Israeli strike in West Bekaa, first since June
An Israeli strike hit an area near the cemetery in Ain al-Tineh, in the West Bekaa, targeting a farm, according to our correspondent Sarah Abdallah. A Syrian worker was lightly wounded. Warplanes continue to fly over the area.
According to our correspondent, this is the first Israeli strike in the West Bekaa since June.
UNIFIL briefly blocked in Ghobeiri, Lebanese Army intervenes
The mayor of Ghobeiri, Ahmad Khansa, told L’Orient Today that a UNIFIL patrol was briefly blocked by residents.
“UNIFIL does not have the right to pass through Beirut’s southern suburbs. People stopped the patrol, which was heading from Ghobeiri Square toward Haret Hreik, and informed us,” the mayor explained.
According to him, the incident lasted only around 10 to 15 minutes at most. The municipality contacted the Lebanese Army, which intervened and escorted the patrol.
Trump says US may hit Iran's Pickaxe Mountain soon
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that the United States may hit Iran's Pickaxe Mountain very soon, according to Reuters.
Pickaxe Mountain, located near Iran's heavily damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility, is a heavily fortified site that hosts two deeply buried tunnel complexes.
Israeli army carries out large detonation in Zawtar Sharqieh
The Israeli army has carried out a large detonation in the village of Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh district), our correspondent in the South reported.
Earlier, Israeli artillery shelling targeted Wadi Zibqin (Sour).
Salam during meeting with Issa: Negotiating framework is clear regarding the need for Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed that the "negotiating framework is clear regarding the need for Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory," during a meeting with US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa in the Grand Serail.
"Salam stressed that the negotiating framework is clear regarding the need for Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory, which is our objective in the negotiations, alongside extending the authority of the state over all of its territory," reads a statement released by the Grand Serail following the meeting.
Issa was accompanied by Eric Trager, a staff member at the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Roy Awabdeh, a senior professional staff member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
According to the Grand Serail, the meeting addressed the situation in Southern Lebanon, the negotiating process, and U.S. support for the Lebanese Army.
Israeli warplanes carry out strikes on Mansouri and Nabatieh Fawqa
The Israeli airstrikes that targeted Nabatieh Fawqa
Several Israeli airstrikes have targeted the villages of Mansouri (Sour district) and the neighborhood of Deir in Nabatieh Fawqa, according to our correspondent in the South. At least four missiles were fired at Mansouri.
A small Israeli drone has also dropped a stun grenade on Mansouri.
Upper Galilee Regional Council informs residents that Israeli army will carry out series of strikes in Lebanon in the coming hours
The Upper Galilee Regional Council informed its residents that the Israeli army will carry out a series of strikes in Lebanon in the coming hours, according to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronorth.
The Council added that the sounds of explosions will be heard in the Western Galilee, the Houla Valley, the Ramim Ridge, and possibly even in the northern Golan Heights. It added that there is no change to the guidelines for the public.
Aoun stresses the need to work toward release of those who remain detained during meeting with U.S. Ambassador
During a meeting in the Baabda Palace this afternoon, President Joseph Aoun thanked U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa for his efforts to secure the release of several Lebanese detainees in Israel, stressing the need to work toward the release of those who remain detained.
The meeting was also attended by members of the U.S. Congress Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees.
"Aoun stressed the need to work toward the release of those who remain detained, in accordance with what was agreed during the trilateral negotiations and as part of the implementation of the framework agreement," reads the statement published by the Lebanese Presidency on X.
Aoun and Issa also discussed "preparations for the next round of Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations," as well as the "U.S. assistance to the Lebanese Army and the funding allocated for it by the U.S. Congress."
Two killed in Israeli drone strike near Kfar Roummane
The two persons targeted in an Isareli drone strike between the city of Nabatieh and the village of Kfar Roummane succumbed to their wounds, according to our correspondent in the South.
Two persons seriously wounded in Israeli airstrike on motorcycle in Kfar Roummane
The Israeli airstrike on a motorcycle in Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh district) left two serious injuries, according to our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah.
Israeli strike on Kfar Roummane injures one person seriously
Credit: Photo sent by Muntasser Abdallah
The Israeli airstrike on Kfar Roummane has targeted a motorcycle, leaving one person seriously wounded, our correspondent in the South reports.
Israeli drone strike targets Kfar Roummane
An Israeli drone has carried out a strike near the Syndicate of Engineers' center in Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh district). Ambulances have headed to the impact site.
In parallel, the Israeli army has carried out an explosion between the village of Braasheet and Beit Yahoun (Bint Jbeil).
Israel detonates houses in Mansouri, fires shells toward Beni Hayan
In other developments, the Israeli army has detonated several houses in Mansouri (Sour district). Israeli artillery shelling has also targeted the village of Beni Hayan (Marjayoun).
