Buildings lie in ruins in Mansouri, as seen from Haniyeh, Lebanon, Sept. 29, 2026. (Credit: Mohamed Azakir/ Reuters)
In Lebanon, concerns remain that Israel could expand the war. Several signals have fueled these fears, including recent remarks by Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, vice president of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, reported by the pro-Hezbollah channel al-Manar. Khatib said U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa told him during a visit some time ago that if Hezbollah did not surrender its weapons, Israel could launch a ground offensive reaching as far as Beirut.Those concerns have been compounded by messages Israel has conveyed to Lebanon, both directly and through several channels. Israel says it is determined to see Hezbollah disarmed across all Lebanese territory. But beyond that pressure, it is the movements on the ground that are causing the greatest concern. The Israeli army is no longer simply holding the positions it occupies along the border. It...
In Lebanon, concerns remain that Israel could expand the war. Several signals have fueled these fears, including recent remarks by Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, vice president of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, reported by the pro-Hezbollah channel al-Manar. Khatib said U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa told him during a visit some time ago that if Hezbollah did not surrender its weapons, Israel could launch a ground offensive reaching as far as Beirut.Those concerns have been compounded by messages Israel has conveyed to Lebanon, both directly and through several channels. Israel says it is determined to see Hezbollah disarmed across all Lebanese territory. But beyond that pressure, it is the movements on the ground that are causing the greatest concern. The Israeli army is no longer simply holding the positions it occupies along the border. It...
1 p.m. recap: Salam in Nabatieh; up to 10,000 more US troops heading to Middle East
Exchange of strikes between Saudi Arabia, Houthis; Sanaa, Medina targeted