli military activity, affecting Qasmiyeh irrigation project
Water turbidity in the lower basin of the Litani River has increased noticeably due to activities carried out by the Israeli military in several areas, particularly Yahmar al-Shaqif and Zawtar, affecting the quality of water reaching the Qasmiyeh Irrigation Project, according to the Litani River Authority.
The authority urged farmers and irrigation system users to take precautions, regularly monitor and clean filters and screens, and take steps to prevent blockages or damage to irrigation equipment, particularly drip irrigation systems, until water quality improves and turbidity levels decline.
Explosions, artillery shelling target towns in Marjayoun and Bint Jbeil districts
Three explosions were heard in the western neighborhood of Khiam (Marjayoun), our correspondent in the south reported.
Separately, Israeli artillery shelling targeted the town of Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil.) A massive explosion was also carried out by the Israeli army, in two separate blasts, in the town of Bani Hayyan (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent.
Photo: Artillery shelling targeting Beit Yahoun (Marjayoun)
(Credit: Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
'We will defend every inch of Lebanese territory,' Haykal says
Lebanese Army chief Gen. Rodolph Haykal said Wednesday that the military would not abandon its mission of defending “every inch” of Lebanese territory, as he stressed the importance of continuous training and coordination between army units.
“We will not abandon our basic missions of defending every inch of our land,” Haykal said during a live-fire training exercise in the Brital highlands, with his comments relayed by a Lebanese Army statement. “Those who do not resemble their army do not resemble their homeland.”
The exercise was conducted by the 4th Land Border Regiment and other army ground units, with the participation of the Air Force, according to an army statement.
'We will not withdraw,' Katz says during tour of occupied Lebanese villages
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israeli army to prepare, administratively and operationally, for a long-term presence in Lebanon, saying Israel would “under no circumstances” withdraw from the “security zones” it occupies in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.
The minister made the remarks during a visit with Israeli soldiers in Lebanese villages bordering Israel, dozens of which are occupied and have been demolished. He asked the army to prepare to remain in these areas indefinitely while continuing to destroy what he describes as “terrorist infrastructure.”
“We can see the Beaufort ridge here, following the destruction of the tunnels that were there,” Katz said during his tour. Large-scale detonations were carried out around 10 days ago below the Crusader-era Beaufort Castle.
“As the prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] and I have made clear, we will not withdraw from this area,” the Israeli minister continued, reiterating that the occupation of southern Lebanon was aimed at “ensuring the security of residents of northern Israel.”
Salam: Israeli operations in Mansouri, Zawtar Sharqieh and Kfar Tibnit constitute 'a grave violation of the principles of international law'
“What Israel is doing in Mansouri, Zawtar Sharqieh, Kfar Tibnit and other villages in southern Lebanon, in terms of attacks, incursions, leveling operations and the systematic destruction of homes, residential neighborhoods, infrastructure, government buildings and places of worship, constitutes a grave violation of the principles and rules of international law and international humanitarian law,” Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a post on X.
As for the justification given for these demolition and destruction operations, namely the alleged presence of “military installations,” the prime minister added that this claim was “contradicted by the very nature of the sites targeted on the ground.” He also said that portraying “villages and localities, with their homes, residential neighborhoods, government buildings, public facilities, places of worship and infrastructure” as collectively constituting “military installations” is a claim that withstands “no logic” and “cannot serve as a pretext for their destruction, the displacement of their inhabitants and preventing them from returning.”
He finally stressed that “Lebanon’s sovereignty, the security of its population, as well as the right of residents of southern Lebanon to return to their land and rebuild their villages are not negotiable.”
‘Israeli forces’ attacks and demolitions in Zawtar Sharqieh hinder army deployment and residents’ return,’ Lebanese Army says
The Lebanese Army said that “Israeli occupation forces continue their attacks and violations of existing understandings and international law.”
“The latest incident involved the demolition of the Zawtar Sharqieh municipality building in Nabatieh, in addition to the official school, dispensary, childcare center, and several homes in the town. This confirms the occupation’s continued destructive approach aimed at causing the greatest possible damage to villages and towns in southern Lebanon and preventing the establishment of stability,” the army said in a statement.
