A massive Israeli military operation targeting subterranean Hezbollah infrastructure triggered a 4.1-magnitude artificial earthquake across southern Lebanon. The controlled detonation, carried out beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge, sent shockwaves that were registered by international seismic monitors and felt tens of kilometres away.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/israel-says-it-destroyed-key-hezbollah-tunnels-in-south-lebanon-1789093191399/emebed">https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/israel-says-it-destroyed-key-hezbollah-tunnels-in-south-lebanon-1789093191399/emebed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Lebanese Seismological Centre, the shockwave was recorded at a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale near Nabatieh. Seismologists clarified that the reading was an artificial tremor caused strictly by the force of the surface detonation utilising an estimated 1,100 tonnes of explosives rather than a natural tectonic fault movement. However, local authorities expressed concern over the proximity of the blast to the major Roum fault line.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-uk-france-canada-sanctions-israeli-settlements-west-bank-1789048270301">Trump responds to UK-France-Canada sanctions on Israeli settlements in West Bank</a>&nbsp;Video footage released by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz showed a massive fireball illuminating the night sky over the region. Witnesses and reporters in towns as far as Sidon, located 40 kilometres to the north, reported hearing successive detonations and feeling violent ground shaking.&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO HERE-

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🎯STRUCK: 2 Hezbollah terrorists who opened fire at IDF troops from an underground shaft in the Ali al-Taher Ridge. <a href="https://t.co/mA7rYhJij0">pic.twitter.com/mA7rYhJij0</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://x.com/IDF/status/2098306971220791529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz confirmed the completion of the operation, stating that military forces had successfully dismantled a critical underground network. Israeli officials claimed the multi-level complex had been constructed over the past two decades with Iranian funding and design. Katz said, “In accordance with the directive of the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister, the IDF has now destroyed the underground infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation in the Ali Taher ridge, thereby completing the consolidation of the security zone in southern Lebanon.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-katz-threatens-full-scale-war-palestinian-authority-1788790189353">Israel Katz threatens 'full-scale war' against Palestinian Authority after Israeli settler stabbed in West Bank</a>&nbsp;The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the Ali al-Taher subterranean facility served as a primary command centre for Hezbollah’s Badr unit. According to military intelligence, the network comprised at least eight distinct underground routes, weapons storage facilities, living quarters, and launching pads for explosive drones and rockets directed toward northern Israel.&nbsp;The operation marks a significant escalation in the IDF’s efforts to establish a secure perimeter along its northern border. While Israel maintained that the target was vital to stopping cross-border attacks, the sheer scale of the blast ignited widespread panic among local civilian populations already displaced by ongoing regional hostilities.&nbsp;The incident comes at a delicate diplomatic juncture, as international mediators prepare for upcoming Lebanese-Israeli negotiations brokered to establish security conditions in the south. Lebanese government sources condemned the massive scale of the demolition, citing the risk posed to regional infrastructure and neighbouring communities.

Israeli forces demolished a massive Hezbollah underground tunnel network in southern Lebanon, triggering a powerful explosion that registered as a 4.1-magnitude ‘artificial earthquake’. 

A massive Israeli military operation targeting subterranean Hezbollah infrastructure triggered a 4.1-magnitude artificial earthquake across southern Lebanon. The controlled detonation, carried out beneath the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge, sent shockwaves that were registered by international seismic monitors and felt tens of kilometres away. https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/israel-says-it-destroyed-key-hezbollah-tunnels-in-south-lebanon-1789093191399/emebed According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the Lebanese Seismological Centre, the shockwave was recorded at a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale near Nabatieh. Seismologists clarified that the reading was an artificial tremor caused strictly by the force of the surface detonation utilising an estimated 1,100 tonnes of explosives rather than a natural tectonic fault movement. However, local authorities expressed concern over the proximity of the blast to the major Roum fault line. Also read: Trump responds to UK-France-Canada sanctions on Israeli settlements in West Bank Video footage released by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz showed a massive fireball illuminating the night sky over the region. Witnesses and reporters in towns as far as Sidon, located 40 kilometres to the north, reported hearing successive detonations and feeling violent ground shaking. WATCH VIDEO HERE-

Israeli forces demolished a massive Hezbollah underground tunnel network in southern Lebanon, triggering a powerful explosion that registered as a 4.1-magnitude ‘artificial earthquake’.&nbsp;

Israel blasts massive Hezbollah tunnels, triggering 4.1-magnitude tremor in southern Lebanon

Tensions have sharply escalated along the Israel-Lebanon border after Israeli airstrikes hit several areas across southern Lebanon, killing at least four people and injuring 20 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Two women were killed in Arab Salim, while two more people were killed in Nabatieh al-Fawqa. Several other areas, including Nabatieh and Kfar Remman, were also hit.

Israel said the strikes were carried out after Hezbollah launched two explosive-laden drones toward Israeli forces operating inside what Israel calls a security zone in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military described the drone attack as a violation and said its strikes targeted Hezbollah-linked sites.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the latest attacks and urged the United States and the international community to intervene and help halt the Israeli strikes. Aoun described the escalation as dangerous and accused Israel of targeting civilian and state infrastructure.

Israel-Lebanon Conflict |4 Killed, 20 Injured In Fresh Israeli Strikes; Aoun Seeks U.S. Intervention

Israel on Friday (Sep 4) declared that its troops will remain in a strategic part of southern Lebanon after capturing the Ali Tahar ridge, saying the move strengthens a security zone aimed at keeping Hezbollah away from its northern border. Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the operation marked the completion of a phase of establishing control over the area.“The capture of the Ali Tahar ridge marks the completion of the phase of securing control in the security zone in southern Lebanon,” Katz said in a statement.Israel alleges that Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia group, had used the high ground to launch attacks against Israeli positions and built an extensive tunnel network beneath it, including a command structure.The Israeli military is now expected to focus on destroying the remaining tunnels and establishing positions to hold the ridge.<h2>Katz rules out Israeli withdrawal</h2>Katz said Israel would maintain its presence in the area until Hezbollah is disarmed across Lebanon and what he described as threats to communities in northern Israel are removed.“Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threats over the residents of the Galilee are removed,” he said.Katz added that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would maintain a “clear and uncompromising line” towards Lebanon.The statement comes as Netanyahu faces closely contested elections on October 27, adding a political backdrop to Israel’s security decisions.<h2>Israel releases four people to Lebanon</h2>Humanitarian workers on Friday (Sep 4) facilitated the transfer of four additional people from Israeli detention to Lebanon, a day after another detainee was released.“The International Committee of the Red Cross, at the request of the relevant parties, facilitated the transfer to Lebanon of five individuals released from Israeli detention,” the ICRC said in a statement.“One individual was transferred on Thursday, and four others on Friday,” it added.<h2>Fighting continues despite June agreements</h2>Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire since early March, when Hezbollah entered the wider Middle East conflict by launching rockets at Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities say more than 4,300 people have been killed in the fighting.Hostilities eased after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding and a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon’s government were reached in June. However, the broader regional situation remains volatile. The US-Iran understanding has come under renewed strain, with US forces resuming attacks on Iran this week.Israel’s decision to retain control of the Ali Tahar ridge could further complicate efforts to stabilise the Lebanon front.

Israel said that it will retain control of the strategic Ali Tahar ridge in southern Lebanon, vowing no withdrawal until Hezbollah is disarmed and threats to northern Israel are removed.

Israel on Friday (Sep 4) declared that its troops will remain in a strategic part of southern Lebanon after capturing the Ali Tahar ridge, saying the move strengthens a security zone aimed at keeping Hezbollah away from its northern border. Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the operation marked the completion of a phase of establishing control over the area. “The capture of the Ali Tahar ridge marks the completion of the phase of securing control in the security zone in southern Lebanon,” Katz said in a statement. Israel alleges that Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia group, had used the high ground to launch attacks against Israeli positions and built an extensive tunnel network beneath it, including a command structure. The Israeli military is now expected to focus on destroying the remaining tunnels and establishing positions to hold the ridge. Katz rules out Israeli withdrawal Katz said Israel would maintain its presence in the area until Hezbollah is disarmed across Lebanon and what he described as threats to communities in northern Israel are removed. “Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threats over the residents of the Galilee are removed,” he said. Katz added that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would maintain a “clear and uncompromising line” towards Lebanon. The statement comes as Netanyahu faces closely contested elections on October 27, adding a political backdrop to Israel’s security decisions. Israel releases four people to Lebanon Humanitarian workers on Friday (Sep 4) facilitated the transfer of four additional people from Israeli detention to Lebanon, a day after another detainee was released. “The International Committee of the Red Cross, at the request of the relevant parties, facilitated the transfer to Lebanon of five individuals released from Israeli detention,” the ICRC said in a statement. “One individual was transferred on Thursday, and four others on Friday,” it added. Fighting continues despite June agreements Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire since early March, when Hezbollah entered the wider Middle East conflict by launching rockets at Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground offensive in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities say more than 4,300 people have been killed in the fighting. Hostilities eased after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding and a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon’s government were reached in June. However, the broader regional situation remains volatile. The US-Iran understanding has come under renewed strain, with US forces resuming attacks on Iran this week. Israel’s decision to retain control of the Ali Tahar ridge could further complicate efforts to stabilise the Lebanon front.

Israel said that it will retain control of the strategic Ali Tahar ridge in southern Lebanon, vowing no withdrawal until Hezbollah is disarmed and threats to northern Israel are removed.

‘Will not withdraw’: Katz vows as Israel seizes key Hezbollah stronghold in Lebanon

A new dispute over the Golan Heights is putting Israel's control of the strategic Syrian territory back under the international spotlight. At the same time, Israel is facing accusations of fuelling environmental destruction in southern Lebanon where repeated fires have reportedly scorched forests, farmland and olive groves.&nbsp;&nbsp;In Lebanon, firefighters and residents accuse the Israeli military of triggering wildfires with its munitions and drones.&nbsp;&nbsp;Near Khiam in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces reportedly dropped flares over a wooded area, setting vegetation ablaze. When firefighters moved in to contain the flames, an Israeli drone strike landed nearby, allegedly forcing them to retreat.&nbsp;First responders and residents in other parts of southern Lebanon have reported similar incidents, describing fires in dry woodland, scrub and agricultural areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Environmental groups say the damage threatens forests and biodiversity already affected by years of conflict. Israel has previously said Hezbollah uses wooded areas as cover for fighters and tunnels. And the focus now shifts north to the Golan Heights. Colombia’s newly elected right-wing President, Abelardo de la Espriella has recognised Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. The South American country becomes only the second country after the United States to take that position. Syria has condemned the move as a violation of the United Nations charter. The UN considers Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights illegal under international law. Israel captured the territory from Syria during the 1967 six-day war. Syria attempted to retake it during the 1973 war but failed. Israel expanded its military presence beyond the Golan ceasefire line in 2024, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Israel says security and historical claims justify its control. The territory also carries enormous strategic value. The Golan Heights overlooks northern Israel and also provides a major vantage point into Syria with Damascus roughly 60 kilometres away. The plateau also sits near key water sources, including the Sea of Galilee and the Upper Jordan river basin, the main freshwater resources for Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly defended Israel's claim over Golan Heights. In a video post on X, Netanyahu said the Israeli flag would remain over Golan Heights because, in his words, “This is Israeli land.” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called Colombia's decision “historic” and said Israel will push other countries to recognise its sovereignty over the territory. The dispute comes as Israeli officials warn of growing security tensions with Syria, raising questions about the future of the Golan Heights and the wider region. Israeli diaspora affairs minister, in fact, just recently stated that a war with Syria is "inevitable" due to tensions near the border.

Israel captured the the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 six-day war. Syria attempted to retake it during the 1973 war but failed. Israel expanded its military presence beyond the Golan ceasefire line in 2024, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

A new dispute over the Golan Heights is putting Israel's control of the strategic Syrian territory back under the international spotlight. At the same time, Israel is facing accusations of fuelling environmental destruction in southern Lebanon where repeated fires have reportedly scorched forests, farmland and olive groves. In Lebanon, firefighters and residents accuse the Israeli military of triggering wildfires with its munitions and drones. Near Khiam in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces reportedly dropped flares over a wooded area, setting vegetation ablaze. When firefighters moved in to contain the flames, an Israeli drone strike landed nearby, allegedly forcing them to retreat. First responders and residents in other parts of southern Lebanon have reported similar incidents, describing fires in dry woodland, scrub and agricultural areas.

Israel captured the the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 six-day war. Syria attempted to retake it during the 1973 war but failed. Israel expanded its military presence beyond the Golan ceasefire line in 2024, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Israel accused of deliberately starting wildfires in South Lebanon | Gravitas

West Asia remains on edge as Iran and Oman move closer to finalizing a Strait of Hormuz shipping agreement while tensions continue to rise across the region. Israel has launched fresh strikes on southern Lebanon, with the IDF citing Hezbollah ceasefire violations. At the same time, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that their energy infrastructure could become targets if they fail to persuade the United States to halt military action.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay military action and prioritize diplomacy. Meanwhile, Washington continues to express frustration over stalled talks with Tehran, even as negotiations over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz continue through Oman.

