Airstrikes hit Mansouri, Nabatieh Fawqa and Kfar Roummane; Lebanese Army deploys to Touline | LIVE

Israeli airstrikes hit Wadi Slouqi and Nabatieh Fawqa

The Israeli air force carried out an airstrike on Wadi Slouqi (Bint Jbeil) and another on Nabatieh Fawqa, our south Lebanon correspondent reports. Artillery fire also targeted Haddatha in the Bint Jbeil district.

Ali Taher: Channel 14 says Israeli army 'destroyed much of Hezbollah infrastructure' and killed fighters

Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 reported that on the Ali Taher hill, which is surrounded by the Israeli army and where a Hezbollah base and fighters are reportedly located, “a large part of the infrastructure has been dealt with and destroyed.”

According to the channel, some Hezbollah members “present in these infrastructures were killed,” while others reportedly managed to escape before the area was fully taken over.

Israel accuses Lebanese Army of inaction against Hezbollah, Walla reports

According to Israeli news site Walla, the Israeli army has sharply criticized the Lebanese army, accusing it of failing to act effectively against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Citing senior Israeli military officials, Walla reported that Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief Rodolph Haykal “continues to cooperate with Hezbollah and fears a confrontation” with the group’s commanders in the South. He is also accused of failing to effectively locate Hezbollah infrastructure and weapons.

“The Lebanese Army chief of staff is not doing enough. There is not really any implementation [of the measures]. The Lebanese Army is more focused on coordination,” a senior security official told Walla. “It is clear that Israel is not satisfied, which is why it is not rushing to agree on new pilot zones,” the official added.

The official also claimed that the Lebanese Army had entered a few meters into an underground entrance before turning back. “It did not dare to enter,” he said. “We believe it will not deal with anything, despite insisting on receiving more coordinates.”

Israeli army sets fire to home in Haddatha, drone drops explosive barrels on Mansouri

The Israeli army set fire to a home in Haddatha (Bint Jbeil) at nightfall, while machine-gun fire was heard in nearby Rshaf, our South Lebanon correspondent reports.

Meanwhile, an Israeli drone dropped explosive barrels on Mansouri (Sour).

Israeli airstrikes hit Mansouri, Nabatieh Fawqa and Kfar Roummane

Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on Mansouri (Sour), Braasheet (Bint Jbeil), the al-Deir (Convent) neighborhood in Nabatieh Fawqa, as well as the outskirts of the Ali Taher woods and the al-Dabsheh site near Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh), our South Lebanon correspondent reports.

Israeli artillery also targeted Wadi Houjeir (Bint Jbeil).

Meanwhile, Israeli military vehicles were seen moving near Haddatha toward Aita al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil).

Israeli airstrikes hit Mansouri, Nabatieh Fawqa and Kfar Roummane

Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on Mansouri (our), Braasheet (Bint Jbeil), the al-Deir (Convent) neighborhood in Nabatieh Fawqa, as well as the outskirts of the Ali Taher woods and the al-Dabsheh site near Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh), our south Lebanon correspondent.

Israeli artillery also targeted Wadi Houjeir (Bint Jbeil).

Meanwhile, Israeli military vehicles were seen moving near Haddatha toward Aita al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil).

Heavy artillery fire targets Mansouri

Heavy artillery fire is targeting Mansouri in the Sour district, our south Lebanon correspondent reports.

Israeli strike on Arab Salim kills 1 and injures 6, health ministry says

The health ministry said the final toll from the Israeli strike on Arab Salim (Nabatieh) is one woman killed and six people wounded, including a child, a woman and two elderly people.

Lebanese Army establishes permanent post in Touline opposite Israeli positions

The Lebanese Army has established a new permanent military post in Touline (Marjayoun), opposite Israeli army positions in Qantara, in the al-Mreihiya area, and near Wadi Houjeir, as part of efforts to strengthen its deployment and monitor the border area, our south Lebanon correspondent reports.

Touline municipal council president Said Moussa told L’Orient-Le Jour that the army had previously maintained only an occasional presence in the town. It now has a fixed position and a permanent presence there.

Moussa said the military post was reassuring for residents and strengthened their sense of security amid the current circumstances.

In a statement, the Touline municipality welcomed the army’s deployment on behalf of the municipal council and residents, reaffirming its confidence in the military institution and its role in defending the country, protecting its borders and safeguarding its population.

Four artillery shells hit Khiam and strikes on industrial zone in Dohat Kfar Roummane

Israeli drones bombed Dohat Kfar Roummane and Kfar Roummane in the Nabatieh district on Thursday afternoon, particularly targeting the industrial zone, our south Lebanon correspondent. Stun grenades were also dropped there several times.