“At the same time, the Lebanese Army continues to carry out its missions in the south, where it faces significant difficulties as a result of these attacks, which are hindering the completion of its deployment and the return of residents,” it added.
Earlier today, the Israeli army blew up several buildings in Zawtar Sharqieh, including the municipal building, Sheikh Naim Public School, a kindergarten, a dispensary and another building, the head of the Zawtar Sharqieh municipality told L’Orient Today on Wednesday.
3 airstrikes targeted Mansouri
Three Israeli airstrikes targeted the outskirts of Mansouri (Sour), our correspondent in the south reported.
US military operations in Yemen killed 153 civilians in 3 air strikes in 2025, says Pentagon
U.S. military operations in 2025 killed 153 civilians and injured 243 in Yemen, a U.S. official said on Tuesday, citing Pentagon estimates. This figure compares with a Pentagon estimate that two civilians were killed and two injured during U.S. military operations in 2024.
A Pentagon report submitted to Congress and published by U.S. media outlets states that all civilian casualties recorded in 2025 resulted from three U.S. strikes in Yemen. According to the report, U.S. Central Command assessed that these strikes had "more likely than not" caused harm to civilians.
Pakistani Home Minister visits Iran to discuss regional security
The Pakistani Home Minister is visiting Iran to discuss regional security, stability, and other developments, the Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday.
“He is discussing bilateral relations, security, regional security and stability, as well as constructive engagement between parties in the region and regional developments,” Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters in Islamabad. The government is working to mediate an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Pakistan condemns Houthi attack that killed three of its nationals
On Wednesday, Pakistan condemned an attack carried out by Houthi rebels on a ship in the Red Sea, which claimed the lives of three of its citizens.
The Yemeni coastguard had reported on Tuesday that an attack by the Iran-backed rebels on a vessel had left six people dead, including Pakistanis and an Indonesian national. The Houthis have not yet issued any official comment on the incident. “I have learnt with deep concern of this unfortunate incident,” wrote Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, on X, confirming that three Pakistanis had been killed and another injured in the attack. “Pakistan strongly condemns the Houthi attack on a non-combatant commercial vessel,” he added.
Pakistan is bound by a defense pact with Saudi Arabia — which was extended last week to include Turkey — and is acting as a mediator between Iran and the United States in the search for a resolution to the hostilities.
Israeli attacks on Gaza: Death toll rises
At least two Palestinians have been injured in new Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, and one body was retrieved from the rubble of previous attacks, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.
Israel has killed at least 1,259 Palestinians and injured 4,148 others since last October’s “cease-fire,” the ministry said in a statement on Telegram.
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 73,388 Palestinians and injured 174,259 since October 2023, it added.
US says new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in September in Rome
The United States will sponsor a new round of talks between Israel and Lebanon in early September in Rome, a State Department official announced Tuesday.
"The political track will reconvene in Rome in early September, and conversations will continue in Beirut, Jerusalem, and Washington in the interim," the official said on condition of anonymity. "We feel good about the trajectory."
The United States has been sponsoring talks between Israel and Lebanon aimed at putting an end to hostilities between them, with Beirut seeking Israel's phased withdrawal from the South.
Read more on this story here.
Israeli army blows up buildings in Zawtar Sharqieh
The Israeli army blew up several buildings in Zawtar Sharqieh, including the municipal building, Sheikh Naim Public School, a kindergarten, a dispensary and another building, the head of Zawtar Sharqieh municipality told L’Orient Today Wednesday.
The demolitions came after the municipality appealed to Lebanese officials to save what remained of the town, he said, adding that Israel was “destroying what remains of the town’s infrastructure and institutions.”
“Unfortunately, we do not see any serious action to save the town and the South. Everyone remains silent as if they are partners in this destruction,” he said.
In a separate statement, Zawtar Sharqieh’s municipal and elected councils, residents and community representatives condemned the destruction, saying it targeted the town’s civilian and educational infrastructure.