Iran Warns Gulf States | Israel Strikes Lebanon as Hormuz Talks Continue | West Asia Crisis

West Asia is witnessing another dangerous escalation despite reports that Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have heightened tensions, even as diplomatic efforts continue between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that any fresh U.S. military action could trigger retaliation against critical infrastructure, including oil fields, refineries, electricity grids, water facilities, and transport networks. The developments come as Washington continues to pursue negotiations with Tehran while expressing concerns over divisions within Iran's leadership.

As uncertainty grows over the future of the Hormuz shipping route and the fragile Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, fears of a broader regional conflict continue to mount.

Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation | Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Lebanon | GRAVITAS 

The Israeli military says it has killed several Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, while confirming that one Israeli soldier was injured during the operation.

According to the Israeli military, the strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters inside what it described as a security zone. Israel maintains it will continue military operations to eliminate threats against its forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's large-scale detonations and demolitions in southern Lebanon, warning of severe damage to civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and local communities. The concerns come after explosions near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort Castle, recently added to the list of World Heritage sites in danger.

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

The world is witnessing a series of major developments across multiple regions.

In today's top global headlines:

Student protests continue to grow in India over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Israel intensifies military operations in Lebanon amid rising regional tensions.
Russia launches fresh strikes across Ukraine, causing destruction and civilian casualties.
Massive wildfires spread across France, forcing evacuations and emergency responses.

Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and the latest international developments shaping global politics, conflict, security, and climate events.

Watch the complete bulletin for all the latest updates.

Students' Protests Grow in India | Israel Bombards Lebanon | Russia Strikes Ukraine | Wion News 

Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of working as an Israeli spy and allegedly infiltrating Hezbollah's internal network in one of the most significant counterintelligence cases in recent years. According to Lebanese investigators, the suspect is believed to have provided Israel with highly sensitive intelligence that allegedly helped identify targets for the assassinations of several senior Hezbollah military commanders during 2024. Reports claim the suspect maintained close access to Hezbollah's leadership and passed intelligence after meeting alleged Israeli intelligence operatives during trips abroad. Lebanese officials say he was arrested at Beirut's airport while attempting to leave the country for Iraq after months of surveillance.

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of infiltrating hezbollah &helping target top commanders

Investigators say he was an Israeli spy who helped identify targets for the assassination of some of Hezbollah's top military leaders. If confirmed, the case would mark one of the most damaging intelligence failures the Iran-backed group has suffered in years.&nbsp;A Lebanese judicial official involved in the investigation described the suspect as a "high-level Israeli agent" with close access to Hezbollah's leadership, AFP reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Arab media, the suspect allegedly passed highly precise intelligence to Israel, leading to the deadly assassination of at least four of Hezbollah's top security commanders in 2024, including Fuad Shukr and Ibrahim Aqil.&nbsp;Fuad Shukr was Hezbollah's top military commander and a senior adviser to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Ibrahim Aqil served as the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force and acted as the group's second-in-command for military operations.Former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was also killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in September 2024.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-seizes-6-2-billion-in-assets-linked-to-sheikh-hasina-amid-return-speculation-1784130584547">Bangladesh seizes $6.2 billion in assets linked to Sheikh Hasina amid return speculation</a>&nbsp;Lebanese security agencies reportedly detained the suspect at Beirut's airport as he prepared to board a flight to Iraq and leave the country.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-arrests-israel-spy-who-betrayed-killed-hezbollah-leaders-1784201215418/embed

The man, who is from southern Lebanon, reportedly travelled frequently to Iraq, where his wife is from. From Iraq, he then travelled to Türkiye, where he allegedly met officers and agents linked to Israel's Mossad intelligence service and handed over intelligence on targets in Beirut.&nbsp;Prior to his arrest, Lebanese authorities were allegedly tracking his movements as well as monitoring his calls with contacts abroad.&nbsp;The case is reportedly not an isolated incident. According to reports, more than 30 people have been arrested by Lebanese authorities on suspicion of supplying Israel with intelligence on Hezbollah facilities and the movements of its members during the 2023 and 2024 wars.

Lebanon has detained an alleged Israeli agent accused of passing intelligence that led to the killings of top Hezbollah military leaders in 2024.

Investigators say he was an Israeli spy who helped identify targets for the assassination of some of Hezbollah's top military leaders. If confirmed, the case would mark one of the most damaging intelligence failures the Iran-backed group has suffered in years. A Lebanese judicial official involved in the investigation described the suspect as a "high-level Israeli agent" with close access to Hezbollah's leadership, AFP reported. According to Arab media, the suspect allegedly passed highly precise intelligence to Israel, leading to the deadly assassination of at least four of Hezbollah's top security commanders in 2024, including Fuad Shukr and Ibrahim Aqil. Fuad Shukr was Hezbollah's top military commander and a senior adviser to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Ibrahim Aqil served as the commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force and acted as the group's second-in-command for military operations. Former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was also killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs in September 2024. Also Read: Bangladesh seizes $6.2 billion in assets linked to Sheikh Hasina amid return speculation Lebanese security agencies reportedly detained the suspect at Beirut's airport as he prepared to board a flight to Iraq and leave the country. https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-arrests-israel-spy-who-betrayed-killed-hezbollah-leaders-1784201215418/embed

Lebanon has detained an alleged Israeli agent accused of passing intelligence that led to the killings of top Hezbollah military leaders in 2024.

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of betraying, exposing Hezbollah leaders

Negotiators from the US, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework on Friday after the fifth round of diplomatic talks. Talks ⁠included discussions on a US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand some of the territory they occupy to Lebanon’s military.&nbsp;Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, but for Israel, the sticking point was the condition that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-s-minister-romina-pourmokhtari-brings-baby-to-eu-meeting-on-climate-1782494743205">Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate</a>&nbsp;“It’s the beginning of the beginning. There’s a lot of work ahead. Today is the first step. The first step is sometimes the hardest one,” US Secretary of ⁠State ⁠Marco Rubio said at the signing ceremony while announcing the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following several days of talks ⁠in Washington.&nbsp;“We are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States of America,” Rubio said at the signing ceremony.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-strong-nuclear-verification-needed-in-iran-after-war-says-iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-1782488144019">‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi</a>&nbsp;He added that the agreement “begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security.”&nbsp;The US-mediated talks aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militant group in Lebanon.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-twin-quakes-toll-climbs-to-589-thousands-missing-us-temporarily-removes-sanctions-on-caracas-1782482230379">Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas</a>&nbsp;Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on Iran.&nbsp;As per reports, Israel has agreed for the IDF’s partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israeli forces will pull out of two areas located inside the six-mile-long buffer zone the IDF has established in southern Lebanon.&nbsp;The areas have already been cleared by the IDF of Hezbollah infrastructure.

Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, but Israel insisted that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border.

Negotiators from the US, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework on Friday after the fifth round of diplomatic talks. Talks ⁠included discussions on a US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand some of the territory they occupy to Lebanon’s military. Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, but for Israel, the sticking point was the condition that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border. Also Read: Youngest delegate? Sweden’s minister Romina Pourmokhtari brings baby to EU meeting on climate “It’s the beginning of the beginning. There’s a lot of work ahead. Today is the first step. The first step is sometimes the hardest one,” US Secretary of ⁠State ⁠Marco Rubio said at the signing ceremony while announcing the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon following several days of talks ⁠in Washington. “We are happy to announce a framework agreement between the sovereign government of Lebanon and, of course, the government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States of America,” Rubio said at the signing ceremony. Also Read: ‘Intentions not enough, very strong nuclear verification needed in Iran after war,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi He added that the agreement “begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security.” The US-mediated talks aimed at ending the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite militant group in Lebanon. Also Read: Venezuela twin quakes toll climbs to 589, thousands missing; US temporarily lifts sanctions on Caracas Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes on Iran. As per reports, Israel has agreed for the IDF’s partial withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Israeli forces will pull out of two areas located inside the six-mile-long buffer zone the IDF has established in southern Lebanon. The areas have already been cleared by the IDF of Hezbollah infrastructure.

Lebanon wanted a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, but Israel insisted that any sort of withdrawal has to be contingent on the full disarmament of Hezbollah and an assurance that the group would not re-establish its military presence along the border.

US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after fifth round of talks in DC

A fresh flare-up between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is once again raising alarms across the globe, and for India, the concern goes well beyond diplomacy.An Israeli strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon killed two people on Wednesday (Jun 24), Lebanese state media reported, with Hezbollah calling it another violation of the truce between the two sides. The Israeli military, meanwhile, said it had targeted armed Hezbollah operatives who posed a threat and later struck a vehicle carrying suspects.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</a>One might say that this comes before the ink on the paper of the 14-point MoU between the United States and Iran could even dry. The incident is the latest reminder that even when the wider war appears to cool on paper, the risk of renewed escalation remains very real. For India, if the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to flare up, it could mean a problem with direct economic and strategic consequences. Why? WION Decodes.<h2>Oil prices are the first worry</h2>India imports more than 85 per cent of its crude oil needs, much of it from West Asia. That makes any regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and Hezbollah a major concern for the Indian economy.The last few months are proof that even just the threat of disruption is enough to push global crude prices higher. If that happens, India could face a bigger import bill, which means higher fuel prices, more inflation for consumers, and pressure on the rupee. Transportation, manufacturing, and household budgets all feel the impact when oil becomes expensive.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-big-oil-companies-of-gouging-american-customers-says-gasoline-prices-better-start-going-down-a-lot-faster-usa-ogas-price-today-1782274625910">Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster'</a>Notably, after months of skyrocketing prices, oil prices are finally starting to come down. On Thursday, keeping its downward trajectory, Brent crude fell more than one per cent, slipping below its closing level on the eve of the Middle East war, as investors grow optimistic about US-Iran peace talks and tankers continue through the Strait of Hormuz.The contract for August hit a low of $72.44 a barrel, compared with the February 27 close of $72.48. Brent soared as high as $119 in the weeks after the United States and Israel began their strikes on Iran on February 28.<h2>Shipping lanes could come under stress</h2>The next concern for India, if tensions flare up further, is trade routes. A wider conflict could affect the Persian Gulf and nearby waters, especially the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes.If shipping is disrupted or tanker movement slows, freight and insurance costs can rise quickly. That would make energy imports more expensive and could delay supplies heading to India.<h2>India's diaspora and the Gulf connection</h2>Millions of Indians live and work across Gulf countries, and any regional conflict immediately raises concerns for expatriates. It can affect travel, job security and remittance flows back home. Notably, for India, Gulf remittances remain an important source of foreign exchange.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violating-vessels-will-be-dealt-with-irgc-warns-ships-to-stick-to-designated-routes-in-strait-of-hormuz-as-traffic-picks-up-imo-route-1782356695025">'Violating vessels will be dealt with': IRGC warns ships to stick to designated routes in Strait of Hormuz as traffic picks up</a><h2>India could be forced to walk the tightrope longer</h2>India has long tried to maintain good relations with all major players in the region. While Israel is a defence and technology partner, for India, Iran matters for connectivity projects and access to Central Asia. Finally, Gulf Arab states remain key suppliers of energy and capital.A prolonged conflict makes that balancing act harder.<h2>Strategic projects could slow down</h2>Finally, the instability could also affect major connectivity plans, including the Chabahar Port in Iran and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. If tensions rise further, investor confidence could weaken, and trade plans could be delayed.For now, India's biggest immediate concern may be energy security. But the wider risk is a bigger war in West Asia, which could ripple into India's economy, its trade routes and its long-term regional strategy.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Fresh clashes between Israel and Hezbollah are raising fears of another West Asia crisis just as regional tensions appeared to be easing. For India, the stakes go far beyond diplomacy, with potential risks to energy security, shipping routes, trade, and key strategic projects. WION Decodes.