Israeli bombardment targets Ali Taher ridge, for first time today
Credit: Photo received from Muntasser Abdallah
For the first time today, an Israeli drone dropped explosive materials on the Ali Taher ridge, according to our correspondent in the South, despite the fact that the Israeli army had announced yesterday that it seized this strategic site.
Following Israel's release of prisoners, U.S. urges Lebanon and Israel to 'build on this momentum'
The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon welcomed in a brief statement on X "Israel’s release of prisoners as part of the Lebanon-Israel Trilateral Framework."
"This is a positive step. We urge both sides to continue to build on this momentum ahead of the next round of talks," the Embassy wrote on X.
Israel released four detainees this morning and one yesterday.
US sanctions three Turkish entities linked to Iran
The United States announced on Friday sanctions against three Turkish financial entities belonging to the Golden Global Group, as part of its sanctions against Iran, according to a statement by the U.S. Treasury Department. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also issued a general license authorizing the individuals and entities concerned to terminate certain transactions with the individuals and entities targeted by Friday’s sanctions.
Israeli artillery shelling targets Mansouri, Braasheet's outskirts
Israeli artillery shelling has targeted the village of Mansouri (Sour district) and the area of Mahafer in the outskirts of Braasheet (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent in the South.
Hezbollah MP speaks of ‘uncertainty’ regarding Israel's claim it captured Ali Taher
In the first reaction from a Hezbollah official since Israel’s surprise announcement the day before that it had taken control of the strategic Ali Taher hill, the group’s MP Ihab Hamadeh spoke of “uncertainty regarding the reality of Israeli control over the hill,” without denying the report, during an interview on the Arabic service of the Russian radio station Sputnik.
“Israel’s takeover of the hill does not constitute a military disaster, nor does it mark the end of the road, especially as the resistance put up a legendary fight at Ali Taher,” he said.
He went on to express doubts: “How can the Israeli enemy claim to control Ali Taher Hill whilst it continues to bomb it and carry out strikes there on an ongoing basis, given that it controls it from the air or has it geographically encircled on all sides, without its forces having been able to penetrate the compound or take control of it on the ground?” he continued.
The Israeli army did, however, cease its attacks on the hill on Friday. “Israel has not released any footage confirming that it has seized Ali Taher,” he also noted.
South Lebanon: Relative calm on Ali Taher hill, Israeli explosions in Mansouri
Relative calm has prevailed since this morning on the Ali Taher hill, over which the Israeli army claimed on Thursday evening that it had gained "operational control" following weeks of fierce attacks.
According to our correspondent in the South, no military operations, air strikes, or direct artillery fire have been reported in the area so far. This morning, Israeli artillery targeted the areas of Dabshe and Dohat Kfar Roummane, to the north of Ali Taher.
Meanwhile, in the district of Sour, in the western sector, Israel carried out two demolitions in Mansouri, a village split in two by the "yellow line" which marks the boundary of the area occupied by Israel in the south. In the district of Marjayoun, artillery fire targeted Bani Hayyan.
'Freedom has no price': Israel releases 4 civilians abducted in southern Lebanon and held captive
Israel released four detainees this morning, two Lebanese and two Syrians, who were transferred to Lebanon via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), announced the humanitarian organization in a statement.
Read our full report here.
One of the Lebanese men released had been detained in Israel since June, according to his brother
Hussein Abdallah Ayache, a Lebanese civilian released by Israel this morning, had been detained in Israel since June and had been captured in Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), according to a statement made by his brother to the local press. He is originally from Harouf, in the same region. “He had been detained for about two months and twenty days,” he said, calling for the release of all the captives. “Why was he arrested? We don’t know. The important thing is that he has been released,” his brother continued.
“We thank everyone who helped us. We were anxious, just like the other families of the detainees. Let’s hope that all the captives will be released. Freedom is priceless,” he concluded.
Release of 4 detainees held by Israel: Aoun thanks US and welcomes ‘effectiveness of Lebanon’s firm stance’
President Joseph Aoun thanked the United States following the release over the past two days of five civilians detained in Israel and transferred to Lebanon, in a message posted on X by the Lebanese Presidency.
He also welcomed “the effectiveness of Lebanon’s firm stance, in all its aspects, as well as the need to continue with the necessary steps set out in the trilateral framework,” referring to the framework agreement signed at the end of June between Beirut and Tel Aviv, under the auspices of Washington, and strongly criticized by Hezbollah.
The President “expressed his gratitude for all the steps taken and efforts made, notably by the United States of America, under the leadership of its President Donald Trump, as well as by international parties, foremost among which is the International Committee of the Red Cross,” according to the aforementioned message. He also reaffirmed his desire for the “restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty” and the return of all Lebanese captives in Israel. He concluded by “renewing his commitment” to ensuring that the state retains a monopoly on the use of force, so that “citizens are not subject to any sovereignty other than that of their state."