“For what crime are children’s dreams being destroyed?” the statement said, describing the demolitions as “an urban and environmental destruction and a complete disregard for human values.”
“Destroying buildings will not break the will to remain,” the statement said, calling on Lebanese authorities and international and U.N. organizations to take “immediate and effective action” to stop what it described as systematic destruction.
Israeli strikes,explosions, and setting fire to homes continues in southern Lebanon
According to a resident of the town of Kafra (Bint Jbeil), an Israeli drone strike at dawn targeted a site used as an Ashura gathering place near Rammal Supermarket on the Kafra-al-Assi road. The site was hit directly, causing a fire inside. No injuries were reported as no one was present at the location.
A massive explosion carried out by the Israeli army in the town of Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh) was heard across the Nabatieh and Marjayoun areas, our correspondent in the South reported.
The Israeli army set fire to homes in the town of Haddatha (Bint Jbeil).
An Israeli force consisting of a D9 bulldozer and a Merkava tank reportedly advanced toward the eastern outskirts of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), in the Ruwaisa Mohammad Jumaa area.
An Israeli drone dropped explosive materials on the Aita al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil) forest.
An Israeli drone reportedly dropped a sound bomb on the town of Mansouri (Sour).
Aoun welcomes Lieutenant-General Joseph Clearfield and Michel Issa
President Joseph Aoun welcomed Lieutenant-General Joseph Clearfield, who heads the U.S.-led cease-fire monitoring mechanism, this morning at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa.
“The meeting focused on measures to implement the framework agreement reached following the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington, in light of the discussions held by General Clearfield in Israel last week,” according to the Presidency statement published on X.
Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz at its lowest level in a week
The number of ships tracked in the Strait of Hormuz fell to eight on Tuesday, its lowest level in a week, according to maritime data, with shipowners avoiding this strategic waterway due to ongoing dangers, reports Reuters.
The United States and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have reported separate attacks, whilst the prospects of an end to the war with Iran appeared to be receding. Tehran has stated that the strait will remain closed until Washington accepts its conditions.
The number of vessels recorded on Tuesday – eight – is below the average of around 12 recorded over the last ten days and represents the lowest daily figure since Aug. 5, according to data from Kpler. Just one vessel, a bulk carrier carrying coal, exited the strait, whilst the others were still passing through.
All seven vessels entering the strait took the Iranian route.
Separate data from LSEG show 11 passages on Tuesday, compared with 14 the previous day.
Before Iran closed this sea route following the start of the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28, between 130 and 140 ships typically passed through the strait.
In the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, at the southern tip of the Red Sea, 30 ships were recorded on Tuesday.
Israel fires white phosphorus munitions at the Ali Taher heights
Since Tuesday evening, Israel has continued its attacks on the strategic Ali Taher heights in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon, who describes another night marked by a significant escalation in various parts of southern Lebanon.
Israeli artillery fired white phosphorus munitions at this site at 7 a.m. this morning. The artillery had already pounded the area at around 11 pm, then again at 1 am.
Wadi Houjeir, Doha, Kfar Roummane, as well as the area between Tallousa and Bani Hayyan (Marjayoun), were also shelled overnight. Machine-gun fire was also heard there.
On Tuesday, after 10 p.m., the Israeli air force carried out a strike on the Ain al-Tfoura area, on the outskirts of Qantara towards Wadi Houjeir (Marjayoun).
Further explosions took place, including two major ones in an entire residential neighborhood in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil). The blasts were heard as far away as Sour and Nabatieh.
Machine-gun fire was also directed towards Haddatha, whilst Israeli military vehicles were moving through Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil).
After midnight, the Israeli army carried out another demolition in Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil), and then on the outskirts of Qantara (Marjayoun). The explosions were heard across much of southern Lebanon, as far as the villages in the Zahrani region. Machine-gun fire was also reported in Mansouri, in the district of Sour.
Finally, at dawn, around 4 a.m. and then 5 a.m., two loud explosions in the distance were heard as far away as the town of Saida.
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