A fresh flare-up between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is once again raising alarms across the globe, and for India, the concern goes well beyond diplomacy. An Israeli strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon killed two people on Wednesday (Jun 24), Lebanese state media reported, with Hezbollah calling it another violation of the truce between the two sides. The Israeli military, meanwhile, said it had targeted armed Hezbollah operatives who posed a threat and later struck a vehicle carrying suspects. Also read | US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes One might say that this comes before the ink on the paper of the 14-point MoU between the United States and Iran could even dry. The incident is the latest reminder that even when the wider war appears to cool on paper, the risk of renewed escalation remains very real. For India, if the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to flare up, it could mean a problem with direct economic and strategic consequences. Why? WION Decodes. Oil prices are the first worry India imports more than 85 per cent of its crude oil needs, much of it from West Asia. That makes any regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and Hezbollah a major concern for the Indian economy. The last few months are proof that even just the threat of disruption is enough to push global crude prices higher. If that happens, India could face a bigger import bill, which means higher fuel prices, more inflation for consumers, and pressure on the rupee. Transportation, manufacturing, and household budgets all feel the impact when oil becomes expensive. Also read | Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster' Notably, after months of skyrocketing prices, oil prices are finally starting to come down. On Thursday, keeping its downward trajectory, Brent crude fell more than one per cent, slipping below its closing level on the eve of the Middle East war, as investors grow optimistic about US-Iran peace talks and tankers continue through the Strait of Hormuz. The contract for August hit a low of $72.44 a barrel, compared with the February 27 close of $72.48. Brent soared as high as $119 in the weeks after the United States and Israel began their strikes on Iran on February 28. Shipping lanes could come under stress The next concern for India, if tensions flare up further, is trade routes. A wider conflict could affect the Persian Gulf and nearby waters, especially the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes. If shipping is disrupted or tanker movement slows, freight and insurance costs can rise quickly. That would make energy imports more expensive and could delay supplies heading to India. India's diaspora and the Gulf connection Millions of Indians live and work across Gulf countries, and any regional conflict immediately raises concerns for expatriates. It can affect travel, job security and remittance flows back home. Notably, for India, Gulf remittances remain an important source of foreign exchange. Also read | 'Violating vessels will be dealt with': IRGC warns ships to stick to designated routes in Strait of Hormuz as traffic picks up India could be forced to walk the tightrope longer India has long tried to maintain good relations with all major players in the region. While Israel is a defence and technology partner, for India, Iran matters for connectivity projects and access to Central Asia. Finally, Gulf Arab states remain key suppliers of energy and capital. A prolonged conflict makes that balancing act harder. Strategic projects could slow down Finally, the instability could also affect major connectivity plans, including the Chabahar Port in Iran and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. If tensions rise further, investor confidence could weaken, and trade plans could be delayed. For now, India's biggest immediate concern may be energy security. But the wider risk is a bigger war in West Asia, which could ripple into India's economy, its trade routes and its long-term regional strategy. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Fresh clashes between Israel and Hezbollah are raising fears of another West Asia crisis just as regional tensions appeared to be easing. For India, the stakes go far beyond diplomacy, with potential risks to energy security, shipping routes, trade, and key strategic projects. WION Decodes.

Can India withstand another West Asia crisis? How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could hit its energy security | WION Decodes

Lebanon is the key sticking point in the currently ongoing Iran-US peace talks as Tehran insists that Israel must end military operations on all fronts, including that country. Israel has repeatedly targeted the Shia group Hezbollah's alleged strongholds in southern Lebanon, killing dozens, which Lebanese authorities describe as civilians and Israel calls terrorists. Despite killing Hezbollah's long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah and carrying out extensive air and ground operations in southern Lebanon for months, Israel has not been able to eliminate the group, which is backed as a proxy by regional Shia power Iran. Why is it so difficult to defeat Hezbollah?<h2>Armed and legitimate: Why Hezbollah survives</h2>Hezbollah's strength comes from both the battle effectiveness of its armed wing and its political legitimacy in parts of Lebanon. Contrary to much Western media coverage, Hezbollah is not a rag-tag group of mercenaries or militants. Over the past four decades, it evolved into a political party, social welfare provider, military force and ideological movement deeply rooted in Lebanon's Shia communities. While military action can weaken it, the social and political foundations that sustain Hezbollah are much harder to remove.<h2>Lebanon's demography makes Hezbollah hard to replace</h2>Lebanon is a mosaic of religious and sectarian diversity. Muslims make up about 69 per cent of the population, while Christians account for around 30 per cent. Within the Muslim population, Shias constitute roughly 31-32 per cent, making them one of the country's largest communities and Hezbollah's principal support base. Hezbollah's strongest areas remain southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs.Because Lebanon's political system is built around balancing sectarian interests, removing a movement that represents a substantial portion of one of the country's largest communities is far more complicated than defeating a conventional armed group. Let us explore this further.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-hezbollah-agree-to-ceasefire-starting-friday-after-latest-flare-up-says-report-citing-us-official-1781877376072">Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire starting Friday after latest flare-up, says report citing US official</a><h2>Hezbollah's integration into Lebanon's political system</h2>Hezbollah contests elections and holds parliamentary seats through its political arm, the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, led by veteran MP Mohammad Raad. The bloc currently holds 15 seats in Lebanon's 128-member parliament. Hezbollah has also been part of coalition governments and continues to influence national decision-making.This is enabled by Lebanon's unique political system, which is a response to its population realities. Lebanon has a sectarian power-sharing arrangement under the National Pact of 1943 and the Taif Agreement of 1989. Political offices are distributed among religious communities: the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim. In electoral politics, Lebanon's political system seeks to provide representation to the country's different communities. The 128 parliamentary seats are constitutionally divided 50-50 between Christians and Muslims, and then subdivided among 'confessions' like Maronite Christian, Sunni, Shia, Druze, and Greek Orthodox, with predetermined quotas. Election candidates must belong to the sect of the seat they are running for. This ‘confessional’ system allows Hezbollah to contest and win elections through its political arm.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-impact-will-israel-hezbollah-truce-have-on-us-iran-talks-and-the-global-economy-wion-decodes-1781954323882">What impact will Israel-Hezbollah truce have on US-Iran talks and the global economy? WION Decodes</a><h2>Hezbollah's social role as a community provider is its strength</h2>For its supporters, Hezbollah is not simply an armed group, but a provider of security and essential social services. The organisation provides services that the Lebanese state often struggles to deliver, particularly in Shia-majority areas such as southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs. It operates schools, clinics, charities and reconstruction programmes. Financial assistance and welfare networks of Hezbollah have helped build long-term loyalty among its support base.<h2>Hezbollah as a constant "resistance" force against Israel</h2>Hezbollah long portrayed itself as the defender of Lebanese territory, particularly against Israel. Its "resistance" narrative gained prominence during Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000, which began during the 1982 Lebanon War with Israel, and was reinforced by subsequent conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War. While many Sunni Muslims, Christians and Druze oppose Hezbollah's military role and its close ties to Iran, significant sections of the Shia community continue to view it as a deterrent against Israel.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-plan-to-let-syria-handle-hezbollah-in-trouble-al-sharaa-refuses-to-fight-1782146527266/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-plan-to-let-syria-handle-hezbollah-in-trouble-al-sharaa-refuses-to-fight-1782146527266/embed</a><h2>Hezbollah's military strength: A comparison with official defence forces of Lebanon</h2>Constant confrontation with Israel has made Hezbollah a battle-hardened force. It has built fortified positions, underground facilities, tunnel networks and large missile stockpiles over the decades. Its command structure is highly decentralised, as proven by its ability to continue operating despite repeated Israeli decapitation strikes on senior leaders like Hassan Nasrallah. Assessments by the Institute for the Study of War noted that such guerrilla-style capabilities make a decisive military victory difficult. Hezbollah has repeatedly shown an ability to rebuild, regroup and continue fighting after major setbacks.Lebanon's official armed forces, on the other hand, are relatively weak compared with regional militaries. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have a modest army and limited air and naval capabilities, relying largely on light aircraft, helicopters and patrol vessels. Unlike Hezbollah, the Lebanese military lacks a significant missile arsenal, and is mostly focused on internal security and border protection rather than conventional or asymmetric warfare.<h2>Hezbollah may be weakened, but not defeated</h2>The Lebanese state has repeatedly failed to disarm Hezbollah. Successive governments and state institutions generally avoided direct confrontation with the group, fearing sectarian conflict and political fragmentation.As noted by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), lasting disarmament of Hezbollah would require broad Lebanese political consensus and a much stronger state, both of which remain absent. Hezbollah endures because it is embedded not only in military structures, but also in Lebanese society, politics and local institutions. Military pressure from Israel can weaken the organisation, but eliminating it altogether is a far more complex.

Hezbollah survives and fights in Lebanon despite Israeli military operations and decapitation strikes over months. The Iran-backed group remains influential due to its social welfare role and Shia support base. But those are not the only reasons

Lebanon is the key sticking point in the currently ongoing Iran-US peace talks as Tehran insists that Israel must end military operations on all fronts, including that country. Israel has repeatedly targeted the Shia group Hezbollah's alleged strongholds in southern Lebanon, killing dozens, which Lebanese authorities describe as civilians and Israel calls terrorists. Despite killing Hezbollah's long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah and carrying out extensive air and ground operations in southern Lebanon for months, Israel has not been able to eliminate the group, which is backed as a proxy by regional Shia power Iran. Why is it so difficult to defeat Hezbollah? Armed and legitimate: Why Hezbollah survives Hezbollah's strength comes from both the battle effectiveness of its armed wing and its political legitimacy in parts of Lebanon. Contrary to much Western media coverage, Hezbollah is not a rag-tag group of mercenaries or militants. Over the past four decades, it evolved into a political party, social welfare provider, military force and ideological movement deeply rooted in Lebanon's Shia communities. While military action can weaken it, the social and political foundations that sustain Hezbollah are much harder to remove. Lebanon's demography makes Hezbollah hard to replace Lebanon is a mosaic of religious and sectarian diversity. Muslims make up about 69 per cent of the population, while Christians account for around 30 per cent. Within the Muslim population, Shias constitute roughly 31-32 per cent, making them one of the country's largest communities and Hezbollah's principal support base. Hezbollah's strongest areas remain southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs. Because Lebanon's political system is built around balancing sectarian interests, removing a movement that represents a substantial portion of one of the country's largest communities is far more complicated than defeating a conventional armed group. Let us explore this further. Also read: Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire starting Friday after latest flare-up, says report citing US official Hezbollah's integration into Lebanon's political system Hezbollah contests elections and holds parliamentary seats through its political arm, the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, led by veteran MP Mohammad Raad. The bloc currently holds 15 seats in Lebanon's 128-member parliament. Hezbollah has also been part of coalition governments and continues to influence national decision-making. This is enabled by Lebanon's unique political system, which is a response to its population realities. Lebanon has a sectarian power-sharing arrangement under the National Pact of 1943 and the Taif Agreement of 1989. Political offices are distributed among religious communities: the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim. In electoral politics, Lebanon's political system seeks to provide representation to the country's different communities. The 128 parliamentary seats are constitutionally divided 50-50 between Christians and Muslims, and then subdivided among 'confessions' like Maronite Christian, Sunni, Shia, Druze, and Greek Orthodox, with predetermined quotas. Election candidates must belong to the sect of the seat they are running for. This ‘confessional’ system allows Hezbollah to contest and win elections through its political arm. Also read: What impact will Israel-Hezbollah truce have on US-Iran talks and the global economy? WION Decodes Hezbollah's social role as a community provider is its strength For its supporters, Hezbollah is not simply an armed group, but a provider of security and essential social services. The organisation provides services that the Lebanese state often struggles to deliver, particularly in Shia-majority areas such as southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and Beirut's southern suburbs. It operates schools, clinics, charities and reconstruction programmes. Financial assistance and welfare networks of Hezbollah have helped build long-term loyalty among its support base. Hezbollah as a constant "resistance" force against Israel Hezbollah long portrayed itself as the defender of Lebanese territory, particularly against Israel. Its "resistance" narrative gained prominence during Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000, which began during the 1982 Lebanon War with Israel, and was reinforced by subsequent conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War. While many Sunni Muslims, Christians and Druze oppose Hezbollah's military role and its close ties to Iran, significant sections of the Shia community continue to view it as a deterrent against Israel. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-plan-to-let-syria-handle-hezbollah-in-trouble-al-sharaa-refuses-to-fight-1782146527266/embed Hezbollah's military strength: A comparison with official defence forces of Lebanon Constant confrontation with Israel has made Hezbollah a battle-hardened force. It has built fortified positions, underground facilities, tunnel networks and large missile stockpiles over the decades. Its command structure is highly decentralised, as proven by its ability to continue operating despite repeated Israeli decapitation strikes on senior leaders like Hassan Nasrallah. Assessments by the Institute for the Study of War noted that such guerrilla-style capabilities make a decisive military victory difficult. Hezbollah has repeatedly shown an ability to rebuild, regroup and continue fighting after major setbacks. Lebanon's official armed forces, on the other hand, are relatively weak compared with regional militaries. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have a modest army and limited air and naval capabilities, relying largely on light aircraft, helicopters and patrol vessels. Unlike Hezbollah, the Lebanese military lacks a significant missile arsenal, and is mostly focused on internal security and border protection rather than conventional or asymmetric warfare. Hezbollah may be weakened, but not defeated The Lebanese state has repeatedly failed to disarm Hezbollah. Successive governments and state institutions generally avoided direct confrontation with the group, fearing sectarian conflict and political fragmentation. As noted by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), lasting disarmament of Hezbollah would require broad Lebanese political consensus and a much stronger state, both of which remain absent. Hezbollah endures because it is embedded not only in military structures, but also in Lebanese society, politics and local institutions. Military pressure from Israel can weaken the organisation, but eliminating it altogether is a far more complex.

