US ambassador says south Lebanon demolitions will stop when Hezbollah hands over its weapons
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa told reporters that Israeli demolitions in south Lebanon will stop when Hezbollah hands over its weapons.
“Tell Hezbollah that as soon as it hands over its weapons, everything will stop,” Issa said after meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to revive Lebanon-Israel negotiations.
Issa also said no agreement has been reached on which country will verify the Lebanese Army’s work in the pilot zones, adding that a shortlist of countries is being considered.
Asked whether the U.S. supports a potential Israeli attack on Ali Taher, Issa said he did not know. He also said no date had been set for the next Lebanon-Israel negotiating session, but that talks would continue.
Michel Issa: 'No agreement has yet been reached on who will oversee verification'
U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa said no agreement has yet been reached on which party will oversee verification of the Lebanese Army’s deployment in the pilot zones in south Lebanon and Hezbollah’s disarmament.
“We have a shortlist that includes certain countries, and we are consulting with them before deciding which country will be selected,” Issa said.
Berri and Salam meet cease-fire mechanism chief Joseph Clearfield and U.S. ambassador Michel Issa
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received US Lt. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, who heads the U.S.-led cease-fire monitoring mechanism, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa at Ain al-Tineh.
The two U.S. officials then met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail.
The talks focused on the military component of the negotiation framework and developments in south Lebanon, according to the Grand Serail. Salam stressed the need to halt Israeli destruction operations in the south, expand the pilot zones outlined in the framework agreement and set a clear timetable for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Clearfield also met President Joseph Aoun and Lebanese Army commander Rodolphe Haykal on Wednesday to discuss the situation in south Lebanon.
US aircraft carrier George Washington heads to Middle East
The Pacific-based USS George Washington has begun heading toward the Middle East, according to the Associated Press (AP), citing a Navy statement and a U.S. official, amid reports of mental health and supply issues aboard the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln.
The move comes as extended carrier deployments during the war with Iran have raised concerns over the impact on service members and increasing strain on ships and equipment.
The George Washington left Da Nang, Vietnam, last week and has since been spotted with a cruiser and destroyer crossing the Singapore Strait. A Navy official told AP that the carrier was in the Strait of Malacca, which links the Pacific and Indian oceans.
The deployment would leave the Pacific without a US aircraft carrier for an unknown period, AP reported.
New Israeli raid on Mansouri in south Lebanon
Israeli warplanes carried out a fourth raid on Mansouri in the Sour district at around 9 a.m., according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
Washington threatens Iran with 'economic isolation the world has never seen'
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday threatened to impose on Iran “economic isolation the world has never seen,” with new measures expected next week.
Bessent said the measures would come alongside the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which he said would prevent goods from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
Ali Taher battle: Israel tightens the noose as Berri mediation emerges as last resort
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s visit to south Lebanon, where he instructed the army to remain for an extended period, signals that Israel may be preparing for a new military operation.
The main targets would be the Ali Taher, al-Dabsheh and al-Tahra hills, according to an analysis by Mounir Rabih.
Israeli escalation at dawn in south Lebanon: Mansouri and Ali Taher targeted
Israeli attacks intensified overnight and at dawn across south Lebanon, focusing mainly on Mansouri in the Sour district and the Ali Taher area near Nabatiyeh.
Haddatha, Zibqin, the Slouki valley and areas around Mayfadon were also hit by Israeli artillery and machine-gun fire.
UAE condemns Iranian attack on two vessels in Strait of Hormuz
The UAE on Friday condemned an Iranian attack on two vessels affiliated with state oil company ADNOC as they crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
No injuries were reported. The incident came as maritime traffic through the strategic waterway remained below the monthly average amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions.
Israeli attacks continue in south Lebanon amid regional tensions
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of developments in south Lebanon, where the Israeli army continues to occupy more than 600 square kilometers along the border and carry out demolitions across the region.
We will also follow developments across the Middle East, as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high.
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