Four artillery shells also struck eastern Khiam in the Marjayoun district.

In the Bint Jbeil district, artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Haris, Haddatha and Rshaf. In the Sour district, artillery fire continued to target Mansouri, where a drone also dropped a stun grenade.

Traffic remained normal on the highway linking Nabatieh and Zahrani, with no notable population movements following the latest strikes.

Israeli drones continued to fly at low altitude over Saida and its surrounding areas.

Strikes on Arab Salim: 1 woman killed, mother and daughter injured

The strikes on Arab Salim, in the Nabatieh district, killed a woman who had recently married and moved to the village, according to residents contacted by our correspondent. A mother and her daughter were also injured and hospitalized.

In addition to the strikes on Arab Salim, the Israeli army carried out an airstrike on Nabatieh Fawqa, which had previously been targeted by two drone strikes.

Several homes destroyed in Arab Salim after Israel carries out at least 2 strikes

(Credit: photo shared with our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah/ l'OLJ)

A second Israeli airstrike targeted Arab Salim, in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent. Several homes were destroyed in the village.

An Israeli army drone also fired a missile at Nabatieh Fawqa.

Israel bombs Arab Salim in Nabatieh district

(Credit: Photo sent by Muntasser Abdallah/ OLJ)

Israel bombed the center of Arab Salim village in the Nabatieh district, according to our correspondent Mountasser Abdallah. Arab Salim is located about seven kilometers north of Ali Taher and outside the Israeli-occupied “buffer zone.”

Israeli army accuses Hezbollah of launching 2 'booby-trapped drones' at its forces in Ali Taher

The Israeli army accused Hezbollah of launching two “booby-trapped drones” toward its troops operating “in the Ali Taher heights area” overnight Wednesday to Thursday. One of the drones was shot down and contact with the second was lost, according to a post on X by Israeli military Arabic-language spokesperson Ella Waweya, who said no soldiers were wounded.

The army “will not allow Hezbollah to operate against its forces in the security zone,” she added, referring to the “buffer zone” unilaterally established by Israel over nearly 620 square kilometers of Lebanese territory.

The last time Israel accused Hezbollah of launching a drone in the same area, on Aug. 15, the Israeli army retaliated with strikes on villages north of the Litani, including Ansar and Deir Zahrani, killing 11 people, including children. According to the army, the strikes targeted commanders from Hezbollah’s Badr Unit and elite al-Radwan Force.

Heavy drone activity was reported in the afternoon over villages along the Zahrani coast.

Lebanon, Iran, Gaza: Israel remains on high alert over risk of escalation on multiple fronts, Zamir says

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the military remains “on high alert over the risk of escalation on multiple fronts,” noting that it is fighting “from Iran to Lebanon to Gaza.”

During a situation assessment, according to remarks reported by the Israeli army’s press service, Gen. Zamir said that “many challenges” remain. “We are conducting combat operations on all fronts, from Iran and Lebanon to Gaza, and we are maintaining a high level of alert over the risk of escalation on multiple fronts.”

He stressed that there would be no reduction in Israeli troop levels despite the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday (the Jewish New Year, which begins on Sept. 11), due to the “maximum state of alert.” Gen. Zamir also referred to the budget crisis currently facing the Israeli military, which he said is “undermining” its readiness.

South Lebanon: Fire breaks out in Bint Jbeil district after Israeli shelling; trucks carrying explosives arrive in Mais al-Jabal

A fire broke out between Kounin and Ainata, in the Bint Jbeil district, after the Israeli army fired a shell, according to our correspondent in the South. Meanwhile, tanks and bulldozers moved to the outskirts of Mais al-Jabal, where a truck loaded with explosives also arrived, apparently in preparation for demolition operations in the area. Shortly beforehand, artillery and machine-gun fire had targeted several homes in the village, and occupying forces had set buildings on fire.

In the Nabatieh district, artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Zawtar Sharqieh.

Greek-operated air defense system shoots down drones over Saudi Arabia

An air defense system operated by Greek troops in Saudi Arabia intercepted a swarm of drones in the Yanbu region, home to major oil refining facilities, several Greek security sources told Reuters.

“The battery engaged the drones in coordination with Saudi air defense systems,” one of the sources said, adding that the Greek-operated Patriot system fired three missiles. The source did not specify how many drones were shot down or where they came from. A second source confirmed the information.

It was the third time the Greek-operated system has been used in combat since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, highlighting the growing military role of European allies in protecting Gulf energy infrastructure.

Greece deployed a U.S.-made Patriot air defense battery to Saudi Arabia in 2021, operated by Greek personnel, under an agreement aimed at helping protect the kingdom’s energy facilities.