Hezbollah survives and fights in Lebanon despite Israeli military operations and decapitation strikes over months. The Iran-backed group remains influential due to its social welfare role and Shia support base. But those are not the only reasons

Why is Hezbollah's defeat not so easy for Israel? Shia group is deeply embedded in Lebanon | The Big Question

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have all freedom to act against threats in Lebanon. In a post on X he wrote, "Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to the residents of the North."&nbsp;"The IDF has no restrictions in this regard. I stand behind them; the entire nation stands behind them, he further said and added, "I stand firm that we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to protect the residents of the North and all citizens of the country."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allows-iranian-oil-sales-hormuz-iaea-jd-vance-frozen-assets-1782138233424">US issues 60-day license for Iranian oil sales, explores Iranian frozen assets for US farm products</a>&nbsp;The statement by Netanyahu comes at a time when the first round of talks between US and Iran held in Switzerland on Sunday was focused amongst other things on stopping Israel's war with the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.<h2>What does Iran say on Lebanon?</h2>&nbsp;Inclusion of Lebanon has been one of Iran's core issues that it considers non-negotiable for a consolidated peace settlement with US. On several occasions Iran has threatened to abandon the agreement entirely if Israeli strikes and its territorial occupation in Lebanon continued.&nbsp;Israel has so far not been a part of the negotiations between US and Iran and has objected to a ceasefire in Lebanon becoming part of the deal.&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ahead of the talks on Sunday had said Washington holds a "commitment and responsibility" to force live up to the terms of the peace deal on all fronts.&nbsp;While Israel has maintained that military operations in southern Lebanon will continue till the time it perceives Hezbollah as a direct threat.&nbsp;According to clause 1 of the memorandum of understanding, the end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, is a prerequisite of the memorandum.&nbsp;

The statement by Netanyahu comes at a time when the first round of talks between US and Iran held in Switzerland on Sunday was focused on stopping Israel's war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have all freedom to act against threats in Lebanon. In a post on X he wrote, "Our fighters in southern Lebanon have full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat to them or to the residents of the North." "The IDF has no restrictions in this regard. I stand behind them; the entire nation stands behind them, he further said and added, "I stand firm that we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to protect the residents of the North and all citizens of the country." ALSO READ: US issues 60-day license for Iranian oil sales, explores Iranian frozen assets for US farm products The statement by Netanyahu comes at a time when the first round of talks between US and Iran held in Switzerland on Sunday was focused amongst other things on stopping Israel's war with the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. What does Iran say on Lebanon? Inclusion of Lebanon has been one of Iran's core issues that it considers non-negotiable for a consolidated peace settlement with US. On several occasions Iran has threatened to abandon the agreement entirely if Israeli strikes and its territorial occupation in Lebanon continued. Israel has so far not been a part of the negotiations between US and Iran and has objected to a ceasefire in Lebanon becoming part of the deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ahead of the talks on Sunday had said Washington holds a "commitment and responsibility" to force live up to the terms of the peace deal on all fronts. While Israel has maintained that military operations in southern Lebanon will continue till the time it perceives Hezbollah as a direct threat. According to clause 1 of the memorandum of understanding, the end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, is a prerequisite of the memorandum.

The statement by Netanyahu comes at a time when the first round of talks between US and Iran held in Switzerland on Sunday was focused on stopping Israel's war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Netanyahu says Israel has 'full freedom of action' in Lebanon as first round of peace talks end

The latest developments in Lebanon have added fresh uncertainty to an already fragile regional situation, with new Israeli strikes reported just a day after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hezbollah.&nbsp;According to Lebanon's health ministry, Israeli strikes carried out late Saturday in the country's south and east killed seven people. Five of the victims, including a woman and a child, were killed in eastern Lebanon, while two Palestinians lost their lives in the southern Tyre region.&nbsp;The attacks took place before a pause in hostilities was observed by AFP correspondent.&nbsp;The Israeli military later said it had received instructions from the country's political leadership to halt fighting in southern Lebanon.<h2>Hormuz closure adds to regional tensions</h2>Earlier in the day, Iran's military command announced a fresh closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that threatened to further strain the diplomatic truce reached only days earlier following allegations of Israeli ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon.&nbsp;Iran argued that continued Israeli airstrikes and the failure to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon amounted to a breach of the first clause of the Memorandum of Understanding, which calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon.&nbsp;However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) challenged the claim that an effective blockade was in place. CENTCOM said maritime traffic was continuing under close monitoring and reported that 55 merchant vessels passed through the strait on the day of the announcement, transporting more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.<h2>Ceasefire faces early challenges</h2>On Friday, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, according to a US official, after renewed fighting in Lebanon put pressure on efforts to end the wider conflict in the Middle East less than two days after the agreement was signed.&nbsp;The violence also led to the postponement of planned talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland, where both sides were expected to discuss steps toward a longer-term settlement.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Lebanese presidency said President Joseph Aoun thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for American support but stressed: "the need for Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory to cease through the achievement of a comprehensive ceasefire".

Earlier in the day, Iran's military announced a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising pressure on a fragile truce already strained by allegations of Israeli ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon.

The latest developments in Lebanon have added fresh uncertainty to an already fragile regional situation, with new Israeli strikes reported just a day after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hezbollah. According to Lebanon's health ministry, Israeli strikes carried out late Saturday in the country's south and east killed seven people. Five of the victims, including a woman and a child, were killed in eastern Lebanon, while two Palestinians lost their lives in the southern Tyre region. The attacks took place before a pause in hostilities was observed by AFP correspondent. The Israeli military later said it had received instructions from the country's political leadership to halt fighting in southern Lebanon. Hormuz closure adds to regional tensions Earlier in the day, Iran's military command announced a fresh closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that threatened to further strain the diplomatic truce reached only days earlier following allegations of Israeli ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon. Iran argued that continued Israeli airstrikes and the failure to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon amounted to a breach of the first clause of the Memorandum of Understanding, which calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) challenged the claim that an effective blockade was in place. CENTCOM said maritime traffic was continuing under close monitoring and reported that 55 merchant vessels passed through the strait on the day of the announcement, transporting more than 17 million barrels of oil to global markets. Ceasefire faces early challenges On Friday, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, according to a US official, after renewed fighting in Lebanon put pressure on efforts to end the wider conflict in the Middle East less than two days after the agreement was signed. The violence also led to the postponement of planned talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland, where both sides were expected to discuss steps toward a longer-term settlement. Meanwhile, the Lebanese presidency said President Joseph Aoun thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for American support but stressed: "the need for Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory to cease through the achievement of a comprehensive ceasefire".

Earlier in the day, Iran's military announced a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising pressure on a fragile truce already strained by allegations of Israeli ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon.

Ceasefire cracks widen: Israeli strikes kill 7 in Lebanon after Iran shuts Hormuz

Hours after officials and diplomats from the United States and the Gulf separately told news agencies that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that would be effective 4pm local time (1300GMT), Lebanese state media reported an Israeli airstrike on the country's southAccording to National News Agency (NNA) the strike targeted the area of Jezzine "a short while ago", and one of its journalists reported drones flying over the Tyre area.&nbsp;An AFP correspondent also reported hearing continuous artillery shelling in the city of Nabatieh.&nbsp;Since midnight, at least 47 people have been killed in Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes, said the country's health ministry, while the Israeli military claims four of its soldiers have been killed.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-had-agreed-not-to-develop-nuclear-weapons-under-2015-deal-says-trump-adds-us-worse-off-after-war-1781891723545">‘Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons under 2015 deal,’ says Obama, adds US ‘worse off’ after war</a>&nbsp;The deadly escalation between the two countries looked set to derail Washington-Tehran peace talks in Switzerland.&nbsp;On Friday, Iran and US were to sit for first negotiations to chalk out a deal to end the war that started by a joint US and Israel airstrike on February 28. But the fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon cast doubts on the deal to end the war, and Vice President JD Vance was forced to cancel his visit to Switzerland for the talks.&nbsp;The negotiations were temporarily postponed following the deadly Israeli attacks. Tehran sought guarantees from US that hostilities in Lebanon would end, as mentioned in the deal.<h2>What Israel says?</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israel says it will not pull out its troops from Lebanon as it wants to create a security zone along the border, free of Hezbollah.&nbsp;IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin in a statement posted on Telegram said Israeli military will continue to "remove immediate threats, respond to Hezbollah’s violations, and do whatever is necessary to protect our civilians".

The deadly escalation between Israel and Lebanon looked set to derail Washington-Tehran peace talks in Switzerland. It has now been postponed following the deadly Israeli attacks.

Hours after officials and diplomats from the United States and the Gulf separately told news agencies that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that would be effective 4pm local time (1300GMT), Lebanese state media reported an Israeli airstrike on the country's south According to National News Agency (NNA) the strike targeted the area of Jezzine "a short while ago", and one of its journalists reported drones flying over the Tyre area. An AFP correspondent also reported hearing continuous artillery shelling in the city of Nabatieh. Since midnight, at least 47 people have been killed in Lebanon following a series of Israeli air strikes, said the country's health ministry, while the Israeli military claims four of its soldiers have been killed. ALSO READ: ‘Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons under 2015 deal,’ says Obama, adds US ‘worse off’ after war The deadly escalation between the two countries looked set to derail Washington-Tehran peace talks in Switzerland. On Friday, Iran and US were to sit for first negotiations to chalk out a deal to end the war that started by a joint US and Israel airstrike on February 28. But the fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon cast doubts on the deal to end the war, and Vice President JD Vance was forced to cancel his visit to Switzerland for the talks. The negotiations were temporarily postponed following the deadly Israeli attacks. Tehran sought guarantees from US that hostilities in Lebanon would end, as mentioned in the deal. What Israel says? Meanwhile, Israel says it will not pull out its troops from Lebanon as it wants to create a security zone along the border, free of Hezbollah. IDF Spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin in a statement posted on Telegram said Israeli military will continue to "remove immediate threats, respond to Hezbollah’s violations, and do whatever is necessary to protect our civilians".

The deadly escalation between Israel and Lebanon looked set to derail Washington-Tehran peace talks in Switzerland. It has now been postponed following the deadly Israeli attacks.

Israel strikes southern Lebanon despite agreeing to ceasefire: State media

Israel's military said early Tuesday (June 09) that it intercepted a suspicious aerial target launched from Yemen, while fresh Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people, according to Lebanese authorities.&nbsp;The Israel Defence Forces said the object was intercepted near the southern city of Eilat and that no injuries were reported.&nbsp;"A suspicious aerial target from Yemen was intercepted. The incident has concluded. No injuries were reported," the IDF said.&nbsp;The development came as tensions remained high despite recent statements from both Israel and Iran indicating an end to their latest exchange of attacks.<h2>Israeli strikes kill 14 in southern Lebanon</h2>Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people on Monday.&nbsp;Among the dead were five people killed in a strike on the coastal city of Tyre.&nbsp;"An Israeli enemy raid on the city of Tyre, near the Red Cross centre, resulted in 5 martyrs and 8 wounded, four of whom were Red Cross paramedics," the Lebanese health ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;The ministry later reported another strike on Marwanieh that killed two people, including a child, and wounded 10 others.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bibi-you-will-be-on-your-own-trump-s-stern-warning-to-netanyahu-against-renewed-iran-conflict-1780954671256">'Bibi, you will be on your own': Trump's stern warning to Netanyahu against renewed Iran conflict</a>&nbsp;The attacks came hours after Iran warned that it could resume military action against Israel if Israeli forces continued carrying out strikes inside Lebanon.&nbsp;The latest developments followed a period of retaliatory attacks between Israel and Iran that began after Tehran responded to Israel's military campaign in Lebanon.&nbsp;While announcing the end of its attacks on Israel, Iran's military central command warned that further action could follow if hostilities continued.&nbsp;"Should acts of aggression and hostility continue, including in southern Lebanon, much more severe and crushing measures than before will follow," it said.&nbsp;Israeli leaders, however, rejected the warning and maintained that military operations against Hezbollah would continue.&nbsp;Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military would "continue to operate in Lebanon against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah".&nbsp;Meanwhile, Tehran's main international airport resumed operations early Tuesday, with flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia arriving in the Iranian capital, according to local media reports.&nbsp;Imam Khomeini International Airport had suspended incoming flights on Sunday following Iranian missile attacks on Israel and subsequent Israeli retaliatory strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon, despite Iran's warning, killed at least 14 people on Monday, including five in the coastal city of Tyre, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