ICRC convoy en route to Naqoura, pending release of 4 detainees held by Israel
A convoy from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) set off this morning for Naqoura, in the far south of Lebanon, whilst the country awaits Israel’s release of four people abducted in recent months, according to our correspondent in the south.
The convoy was seen passing through the Lebanese military checkpoint at Aamrieh, the last one before the Israeli-occupied ‘buffer zone’ in the south.
On Thursday, Israel announced the release of five detainees – Lebanese and Syrians – as a “gesture of goodwill” towards Lebanon and in order to restart direct negotiations. One of them, Malek Ghazi, who had been abducted in October 2025 in the Rashaya region, had already been released yesterday.
⚡ Four people released by Israel transferred to Lebanon via ICRC
As expected, Israel released four detainees this morning, who were transferred to Lebanon by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the humanitarian organization announced in a statement.
They are two Lebanese nationals, Hussein Abdallah Ayache and Ali Hassan Chour, and two Syrians, Assaad Mahmoud Haske and Sam Ibrahim al-Samad, reports our correspondent in the South. They had previously been captured and taken hostage by Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
The transfer took place “with full respect for the safety and dignity of those concerned,” the ICRC stated, adding that “this operation was strictly humanitarian” and carried out “in its capacity as a neutral intermediary between Israel and Lebanon.” “Many families in Lebanon are still awaiting answers regarding the fate of their loved ones, who may be detained, deceased or of whom there is still no news. The ICRC continues to liaise with the families themselves and remains determined to shed light on the fate of their loved ones,” the humanitarian organization concluded.
On Thursday, Israel announced the release of five detainees — Lebanese and Syrians — as part of the now stalled direct negotiations. One of them, Malek Ghazi, who had been abducted in October 2025 in the Rashaya region, was released early Thursday morning.
Halta municipality member released by Israeli army following his abduction the previous day
Early this morning, Israeli forces released Hatem Abdel Aal, a councilor from the border village of Halta (Hasbaya) in southern Lebanon, who had been abducted from his home the previous day by the Israeli army, along with around fifteen other residents. He was released at the Majidieh crossroads.
Two of the Halta residents abducted on Thursday therefore remain in Israeli custody. According to information relayed by our correspondent, they are believed to be Qassem Abdel Aal and Za’al Abdel Aal.
JD Vance downplays combat operations against Iran, despite civilian casualties
Despite the resumption of attacks this week between Iran and the U.S., U.S. Vice-President JD Vance has refused to describe the situation as “a war,” at a time when the conflict is a source of discontent amongst U.S. voters in the run-up to the November mid-term elections.
“I wouldn’t call it a war. At the moment, there is no exchange of fire,” he said, according to AFP. A lull was observed during the night from Thursday to Friday.
South Lebanon: Israel continues overnight attacks on the Nabatieh region
No Israeli attacks were reported on Ali Taher Hill last night, following the announcement that Israeli forces had taken control of it.
Israel, however, continued its attacks on the Nabatieh region. Loud explosions were heard in Kfar Tibnit, and artillery fire targeted Doha Kfar Roummane, Kfar Roummane, Mayfadoun, and Nabatieh Fawqa, according to information from our correspondent in southern Lebanon. Israeli soldiers have also set up a new observation post in a house in Zawtar Sharqieh.
Furthermore, Israel carried out several demolition operations in Mansouri (Sour), where artillery and machine-gun fire were also heard. A Merkava tank positioned in Bayyada also fired several shells towards the coastal village.
In the Bint Jbeil district, in the central sector, major explosions took place in Srebbine, and medium-caliber machine-gun fire was directed towards Haddatha. Artillery fire also targeted Qantara (Marjayoun).
On Thursday, according to a summary of incidents provided by our correspondent, the Israeli air force struck four towns, whilst twelve others were targeted by sustained artillery fire. The Israeli army also carried out demolition operations in six towns, destroying numerous houses, buildings and civilian infrastructure.
Conflicting claims over Israeli ‘operational control’ of Nabatieh's Ali Taher hills following months of battles with Hezbollah:
The Israeli army last night announced that it had taken "operational control" of the Ali Taher ridge, without providing further evidence. Notably, this is not the first time such an announcement has been made following the June "cease-fire."
Shortly after, the Israeli outlet Maariv cited a military source saying that "no Iranian advisers or members of the Revolutionary Guards have been found there since the beginning of the army's operations in the area."
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu then declared the alleged capture a "strategic success" and said that the "Ali Taher hill no longer poses a threat to us."
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