South Lebanon: Stun grenade dropped near Haniyeh, north of the occupied 'buffer zone'

An Israeli army drone dropped a stun grenade in the Ezzieh valley, on the outskirts of Haniyeh in the Sour district, according to our correspondent. Haniyeh is located about two kilometers northeast of Mansouri, and therefore beyond the “buffer zone” occupied by Israel in south Lebanon.

Meanwhile, artillery fire targeted the Hujeir valley, on the slope overlooking Ghandourieh in the Bint Jbeil district, also outside the buffer zone, as well as the outskirts of Qantara, an occupied village in the Marjayoun district.

Iran says US naval blockade is preventing gasoline imports

A U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is preventing the country from importing gasoline, while domestic production is insufficient to meet demand, a senior Iranian official said Wednesday evening.

The strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s hydrocarbons passed before the war, has been effectively sealed by Tehran since the conflict began in late February with Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran. The United States has in turn imposed a blockade on Iranian ports as part of its campaign against Tehran.

“Gasoline production is insufficient and, because of the U.S. naval blockade, we cannot import it,” said Vice President for Executive Affairs Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, quoted by the official IRNA news agency.

On Tuesday, lines grew outside gas stations across Iran as the government announced a plan to make an unusually rare cut to gasoline quotas, which have been in place for years. In 2019, a sudden increase in gasoline prices sparked protests that spread to around 100 cities, including Tehran, leaving dozens dead.

Qatari prime minister expected in Tehran to pursue mediation efforts

At the regional level, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to travel to Tehran today in an effort to revive diplomatic efforts, following renewed tensions between the United States and Iran over Washington’s push to increase economic pressure on Tehran by sanctioning its trading partners.

A neighbor of Iran in the Gulf and a U.S. ally, Qatar has played the role of intermediary between the parties to the conflict and directly contributed to the conclusion of the June cease-fire, which briefly brought a halt to hostilities.

The visit comes as the war approaches its sixth month. Fighting has largely subsided, but no major diplomatic breakthrough is in sight. The two sides remain particularly at odds over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for global oil supplies that Tehran is using as leverage.

Israeli army continues attacks on Mansouri and the area north of Bint Jbeil; family evacuated from Haris

In addition to these attacks, the Israeli army continued its advances and fire throughout the night along two other axes: Mansouri, on the coast south of Sour, and the central sector, targeting several villages north of Bint Jbeil along the “Yellow Line” that marks the buffer zone. Along the first axis, it notably blew up houses between Mansouri and Byout al-Siyad, dropped explosive charges and carried out an airstrike.

In the Bint Jbeil area, it fired automatic weapons at Aita al-Jabal, blew up and set fire to homes in Haddatha, and shelled the outskirts of Braasheet and Beit Yahoun.

In Haris, a town north of Haddatha on the edge of the “Yellow Line,” where troop movements and artillery attacks have been reported repeatedly in recent days, rescuers from the Scouts of the Islamic Mission Association (Al-Rissala, affiliated with the Amal Movement) managed to evacuate a family that was still inside a house surrounded by Israeli forces.

South Lebanon: Israeli tanks advance toward Kfar Shuba, a village that is still inhabited in the eastern sector

In south Lebanon, two Israeli army Merkava tanks and several military vehicles advanced to the outskirts of Kfar Shuba, in the eastern sector, where soldiers raised an Israeli flag at a site known as Shamis and opened automatic fire, according to our correspondent Mountasser Abdallah. Kfar Shuba is a predominantly Sunni village that has remained inhabited in recent months despite the Israeli occupation of the “buffer zone” along the border.

Airstrikes with highly explosive missiles hit Ali Taher heights

About 15 kilometers farther west, the Israeli air force carried out several powerful airstrikes Thursday morning on the Ali Taher heights, in the Nabatieh district. The ridge has been at the center of Israeli attacks for several weeks, as Tel Aviv accuses Hezbollah of having fighters holed up there in an underground base. According to our correspondent, two highly explosive missiles were dropped on the strategic heights, shaking the doors of homes in Kfar Roummane and Nabatieh. Artillery fire also targeted the outskirts of Mayfadoun, another village in the Nabatieh district. It had already been targeted in an airstrike overnight.

Also overnight, white phosphorus artillery fire targeted Doha Kfar Roummane, below Ali Taher.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of developments in Lebanon, particularly in the South, where the Israeli army continued its systematic demolition of homes and infrastructure in villages within the occupied “buffer zone” and appears to be seeking to advance toward several neighboring localities.

We will also follow developments concerning Iran, particularly discussions over the Strait of Hormuz, which lies at the heart of the tensions.

You can catch up on yesterday's news in our Morning Brief here.