Israel's military said early Tuesday (June 09) that it intercepted a suspicious aerial target launched from Yemen, while fresh Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people, according to Lebanese authorities. The Israel Defence Forces said the object was intercepted near the southern city of Eilat and that no injuries were reported. "A suspicious aerial target from Yemen was intercepted. The incident has concluded. No injuries were reported," the IDF said. The development came as tensions remained high despite recent statements from both Israel and Iran indicating an end to their latest exchange of attacks. Israeli strikes kill 14 in southern Lebanon Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people on Monday. Among the dead were five people killed in a strike on the coastal city of Tyre. "An Israeli enemy raid on the city of Tyre, near the Red Cross centre, resulted in 5 martyrs and 8 wounded, four of whom were Red Cross paramedics," the Lebanese health ministry said in a statement. The ministry later reported another strike on Marwanieh that killed two people, including a child, and wounded 10 others. Also Read: 'Bibi, you will be on your own': Trump's stern warning to Netanyahu against renewed Iran conflict The attacks came hours after Iran warned that it could resume military action against Israel if Israeli forces continued carrying out strikes inside Lebanon. The latest developments followed a period of retaliatory attacks between Israel and Iran that began after Tehran responded to Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. While announcing the end of its attacks on Israel, Iran's military central command warned that further action could follow if hostilities continued. "Should acts of aggression and hostility continue, including in southern Lebanon, much more severe and crushing measures than before will follow," it said. Israeli leaders, however, rejected the warning and maintained that military operations against Hezbollah would continue. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military would "continue to operate in Lebanon against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah". Meanwhile, Tehran's main international airport resumed operations early Tuesday, with flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia arriving in the Iranian capital, according to local media reports. Imam Khomeini International Airport had suspended incoming flights on Sunday following Iranian missile attacks on Israel and subsequent Israeli retaliatory strikes. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon, despite Iran's warning, killed at least 14 people on Monday, including five in the coastal city of Tyre, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

Israel says intercepted aerial target from Yemen as fresh strikes in Lebanon kill 14

Israeli airstrikes killed eight people in Lebanon on Thursday, according to the country's health ministry, a day after Lebanese and Israeli officials agreed to a new ceasefire framework aimed at ending months of cross-border fighting.&nbsp;Five people were killed in an Israeli strike in eastern Lebanon, while another attack near the southern city of Tyre left three more dead. The ministry said eight others were wounded in the strikes, including three children and two women.&nbsp;The attacks came shortly after Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the newly announced truce proposal, insisting that any agreement must include a complete ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. He also warned that northern Israel would remain vulnerable to attacks if hostilities continued.<h2>Hezbollah rejects conditional ceasefire proposal</h2>Qassem's remarks followed an agreement reached by Lebanese and Israeli representatives in the United States on a conditional ceasefire plan on Wednesday. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had described the proposal as the "last chance" to secure a lasting end to the conflict.&nbsp;However, Hezbollah dismissed the initiative and criticised ongoing contacts between Beirut and Tel Aviv. The group has also rejected the broader Israel-Lebanon talks, arguing that previous agreements have failed to stop the violence.&nbsp;"The ceasefire must be comprehensive... without the Israeli enemy having the freedom to kill," Qassem said on Thursday, calling on the Lebanese government to end what he described as "the farce and humiliation called direct talks" with Israel.&nbsp;He also warned that "as long as our villages are unsafe, being bombed, destroyed, and our people killed, the settlements (north Israel) are unsafe".&nbsp;The latest ceasefire effort comes after a previous truce announced on April 17 was repeatedly violated. Israeli forces remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah continues to launch attacks across the border.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-lebanon-agree-to-implement-ceasefire-following-us-led-talks-in-washington-1780534267316">Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington</a>&nbsp;Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military would "at this stage, continue its fire and ground operations... without the return of the population, while continuing to dismantle terrorist infrastructure".&nbsp;He added that Israeli forces retained the "freedom of action, with American backing, to strike in Beirut in response to fire on Israeli communities and territory".&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Captain Eitan Shmuel Lemberg, 21, was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon. It was the first Israeli military fatality reported since the announcement of the latest ceasefire proposal.

The development follows an agreement reached a day earlier between Israel and Lebanon during US-led talks in Washington to work towards a ceasefire, contingent on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Israeli airstrikes killed eight people in Lebanon on Thursday, according to the country's health ministry, a day after Lebanese and Israeli officials agreed to a new ceasefire framework aimed at ending months of cross-border fighting. Five people were killed in an Israeli strike in eastern Lebanon, while another attack near the southern city of Tyre left three more dead. The ministry said eight others were wounded in the strikes, including three children and two women. The attacks came shortly after Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the newly announced truce proposal, insisting that any agreement must include a complete ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. He also warned that northern Israel would remain vulnerable to attacks if hostilities continued. Hezbollah rejects conditional ceasefire proposal Qassem's remarks followed an agreement reached by Lebanese and Israeli representatives in the United States on a conditional ceasefire plan on Wednesday. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had described the proposal as the "last chance" to secure a lasting end to the conflict. However, Hezbollah dismissed the initiative and criticised ongoing contacts between Beirut and Tel Aviv. The group has also rejected the broader Israel-Lebanon talks, arguing that previous agreements have failed to stop the violence. "The ceasefire must be comprehensive... without the Israeli enemy having the freedom to kill," Qassem said on Thursday, calling on the Lebanese government to end what he described as "the farce and humiliation called direct talks" with Israel. He also warned that "as long as our villages are unsafe, being bombed, destroyed, and our people killed, the settlements (north Israel) are unsafe". The latest ceasefire effort comes after a previous truce announced on April 17 was repeatedly violated. Israeli forces remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah continues to launch attacks across the border. Also Read: Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military would "at this stage, continue its fire and ground operations... without the return of the population, while continuing to dismantle terrorist infrastructure". He added that Israeli forces retained the "freedom of action, with American backing, to strike in Beirut in response to fire on Israeli communities and territory". Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Captain Eitan Shmuel Lemberg, 21, was killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon. It was the first Israeli military fatality reported since the announcement of the latest ceasefire proposal.

The development follows an agreement reached a day earlier between Israel and Lebanon during US-led talks in Washington to work towards a ceasefire, contingent on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Lebanon ceasefire unravels as Hezbollah rejects truce; Israeli strikes kill eight a day after announcement

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards a ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington on Wednesday (June 04). The agreement depends on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon.&nbsp;“As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” the statement said.&nbsp;Although the two countries do not share formal diplomatic relations, they also agreed to establish “pilot zones” where the Lebanese armed forces would assume exclusive control, removing all non-state actors from those areas.&nbsp;Both sides will return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a broader and comprehensive agreement.&nbsp;“All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement said.&nbsp;It further noted that “they rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon's future hostage,” in what appeared to be a reference to Iran and its ally Hezbollah.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-deal-possible-over-the-weekend-trump-says-talks-are-going-very-well-1780521793162">US-Iran deal possible 'over the weekend': Trump says talks are going 'very well'</a>&nbsp;The development came as fighting continued on the ground, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanese authorities reporting that Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics.&nbsp;The diplomatic breakthrough comes just days after Iran threatened to walk away from secret peace talks with the United States unless Israel stopped its military operations in Lebanon.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any strike on Beirut could trigger a “full-scale resumption” of the wider Middle East conflict as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah.&nbsp;“The fate of the war between Iran and the Zionists (Israel) and Americans is inseparable from the fate of the battle in Lebanon, and these two fronts have been intertwined since day one,” Araghchi was quoted as saying in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV.&nbsp;He added, “Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war,” warning that Iran’s “armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut.”

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, with both sides set to return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards a ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington on Wednesday (June 04). The agreement depends on a “complete cessation” of hostilities by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Israel and Lebanon. “As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire. The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hizbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hizbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector,” the statement said. Although the two countries do not share formal diplomatic relations, they also agreed to establish “pilot zones” where the Lebanese armed forces would assume exclusive control, removing all non-state actors from those areas. Both sides will return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22, with the aim of reaching a broader and comprehensive agreement. “All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement said. It further noted that “they rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon's future hostage,” in what appeared to be a reference to Iran and its ally Hezbollah. Also Read: US-Iran deal possible 'over the weekend': Trump says talks are going 'very well' The development came as fighting continued on the ground, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanese authorities reporting that Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics. The diplomatic breakthrough comes just days after Iran threatened to walk away from secret peace talks with the United States unless Israel stopped its military operations in Lebanon. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any strike on Beirut could trigger a “full-scale resumption” of the wider Middle East conflict as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah. “The fate of the war between Iran and the Zionists (Israel) and Americans is inseparable from the fate of the battle in Lebanon, and these two fronts have been intertwined since day one,” Araghchi was quoted as saying in an interview with Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV. He added, “Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war,” warning that Iran’s “armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut.”

The ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, with both sides set to return for further discussions on political and security issues during the week of June 22.

Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire following US-led talks in Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his country's forces had pushed deeper into Lebanon, even as military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington.Israel kept up its heavy bombardment of south Lebanon, with President Joseph Aoun emphasising in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire".A truce to halt the fighting between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah officially took effect on April 17, but has never been observed, with Iran insisting that Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the wider war that engulfed the region in February.Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the April ceasefire and justify their attacks by the other's alleged breaches.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/white-house-breaks-precedent-by-keeping-79yo-trump-s-latest-health-report-secret-what-are-they-hiding-1780115226238">White House breaks precedent by keeping 79YO Trump's latest health report secret. Are they hiding something?</a>Netanyahu announced Friday that Israeli forces had advanced beyond a river that runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Lebanon-Israel frontier."Our forces have crossed the Litani, they have moved up to the commanding terrain," he said in a video released by his office, adding Israel was "hitting Hezbollah head on".Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, with a fourth round expected next week in Washington following Friday's meeting at the Pentagon, running parallel to efforts by the US to strike a deal with Iran to end the regional war and blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, called the discussions "productive" in a post on X and said the military talks would inform the State Department-led diplomatic process.<h2>No end to fighting</h2>Fighting raged despite the talks, with Israeli strikes in the southern city of Tyre killing 11 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, which called the bombardment a "flagrant violation of humanitarian law".Hezbollah said it had launched attacks targeting soldiers, barracks and a military camp in northern Israel on Friday and Israel's military in the early hours of Saturday morning confirmed it had intercepted several projectiles from Lebanon, with one hitting near the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.Hezbollah also said its forces attacked Israeli troops trying to advance near the medieval Beaufort fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, a site Israel's forces had used as a base during their two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon ending in 2000.US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Rubio had "commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel" despite Hezbollah's opposition, adding the group was "entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting".Lebanon was drawn into the regional war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in early March in retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-more-than-capable-of-restarting-war-with-iran-hegseth-amid-reports-of-depleted-missile-stockpiles-shangri-la-dialogue-security-summit-singapore-1780106328135">US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles</a>Hezbollah strongly opposes talks with US representatives and has refused to disarm.Lebanon's military delegation to Friday's talks included six officers, headed by the army's director of operations, Georges Rizkallah.On the Israeli side, Brigadier General Amichai Levin, head of the strategic division of the army's planning directorate, visited Washington for the talks, an Israeli military spokesman said.A Lebanese military source earlier told AFP the country's delegation would "emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army's plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country".<h2>Wave of displacement</h2>On Friday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes on more than 20 locations in the south, before and after its military issued evacuation warnings for eight towns, sparking a huge wave of displacementHundreds of people have fled to the usually touristy old city of Tyre, which has not been included in recent Israeli army evacuation orders issued for swathes of the rest of the city and surrounding areas.This week, Israel's military also declared all areas south of the Zahrani River -- an area that includes Tyre -- as "combat zones" and told residents to evacuate.With shelters full, displaced residents were sleeping in cars or tents, an AFP correspondent said."The situation is very difficult. Tyre is a peaceful, touristic city. We never imagined going through this," said Karam Amin, 43, whose family of seven have been sleeping in his clothing shop."I sorted out a shower ... and we put mattresses on the floor," he said.Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,355 people since March 2 -- an increase of 31 compared to Thursday when Israeli carried out the first airstrike near Beirut in weeks.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Israel says its troops have crossed a key river deep inside Lebanon, even as Israeli and Lebanese military officials hold rare direct talks in Washington. So why is fighting intensifying despite ceasefire efforts, and what does this new advance mean for the wider Middle East conflict? 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his country's forces had pushed deeper into Lebanon, even as military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington. Israel kept up its heavy bombardment of south Lebanon, with President Joseph Aoun emphasising in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire". A truce to halt the fighting between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah officially took effect on April 17, but has never been observed, with Iran insisting that Lebanon be included in any agreement with the United States to end the wider war that engulfed the region in February. Both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of violating the April ceasefire and justify their attacks by the other's alleged breaches. Also read | White House breaks precedent by keeping 79YO Trump's latest health report secret. Are they hiding something? Netanyahu announced Friday that Israeli forces had advanced beyond a river that runs around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the Lebanon-Israel frontier. "Our forces have crossed the Litani, they have moved up to the commanding terrain," he said in a video released by his office, adding Israel was "hitting Hezbollah head on". Israel and Lebanon began direct talks in April, with a fourth round expected next week in Washington following Friday's meeting at the Pentagon, running parallel to efforts by the US to strike a deal with Iran to end the regional war and blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, called the discussions "productive" in a post on X and said the military talks would inform the State Department-led diplomatic process. No end to fighting Fighting raged despite the talks, with Israeli strikes in the southern city of Tyre killing 11 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, which called the bombardment a "flagrant violation of humanitarian law". Hezbollah said it had launched attacks targeting soldiers, barracks and a military camp in northern Israel on Friday and Israel's military in the early hours of Saturday morning confirmed it had intercepted several projectiles from Lebanon, with one hitting near the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona. Hezbollah also said its forces attacked Israeli troops trying to advance near the medieval Beaufort fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif, a site Israel's forces had used as a base during their two-decade occupation of southern Lebanon ending in 2000. US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Rubio had "commended President Aoun's courage and vision in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel" despite Hezbollah's opposition, adding the group was "entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting". Lebanon was drawn into the regional war when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in early March in retaliation for the death of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Also read | US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran, says Hegseth amid reports of depleted missile stockpiles Hezbollah strongly opposes talks with US representatives and has refused to disarm. Lebanon's military delegation to Friday's talks included six officers, headed by the army's director of operations, Georges Rizkallah. On the Israeli side, Brigadier General Amichai Levin, head of the strategic division of the army's planning directorate, visited Washington for the talks, an Israeli military spokesman said. A Lebanese military source earlier told AFP the country's delegation would "emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army's plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country". Wave of displacement On Friday, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes on more than 20 locations in the south, before and after its military issued evacuation warnings for eight towns, sparking a huge wave of displacement Hundreds of people have fled to the usually touristy old city of Tyre, which has not been included in recent Israeli army evacuation orders issued for swathes of the rest of the city and surrounding areas. This week, Israel's military also declared all areas south of the Zahrani River -- an area that includes Tyre -- as "combat zones" and told residents to evacuate. With shelters full, displaced residents were sleeping in cars or tents, an AFP correspondent said. "The situation is very difficult. Tyre is a peaceful, touristic city. We never imagined going through this," said Karam Amin, 43, whose family of seven have been sleeping in his clothing shop. "I sorted out a shower ... and we put mattresses on the floor," he said. Lebanon's health ministry said on Friday Israeli attacks have killed at least 3,355 people since March 2 -- an increase of 31 compared to Thursday when Israeli carried out the first airstrike near Beirut in weeks. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel says its troops have crossed a key river deep inside Lebanon, even as Israeli and Lebanese military officials hold rare direct talks in Washington. So why is fighting intensifying despite ceasefire efforts, and what does this new advance mean for the wider Middle East conflict?&nbsp;

Ceasefire in name only? Israel advances deeper into Lebanon as talks continue

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday (May 02) said its troops damaged a “religious building” during operations in southern Lebanon, even as a Catholic charity condemned the incident and alleged deliberate targeting of a place of worship.&nbsp;According to the military, forces operating in the village of Yaroun caused damage to a structure inside a religious compound while dismantling what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in the area. The military said the building was hit during operations and claimed there were no visible signs at the time indicating it was a religious site.&nbsp;Colonel Avichay Adraee, the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, said once identifying features of another building in the compound were noticed, troops took steps to avoid further damage. He also justified the presence of Israeli forces, alleging that Hezbollah had launched rockets from within the compound towards Israeli territory.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-ball-is-in-us-court-as-trump-weighs-next-move-amid-stalled-talks-1777743937475">Iran says ‘ball is in US court’ as Trump weighs next move amid stalled talks</a>&nbsp;However, French Catholic charity L'Oeuvre d'Orient said the structure was a convent belonging to the Salvatorian Sisters, a Greek-Catholic order linked to the organisation. The group strongly condemned what it described as a “deliberate” act against a place of worship and criticised what it called the systematic destruction of homes in southern Lebanon aimed at preventing displaced civilians from returning.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔸في إطار نشاط قوات جيش الدفاع في منطقة قرية يارون في جنوب لبنان، تعمل القوات على إزالة التهديدات وتدمير البنى التحتية الإرهابية التي أقامها حزب الله في المنطقة. 🔸بعد تدقيق الأمر تبين أنه في إطار نشاطات القوات في سبيل تدمير البنى التحتية الإرهابية تضرر أحد المنازل الواقعة في… <a href="https://t.co/tyBL7YTu15">pic.twitter.com/tyBL7YTu15</a>&mdash; افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) <a href="https://twitter.com/AvichayAdraee/status/2050568999541317834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Responding to the allegations, Israel’s foreign ministry said the site, which it referred to as a monastery, had not been destroyed and remained intact. It also shared an image showing the building standing undamaged.&nbsp;The development comes days after the Israeli military jailed two soldiers for 30 days for desecrating a statue of Jesus Christ in the Christian village of Debl near the border. A photograph that circulated widely on social media showed a soldier striking the statue with a sledgehammer.&nbsp;Israel has continued its strikes in Lebanon despite an April 17 ceasefire that aimed to end more than six weeks of fighting with Hezbollah. Under the terms of the truce, Israel retains the right to act against “planned, imminent or ongoing attacks”. Israeli troops are currently operating within a “Yellow Line” zone extending roughly 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory, where demolitions and detonations are ongoing.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Israel has continued its strikes in Lebanon despite an April 17 ceasefire that aimed to end more than six weeks of fighting with Hezbollah.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday (May 02) said its troops damaged a “religious building” during operations in southern Lebanon, even as a Catholic charity condemned the incident and alleged deliberate targeting of a place of worship. According to the military, forces operating in the village of Yaroun caused damage to a structure inside a religious compound while dismantling what it described as “terrorist infrastructure” in the area. The military said the building was hit during operations and claimed there were no visible signs at the time indicating it was a religious site. Colonel Avichay Adraee, the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, said once identifying features of another building in the compound were noticed, troops took steps to avoid further damage. He also justified the presence of Israeli forces, alleging that Hezbollah had launched rockets from within the compound towards Israeli territory. Also Read: Iran says ‘ball is in US court’ as Trump weighs next move amid stalled talks However, French Catholic charity L'Oeuvre d'Orient said the structure was a convent belonging to the Salvatorian Sisters, a Greek-Catholic order linked to the organisation. The group strongly condemned what it described as a “deliberate” act against a place of worship and criticised what it called the systematic destruction of homes in southern Lebanon aimed at preventing displaced civilians from returning.

Israel has continued its strikes in Lebanon despite an April 17 ceasefire that aimed to end more than six weeks of fighting with Hezbollah.

Israel says religious site damaged in south Lebanon operation, charity alleges ‘deliberate’ targeting

Following the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, the Israeli military on Sunday (April 27) ordered the evacuation of seven villages in southern Lebanon, warning of decisive action against what it described as repeated truce violations.&nbsp;"In light of Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is compelled to take decisive action," said Colonel Avichay Adraee, the military's Arabic-language spokesman, naming seven villages north of the Litani River.&nbsp;The IDF also confirmed the death of Sergeant Idan Fooks, 19, killed during combat in southern Lebanon, with an officer and four additional soldiers wounded in the same engagement.&nbsp;The escalation began Saturday when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Hezbollah following a series of reported violations, marking the first major flare-up since the truce came into force on April 17. The ceasefire was brokered through direct US mediation under President Donald Trump, initially agreed for ten days and later extended by three weeks to allow broader diplomatic talks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-suspect-in-correspondents-dinner-wrote-anti-christian-manifesto-1777221525024">Trump says suspect in Correspondents’ Dinner wrote anti-Christian manifesto</a>&nbsp;Netanyahu held Hezbollah's actions responsible for the collapse of the ceasefire. He said in a cabinet meeting that the Lebanese group "in practice, dismantling the ceasefire," adding that Israel was acting "in accordance with arrangements agreed with the United States and, incidentally, also with Lebanon." Under the truce's terms, Israel reserves the right to respond to planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks, and has maintained a presence inside what it calls the "yellow line," a strip of Lebanese territory roughly ten kilometres deep along the border.&nbsp;Hezbollah rejected Netanyahu's accusations, insisting its strikes were a legitimate response to Israeli violations and the continued occupation of southern Lebanese territory. "Hezbollah affirms clearly that the enemy's continued violations and above all its occupation of Lebanese territory will be met with resistance," the group said in a statement.&nbsp;The group also turned its criticism toward Lebanese authorities, condemning their recent meetings with Israeli representatives in Washington as a "disgraceful" engagement and accusing the government of failing its "most basic national duties" while Israel continued to destroy Lebanese land and homes. Hezbollah said the truce extension was supposed to lead to a genuine ceasefire, but instead was used by Israel to escalate aggression.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.) &nbsp;

Hezbollah rejected Netanyahu's accusations, insisting its strikes were a legitimate response to Israeli violations and the continued occupation of southern Lebanese territory. "

Following the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, the Israeli military on Sunday (April 27) ordered the evacuation of seven villages in southern Lebanon, warning of decisive action against what it described as repeated truce violations. "In light of Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is compelled to take decisive action," said Colonel Avichay Adraee, the military's Arabic-language spokesman, naming seven villages north of the Litani River. The IDF also confirmed the death of Sergeant Idan Fooks, 19, killed during combat in southern Lebanon, with an officer and four additional soldiers wounded in the same engagement. The escalation began Saturday when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes on Hezbollah following a series of reported violations, marking the first major flare-up since the truce came into force on April 17. The ceasefire was brokered through direct US mediation under President Donald Trump, initially agreed for ten days and later extended by three weeks to allow broader diplomatic talks. Also Read: Trump says suspect in Correspondents’ Dinner wrote anti-Christian manifesto Netanyahu held Hezbollah's actions responsible for the collapse of the ceasefire. He said in a cabinet meeting that the Lebanese group "in practice, dismantling the ceasefire," adding that Israel was acting "in accordance with arrangements agreed with the United States and, incidentally, also with Lebanon." Under the truce's terms, Israel reserves the right to respond to planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks, and has maintained a presence inside what it calls the "yellow line," a strip of Lebanese territory roughly ten kilometres deep along the border. Hezbollah rejected Netanyahu's accusations, insisting its strikes were a legitimate response to Israeli violations and the continued occupation of southern Lebanese territory. "Hezbollah affirms clearly that the enemy's continued violations and above all its occupation of Lebanese territory will be met with resistance," the group said in a statement. The group also turned its criticism toward Lebanese authorities, condemning their recent meetings with Israeli representatives in Washington as a "disgraceful" engagement and accusing the government of failing its "most basic national duties" while Israel continued to destroy Lebanese land and homes. Hezbollah said the truce extension was supposed to lead to a genuine ceasefire, but instead was used by Israel to escalate aggression. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Hezbollah rejected Netanyahu's accusations, insisting its strikes were a legitimate response to Israeli violations and the continued occupation of southern Lebanese territory. "

Israeli military orders evacuation of seven south Lebanon villages; Hezbollah alleges truce violation

Even as Israel and Lebanon extended ceasefire for three weeks, Lebanese state media on Sunday (Apr 26) reported a series of new Israeli strikes in at least four different locations in the country's south. This after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his military to attack Hezbollah following alleged ceasefire breaches. The state-run National News Agency reported a pair of strikes in quick succession in a town in Bint Jbeil district, another on a town in Tyre district, and strikes on two more towns in Nabatieh district. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had "struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon", and would “continue to operate decisively against threats.”

<h2>Netanyahu accuses Hezbollah of violating ceasefire</h2>According to a brief statement from Netanyahu's office, the PM "ordered the IDF to forcefully attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon", after the military said the Iran-backed group had violated a ceasefire. In several separate statements, the military had said that it had "eliminated more than 15 terrorists in southern Lebanon", including three who were driving a vehicle "loaded with weapons". It also accused the militants of "launching explosive drones toward IDF soldiers" in the Qantara area that "detonated" near the troops but caused no injuries. Troops had also found "an anti-tank missile cache in a Hezbollah weapons storage facility" and an underground shaft containing Kalashnikov rifles, it said.<h2>What's Hezbollah's position?</h2>After the ceasefire, Trump warned Hezbollah to “act nicely” during the ceasefire, to which Hezbollah responded saying that their fighters have kept “hands on trigger.” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem had earlier said that the truce with Israel “cannot be one-sided.” Qassem termed the truce as “an insult" to Lebanonand opined that the Lebanese government should not allow America to dictate.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-insult-to-our-country-hezbollah-chief-issues-first-response-to-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-after-trump-s-act-nicely-warning-1776553387827">'Insult to our country...': Hezbollah chief issues first response to Israel-Lebanon ceasefire after Trump's 'act nicely' warning</a><h2>How Israel-Lebanon tensions were reignited</h2>Hezbollah in Lebanon launched missiles on Israel after the joint US-Israeli strike on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel retaliated with full force and soon started a ground offensive killing hundreds amid raging war in West Asia as strikes continued on Iran. After 40 days of war, when Iran and US started exchanging messages via friendly nations for a potential ceasefire, Tehran stated that it would include end of Israeli hostilities in Lebanon. It must be noted that Hezbollah was founded in 1982 by a group of Lebanese Shia clerics and militants, with significant support from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). As the Iran-US ceasefire was announed on Apr 7, the POTUS said that he accepted the general framework of Iran's 10-point proposal. The 10 point proposal by Iran included end of hostilities on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his post about ceasefire, also said that both sides have agreed to a ceasefire "everywhere", including Lebanon. However, Israeli PM Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire "did not cover Lebanon." Soon, US followed Israeli narrative with US President Trump warning Iran to honour the “real agreement."&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel’s PM Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire and ordered strikes in Lebanon after alleged drone attacks. Hezbollah rejected one-sided terms, as tensions tied to the broader Iran-Israel conflict threaten to reignite violence in the region.

Even as Israel and Lebanon extended ceasefire for three weeks, Lebanese state media on Sunday (Apr 26) reported a series of new Israeli strikes in at least four different locations in the country's south. This after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his military to attack Hezbollah following alleged ceasefire breaches. The state-run National News Agency reported a pair of strikes in quick succession in a town in Bint Jbeil district, another on a town in Tyre district, and strikes on two more towns in Nabatieh district. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had "struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon", and would “continue to operate decisively against threats.”

Israel’s PM Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of violating a ceasefire and ordered strikes in Lebanon after alleged drone attacks. Hezbollah rejected one-sided terms, as tensions tied to the broader Iran-Israel conflict threaten to reignite violence in the region.

Israel-Lebanon ceasefire near collapse as IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in South: What we know so far

As Israel expanded its offensive on Hezbollah in Lebanon, it was reported by Israeli military that it has killed a close advisor and nephew of ⁠Hezbollah ​Chief​ Naim Qassem ⁠said on ​Thursday (Apr 9). Even as Iran and the United States agreed to stop hostilities for a period of two weeks, Lebanon has become the primary issue with Israel claiming that it was not included in the deal and Iran saying otherwise. The US has also sided with Israel on the matter and called it a "reasonable misunderstanding" between the parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote>"The IDF struck in ​the ​Beirut ⁠area and eliminated Ali ​Yusuf Harshi, ​the ⁠personal secretary and nephew of ⁠Hezbollah ​Secretary-General ​Naim Qassem," the military ​said. Harshi was "a close associate and personal adviser to... Qassem and played a central role in managing and securing his office", it added.</blockquote>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-envoy-netanyahu-big-statement-on-not-credible-partner-pakistan-after-lebanon-issue-in-iran-us-ceasefire-us-used-their-services-1775709068000">'Not credible': Israel envoy's BIG statement on Pakistan after Iran-US ceasefire</a><h2>Israel-Lebanon conflict</h2>Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first reaction, backed the ceasefire decision but said Lebanon was not included in the deal. In a televised address, Netanyahu described the truce as a “milestone”, warning that the Israeli military has its "finger on the trigger" and is ready to resume fighting at any moment if necessary. The Israeli military hit more than 100 targets within just 10 minutes across Lebanon. Israel has warned of more strikes and have issued evacuation alert in areas near Southern Lebanon on Thursday (Apr 9).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-issues-first-warning-to-iran-after-ceasefire-wants-real-agreement-to-be-followed-lebanon-tension-shooting-stars-will-1775707794596">'Shooting stars will...': Trump issues first warning to Iran after ceasefire, wants 'REAL AGREEMENT' to be followed</a><h2>What we know about the ceasefire and contrast in versions?</h2>US and Iran announced a ceasefire on April 7 and agreed to halt hostilities for a period of two weeks. Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz immediately, while the US agreed to discuss the 10 points plan by Tehran. Pakistan. Both the countries thanked Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, establishing the country as the chief mediator. However, conflicting versions of the ceasefire emerged after Israel in its first statement said that Lebanon is not included. Iran said that it is, while Trump administration denied. Iran also said that it has right to enruch uranium, while Trump said “it will be taken care of.”<h2>Trump's latest threat</h2>A day after Iran and the United States announced a ceasefire, US President Donald Trump issued another warning, while he also exuded his confidence that the truce will continue and Strait of Hormuz will be open. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that all US warships, aircraft, additional ammunition, weaponry and military personnel will remain in place in, and around, Iran till “REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.” Trump's emphasis on the world "real" stems from the confusion and contrast between the version of ceasefire between Iran, the US and Israel. On Thursday (Apr 9), Trump's post also issued warning to Tehran, who said that they are shutting Strait of Hormuz again after Israel attacked Lebanon. “If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the “Shootin’ Starts,” bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before. It was agreed, a long time ago, and despite all of the fake rhetoric to the contrary - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS and, the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN &amp; SAFE," Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel intensified strikes in Lebanon, killing a close aide to Hezbollah’s chief, amid disputes over a US-Iran ceasefire. While Israel excludes Lebanon from the deal, Iran disagrees. Trump warned of escalation, keeping pressure on Tehran as regional tensions rise.

As Israel expanded its offensive on Hezbollah in Lebanon, it was reported by Israeli military that it has killed a close advisor and nephew of ⁠Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem ⁠said on Thursday (Apr 9). Even as Iran and the United States agreed to stop hostilities for a period of two weeks, Lebanon has become the primary issue with Israel claiming that it was not included in the deal and Iran saying otherwise. The US has also sided with Israel on the matter and called it a "reasonable misunderstanding" between the parties. "The IDF struck in the Beirut ⁠area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the ⁠personal secretary and nephew of ⁠Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem," the military said. Harshi was "a close associate and personal adviser to... Qassem and played a central role in managing and securing his office", it added.

Israel intensified strikes in Lebanon, killing a close aide to Hezbollah’s chief, amid disputes over a US-Iran ceasefire. While Israel excludes Lebanon from the deal, Iran disagrees. Trump warned of escalation, keeping pressure on Tehran as regional tensions rise.

Israel claims killing of Hezbollah chief​ Naim Qassem's nephew and personal adviser Ali ​Yusuf Harshi as conflict intensifies

Lebanon has accused Israel of spraying an unknown chemical substance in the southern Lebanese town, which Beirut describes as toxic. A UN peacekeeper in Southern Lebanon has said that it was informed by the Israeli military on Monday that it will spray a “non-toxic chemical substance”. The exact nature of the chemical substance remains hidden. Lebanese President Aoun has slammed Israel, calling the act an “environmental and health crime” and urged that it will take all diplomatic and legal measures to respond to these agression and blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty.“This is an environmental and health crime against Lebanese citizens and their land,” Aoun was quoted as saying by Lebanon’s National News Agency. Israel reached a ceasefire argument with Hezbollah in November 2024; since then, it has violated the deal almost every day.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-robert-maxwell-mossad-allegations-1770127431656">Did Robert Maxwell threaten Mossad? Epstein files reignite mystery around his death</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Israel has been spraying toxic pesticides on agricultural areas in Lebanon and Syria that are being used to exterminate any kind of vegetation and make the lands barren. They even admit they are doing this under the pretext of “preventing militants from using the topography as… <a href="https://t.co/wZ71AToDTJ">pic.twitter.com/wZ71AToDTJ</a>&mdash; Jawad (@levantupdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/levantupdates/status/2018710033714815241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;“These dangerous practices that target agricultural lands and the livelihoods of citizens and threaten their health and environment require the international community and relevant United Nations organisations to assume their responsibilities to stop these attacks,” Aoun said.Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said that UNIFL suspended its operation for nine hours due to the attack and later decided to work with Lebanese Army to collect sample of the sprayed substance. Israel continues to occupy five points within Lebanese territory and blocks the reconstruction of villages at the border and prevent Lebanese people to return to their villages. The Lebanese government has been pushing diplomatically to stop Israeli violence, but failed. It has issued a decree to urging Hezbollah to disarm. However it still remains active, but severly weakened. Lebanese government in January has said that it has completely removed Lebanese weapons in the north of Litani river. UNSC resolution 1701 remains the basis of the ceasefire in Southern Lebanon area. Since January Israel Foreign Minister has reported 2,036 Israeli breaches to the ceasefire.&nbsp;

Lebanon has accused Israel of spraying an unknown chemical substance in southern Lebanon, calling it an environmental and health crime. UN peacekeepers say Israel claimed the substance was non-toxic, while Beirut alleges repeated ceasefire violations under UNSC Resolution 1701.

Lebanon has accused Israel of spraying an unknown chemical substance in the southern Lebanese town, which Beirut describes as toxic. A UN peacekeeper in Southern Lebanon has said that it was informed by the Israeli military on Monday that it will spray a “non-toxic chemical substance”. The exact nature of the chemical substance remains hidden. Lebanese President Aoun has slammed Israel, calling the act an “environmental and health crime” and urged that it will take all diplomatic and legal measures to respond to these agression and blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty. “This is an environmental and health crime against Lebanese citizens and their land,” Aoun was quoted as saying by Lebanon’s National News Agency. Israel reached a ceasefire argument with Hezbollah in November 2024; since then, it has violated the deal almost every day. Also Read: Did Robert Maxwell threaten Mossad? Epstein files reignite mystery around his death

Lebanon has accused Israel of spraying an unknown chemical substance in southern Lebanon, calling it an environmental and health crime. UN peacekeepers say Israel claimed the substance was non-toxic, while Beirut alleges repeated ceasefire violations under UNSC Resolution 1701.

Lebanon President Aoun slams Israel over spraying unknown chemical substance

Israel has attacked Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday (Nov 23) killing one person and injuring as many as 21. Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah's “chief of staff” in Lebanon despite a year-long ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. According to Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA), the strike took place in Beirut's southern suburbs, a densely populated area where Hezbollah holds sway, and caused "injuries and significant damage." NNA reported three missiles were fired at the building in the Haret Hreik area, damaging vehicles and other nearby structures.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he had given the orders for the attack. "A short while ago, in the heart of Beirut, the IDF (Israeli military) attacked the Hezbollah chief of staff, who had been leading the terrorist organisation's buildup and rearmament," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Israel is determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times,” it added. Israel has carried out near-daily strikes in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah. Sunday's strike, however, was the first on Beirut's southern suburbs since June 5, when Israel said it hit a Hezbollah drone factory. It follows an earlier strike on the southern town of Aita al-Shaab, which the Lebanese health ministry said killed one person, according to AFP.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Netanyahu insisted said that Israel would do "everything necessary" to stop Hezbollah from regrouping in Lebanon and Hamas from doing the same in Gaza. "We are continuing to strike terrorism on several fronts. This weekend, the IDF (Israeli military) struck in Lebanon, and we will continue to do everything necessary to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its threat capability against us. This is also what we are doing in the Gaza Strip. Since the ceasefire, Hamas has not stopped violating it, and we are acting accordingly," Netanyahu said as he opened a cabinet meeting.

Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Nov 23, killing one and injuring 21, targeting Hezbollah’s “chief of staff.” The attack, ordered by PM Netanyahu, marked the first strike on the area since June despite a ceasefire. Netanyahu vowed continued action against Hezbollah and Hamas.

Israel has attacked Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday (Nov 23) killing one person and injuring as many as 21. Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah's “chief of staff” in Lebanon despite a year-long ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. According to Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA), the strike took place in Beirut's southern suburbs, a densely populated area where Hezbollah holds sway, and caused "injuries and significant damage." NNA reported three missiles were fired at the building in the Haret Hreik area, damaging vehicles and other nearby structures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he had given the orders for the attack. "A short while ago, in the heart of Beirut, the IDF (Israeli military) attacked the Hezbollah chief of staff, who had been leading the terrorist organisation's buildup and rearmament," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. “Israel is determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times,” it added. Israel has carried out near-daily strikes in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah. Sunday's strike, however, was the first on Beirut's southern suburbs since June 5, when Israel said it hit a Hezbollah drone factory. It follows an earlier strike on the southern town of Aita al-Shaab, which the Lebanese health ministry said killed one person, according to AFP. Meanwhile, Netanyahu insisted said that Israel would do "everything necessary" to stop Hezbollah from regrouping in Lebanon and Hamas from doing the same in Gaza. "We are continuing to strike terrorism on several fronts. This weekend, the IDF (Israeli military) struck in Lebanon, and we will continue to do everything necessary to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its threat capability against us. This is also what we are doing in the Gaza Strip. Since the ceasefire, Hamas has not stopped violating it, and we are acting accordingly," Netanyahu said as he opened a cabinet meeting.

Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Nov 23, killing one and injuring 21, targeting Hezbollah’s 'chief of staff.' The attack, ordered by PM Netanyahu, marked the first strike on the area since June despite a ceasefire. Netanyahu vowed continued action against Hezbollah and Hamas.

Israel bombs Lebanon's Beirut, Netanyahu says Hezbollah 'chief of staff' targeted: Another war begins?

France's foreign minister said on Thursday that Paris' international conference for Lebanon raised $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian aid and military support.

“We have collectively raised $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for the security forces, that's about $1 billion,” France's foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said&nbsp;in his closing speech at the conference, which gathered over 70 nations and international organisations.

“We're up to the challenge,” Barrot said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-jaishankar-at-brics-says-disputes-and-differences-must-be-settled-by-dialogue-and-diplomacy-770414">India’s MEA Jaishankar at BRICS says disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue, diplomacy</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron had called on participants to bring “massive aid” to support the country where war between Hezbollah militants and Israel has displaced a million people, killed over 2,500, and deepened an economic crisis.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

France's foreign minister said on Thursday that Paris' international conference for Lebanon raised $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian aid and military support.

France's foreign minister said on Thursday that Paris' international conference for Lebanon raised $1 billion in pledges for humanitarian aid and military support. “We have collectively raised $800 million in humanitarian aid and $200 million for the security forces, that's about $1 billion,” France's foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said in his closing speech at the conference, which gathered over 70 nations and international organisations. “We're up to the challenge,” Barrot said. Also Read | India’s MEA Jaishankar at BRICS says disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue, diplomacy French President Emmanuel Macron had called on participants to bring “massive aid” to support the country where war between Hezbollah militants and Israel has displaced a million people, killed over 2,500, and deepened an economic crisis. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Paris international conference for Lebanon raises $1 billion in pledges: French foreign minister

A statement from the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office on Friday (September 27), said that Israel felt the need to "clarify a few points" due to widespread "misreporting around the US-led ceasefire" plan.

A statement from the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office on Friday (September 27), said that Israel felt the need to "clarify a few points" due to widespread "misreporting around the US-led ceasefire" plan. "Earlier this week, the US shared with Israel its intention to put forward, together with other international and regional partners, a ceasefire proposal in Lebanon," the statement read. "Israel shares the aims of the US-led initiative of enabling people along our northern border to return safely and securely to their homes. Israel appreciates the US efforts in this regard because the US role is indispensable in advancing stability and security in the region.," the statement added. Due to a lot of misreporting around the US-led ceasefire initiative, it is important to clarify a few points. Earlier this week, the US shared with Israel its intention to put forward, together with other international and regional partners, a ceasefire proposal in Lebanon. — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 27, 2024 × The statement from Netanyahu's office also said that the two sides (Israel and the US) had met on Thursday (September 26) and discussed "how we can advance the shared goal of returning people safely to their homes." US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York to discuss the ceasefire initiative. "The Secretary discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on the 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border proposed by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar and a diplomatic settlement that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes," the State Department said in a press release. Also read: IDF kills Hezbollah drone commander; 700 dead as conflict escalates in Lebanon According to the State Department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli minister that any further escalation of the conflict with Lebanon would complicate the return of civilians to their homes on both sides of the border. "The Secretary also discussed ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of the hostages, alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, and set the conditions for an end to the war, and underscored that all parties must make the difficult decisions necessary to reach an agreement," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu responds to 'misreporting' on US-led ceasefire plan; Blinken meets Israeli delegation in the US

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group.

 
"Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military)... struck approximately 75 terror targets" belonging to Hezbollah "in the area of Bekaa and in southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers" as well as militants and other infrastructure, the military said in a statement.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

(This is a developing story. More to follow)

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group. "Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military).

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group. "Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military)... struck approximately 75 terror targets" belonging to Hezbollah "in the area of Bekaa and in southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers" as well as militants and other infrastructure, the military said in a statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. (This is a developing story. More to follow)

Israeli military claims it hit 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.”

"You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told troops.

"This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," he is believed to have told the military.

The Israeli army chief said that the motive of this operation would be to “safely return the residents of the north," as thousands of Israelis have been evacuated from border areas.

"To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts, with underground infrastructure, staging points, and launchpads into our territory and carry out attacks on Israeli civilians," Halevi said.

"You will go in, destroy the enemy there, and decisively destroy their infrastructure.”

This comes after the Israeli military on Wednesday mobilised reserve brigades to the northern border with Lebanon for "operational missions" in the area.

<h2>India issues advisory</h2>

India on Wednesday asked its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately in view of the recent developments and escalations.

"As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian embassy in Beirut&nbsp;said in a statement.

"All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement added.

<h2>Biden warns of all-out war</h2>

US President Joe Biden, on&nbsp;Wednesday, warned of the possibility of an "all-out war" in the Middle East but said he was hopeful a settlement was still achievable for the conflict-torn region.

"An all-out war is possible," Biden said when asked about the situation. "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.” "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told troops. "This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," he is believed to have told the military. The Israeli army chief said that the motive of this operation would be to “safely return the residents of the north," as thousands of Israelis have been evacuated from border areas. "To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts, with underground infrastructure, staging points, and launchpads into our territory and carry out attacks on Israeli civilians," Halevi said. "You will go in, destroy the enemy there, and decisively destroy their infrastructure.” This comes after the Israeli military on Wednesday mobilised reserve brigades to the northern border with Lebanon for "operational missions" in the area. India issues advisory India on Wednesday asked its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately in view of the recent developments and escalations. "As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian embassy in Beirut said in a statement. "All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement added. Biden warns of all-out war US President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, warned of the possibility of an "all-out war" in the Middle East but said he was hopeful a settlement was still achievable for the conflict-torn region. "An all-out war is possible," Biden said when asked about the situation. "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel prepares for ‘possible invasion’ of Lebanon; India issues advisory

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has&nbsp;accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region.

The two countries, which remain technically at war, opened negotiations on the border dispute under US and UN auspices last month to clear the way for offshore oil and gas exploration.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-border-tensions-israel-claimed-to-have-rebelled-fighters-316483/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Lebanon has changed its stance on its maritime border with Israel seven times," Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz tweeted late Thursday.

"Its current position contradicts not only its previous one but also Lebanon's stance on its maritime border with Syria, which takes into account Lebanese islands close to the border," Steinitz said.

Earlier on Thursday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun had set out his country's position on the maritime border, which he said should be "based on the line that departs on land from the point of Ras Naqoura".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-and-israel-to-hold-un-mediated-talks-on-disputed-borders-331745">Lebanon and Israel to hold UN-mediated talks on disputed borders</a>

The demarcation should be "according to the general principle known as the median line, without taking into account any impact of the occupied Palestinian coastal islands," Aoun tweeted, referring to the Israeli coastline.

Israel and&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;launched the negotiations last month with delegations from the long-time foes convening at a UN&nbsp;base to try to agree on the border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area.

A presidency statement said Aoun instructed the Lebanese team that the demarcation line should start from the land point of Ras Naqoura as defined under a 1923 agreement and extend seaward in a trajectory that a security source said extends the disputed area to some 2,300 square km (888 sq miles) from around 860 sq km.

Israel's energy minister, overseeing the talks with&nbsp;Lebanon, said&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;had now changed its position seven times and was contradicting its own assertions.

"Whoever wants prosperity in our region and seeks to safely develop natural resources must adhere to the principle of stability and settle the dispute along the lines that were submitted by Israel and&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;at the United Nations," Yuval Steinitz said.

Any deviation, Steinitz said, would lead to a "dead end".

Last month sources said the two sides presented contrasting maps for proposed borders. They said the Lebanese proposal extended farther south than the border&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;had years before presented to the United Nations and that of the Israeli team pushed the boundary farther north than Israel's original position.

The talks, the culmination of three years of diplomacy by Washington, are due to resume in December.

Israel pumps gas from huge offshore fields but&nbsp;Lebanon, which has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters, is desperate for cash from foreign donors as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region. The two countries, which remain technically at war, opened negotiations on the border dispute under US and UN auspices last month to clear the way for offshore oil and gas exploration. "Lebanon has changed its stance on its maritime border with Israel seven times," Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz tweeted late Thursday. "Its current position contradicts not only its previous one but also Lebanon's stance on its maritime border with Syria, which takes into account Lebanese islands close to the border," Steinitz said. Earlier on Thursday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun had set out his country's position on the maritime border, which he said should be "based on the line that departs on land from the point of Ras Naqoura". Also read: Lebanon and Israel to hold UN-mediated talks on disputed borders The demarcation should be "according to the general principle known as the median line, without taking into account any impact of the occupied Palestinian coastal islands," Aoun tweeted, referring to the Israeli coastline. Israel and Lebanon launched the negotiations last month with delegations from the long-time foes convening at a UN base to try to agree on the border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area. A presidency statement said Aoun instructed the Lebanese team that the demarcation line should start from the land point of Ras Naqoura as defined under a 1923 agreement and extend seaward in a trajectory that a security source said extends the disputed area to some 2,300 square km (888 sq miles) from around 860 sq km. Israel's energy minister, overseeing the talks with Lebanon, said Lebanon had now changed its position seven times and was contradicting its own assertions. "Whoever wants prosperity in our region and seeks to safely develop natural resources must adhere to the principle of stability and settle the dispute along the lines that were submitted by Israel and Lebanon at the United Nations," Yuval Steinitz said. Any deviation, Steinitz said, would lead to a "dead end". Last month sources said the two sides presented contrasting maps for proposed borders. They said the Lebanese proposal extended farther south than the border Lebanon had years before presented to the United Nations and that of the Israeli team pushed the boundary farther north than Israel's original position. The talks, the culmination of three years of diplomacy by Washington, are due to resume in December. Israel pumps gas from huge offshore fields but Lebanon, which has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters, is desperate for cash from foreign donors as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.

'Dead end': Israel says Lebanon is changing stance on maritime border

israel-lebanon-conflict

Israel Lebanon Conflict, News on Israel Lebanon Conflict, stories on Israel Lebanon Conflict, articles on Israel Lebanon Conflict, Israel Lebanon Conflict stories at Wion, Israel Lebanon Conflict news, Israel Lebanon Conflict latest news

israel lebanon-conflict

Israel blasts massive Hezbollah tunnels, triggering 4.1-magnitude tremor in southern Lebanon

Israel-Lebanon Conflict |4 Killed, 20 Injured In Fresh Israeli Strikes; Aoun Seeks U.S. Intervention

‘Won’t withdraw’: Katz vows as Israel seizes key highland in Lebanon

Israel accused of deliberately starting wildfires in South Lebanon | Gravitas

Iran Warns Gulf States | Israel Strikes Lebanon as Hormuz Talks Continue | West Asia Crisis

Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation | Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Lebanon | GRAVITAS

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

Students' Protests Grow in India | Israel Bombards Lebanon | Russia Strikes Ukraine | Wion News

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of infiltrating hezbollah &helping target top commanders

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of betraying Hezbollah leaders

US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after 5th round of talks

Oil prices to Chabahar: How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could impact India

Why is Hezbollah's defeat in Lebanon not so easy for Israel? The Big Question

Netanyahu says Israel has 'full freedom of action' in Lebanon as first round of peace talks end

Truce under strain: Israeli strikes kill 7 in Lebanon after Iran shuts Hormuz

Israel strikes southern Lebanon despite agreeing to ceasefire: State media

Israel interceptes aerial target from Yemen as fresh strikes in Lebanon kill 14

Lebanon ceasefire unravels as Hezbollah rejects truce; Israeli strikes kill 8

Israel and Lebanon agree to implement conditional ceasefire after US-led talks

Ceasefire in name only? Israel advances deeper into Lebanon as talks continue

Israel admits damage to Lebanon religious site, charity alleges intent

Israel orders evacuation of 7 Lebanon villages; Hezbollah alleges truce breach

Israel-Lebanon ceasefire near collapse as IDF strikes Hezbollah targets

Israel kills Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem's nephew Ali Yusuf Harshi

Lebanon President Aoun slams Israel over spraying unknown chemical substance

Israel bombs Lebanon's Beirut, Hezbollah 'chief of staff' targeted

israel lebanon-conflict

Israel blasts massive Hezbollah tunnels, triggering 4.1-magnitude tremor in southern Lebanon

Israel-Lebanon Conflict |4 Killed, 20 Injured In Fresh Israeli Strikes; Aoun Seeks U.S. Intervention

‘Won’t withdraw’: Katz vows as Israel seizes key highland in Lebanon

Israel accused of deliberately starting wildfires in South Lebanon | Gravitas

Iran Warns Gulf States | Israel Strikes Lebanon as Hormuz Talks Continue | West Asia Crisis

Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation | Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Lebanon | GRAVITAS

Israel Kills Hezbollah Fighters Despite Ceasefire | UN Sounds Alarm Over Lebanon Strikes

Students' Protests Grow in India | Israel Bombards Lebanon | Russia Strikes Ukraine | Wion News

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of infiltrating hezbollah &helping target top commanders

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of betraying Hezbollah leaders

US, Israel, Lebanon sign trilateral framework agreement after 5th round of talks

Oil prices to Chabahar: How Israel-Hezbollah-Iran tensions could impact India

Why is Hezbollah's defeat in Lebanon not so easy for Israel? The Big Question

Netanyahu says Israel has 'full freedom of action' in Lebanon as first round of peace talks end

Truce under strain: Israeli strikes kill 7 in Lebanon after Iran shuts Hormuz

Israel strikes southern Lebanon despite agreeing to ceasefire: State media

Israel interceptes aerial target from Yemen as fresh strikes in Lebanon kill 14

Lebanon ceasefire unravels as Hezbollah rejects truce; Israeli strikes kill 8

Israel and Lebanon agree to implement conditional ceasefire after US-led talks

Ceasefire in name only? Israel advances deeper into Lebanon as talks continue

Israel admits damage to Lebanon religious site, charity alleges intent

Israel orders evacuation of 7 Lebanon villages; Hezbollah alleges truce breach

Israel-Lebanon ceasefire near collapse as IDF strikes Hezbollah targets

Israel kills Hezbollah chief​ Naim Qassem's nephew Ali ​Yusuf Harshi

Lebanon President Aoun slams Israel over spraying unknown chemical substance

Israel bombs Lebanon's Beirut, Hezbollah 'chief of staff' targeted

Israel kills Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem's nephew Ali Yusuf Harshi