Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire for 45 days and begin expanded talks toward a political settlement, the US said. The deal followed two days of meetings in Washington and negotiations scheduled for early June. But violence continued: Israel carried out new strikes, insisting they were not covered by the truce, including an attack on a Hezbollah-linked medical center in southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials reported deaths, injuries, and renewed displacement, while the UN warned of an “unacceptable” civilian toll.
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days after two days of negotiations in Washington, where US facilitation helped both sides lock in more talks. The extension, announced by the US State Department, keeps hostilities paused in southern Lebanon as the April 16 cessation was set to expire. Officials say discussions aim to progress beyond decades of tension: a new Pentagon-led security track begins May 29, while political negotiations are set for June 2–3.
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A senior U.S. admiral told a Senate committee that American bombings have dramatically reduced Iran’s ability to threaten neighbors and U.S. interests. Admiral Brad Cooper said Iran’s defense industry has been set back by roughly 90%, and that Tehran can no longer transfer arms and other resources to major regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas in Gaza. He also declined to directly respond to reports suggesting Iran still retains missile and drone capabilities.
Hezbollah says it carried out a targeted drone attack on Israeli soldiers near Misgav Am in northern Israel, after repeated Israeli strikes hit Lebanon. Both sides reported exchanges of fire, while Israeli forces carried out extensive strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanese authorities also reported casualties from the attacks as tensions continue to escalate.
Israel’s military has urged residents in nine southern Lebanon villages to evacuate immediately, warning people to stay at least 1,000 metres from populated areas as attacks on Hezbollah are expected. The move comes despite a Lebanon truce meant to halt fighting, raising fresh fears of escalation along the border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel eliminated a Hezbollah Radwan force commander in Beirut, calling it a message to Israel’s enemies that “no terrorist is immune.” In a video released by his office, Netanyahu framed the strike as a direct warning: anyone threatening Israel’s state would face death for their actions.
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Israel says it killed a Hezbollah commander in a strike on Beirut, the first such attack on the city since a ceasefire agreed last month. The move has reportedly raised fresh pressure on the fragile truce. Israel continues operations in southern Lebanon while Hezbollah counters with drone and rocket fire targeting Israeli soldiers.
Israel carried out an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday, the first since an April 17 ceasefire was announced. The attack reportedly targeted a Hezbollah Radwan Force commander and comes amid continued fighting in southern Lebanon. Earlier in April, Israel hit Beirut in major strikes, but this unannounced suburban attack signals a fresh escalation in the conflict.
Hezbollah is taking heavy casualties and losing territory in its conflict with Israel, even as domestic opposition grows at home. The group is trying to tilt the outcome through its alliance with Iran. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s government is pushing for direct talks with Israel—something Hezbollah strongly rejects—leaving the region in a tense cycle of continued exchanges of fire.
Hezbollah has vowed to disrupt Lebanon-Israel peace talks, with a lawmaker saying the group will not implement any agreements. The remarks come despite a ceasefire, as Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon. Negotiations—meant to end decades of conflict and secure an Israeli withdrawal—are now strained by Hezbollah’s demand for guarantees against future attacks.
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Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least seven people on Saturday, even as a ceasefire has been in place since April 17. Villages including Kfar Dajal, Lwaizeh and Shoukin were reportedly hit. The Israeli military carried out about 50 airstrikes in 24 hours, while Hezbollah said drones attacked Israeli troops, as fighting persists along the border.
Hezbollah is deploying inexpensive fibre-optic drones in southern Lebanon, using a hard-to-detect approach against Israeli forces. Israel has acknowledged casualties linked to these attacks, signaling a strategic pivot by Hezbollah toward cheaper, more elusive technology. In response, Israel is bolstering defenses and reviewing drone-related lessons from the Ukraine war to counter the evolving threat.
Hezbollah has introduced small fiber-optic, wire-controlled drones in the latest clashes with Israel, focusing on northern areas. Unlike conventional drones vulnerable to electronic jamming, these “dental floss” cables keep control linked to the operator, making interception far harder. The technology has reportedly been used in the war in Ukraine, raising concerns about a new escalation.
The Israeli military says it killed three Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon and struck infrastructure north of the “Yellow Line” as operations broaden. It also reported one soldier was lightly wounded and evacuated. Israel says its actions aim to dismantle Hezbollah’s operational sites and neutralize threats in the region.
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Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon that Hezbollah’s refusal to engage in direct dialogue could lead to catastrophic consequences. He framed the warning as a high-stakes escalation risk, pointing to the long, fraught history between the countries since 1948 and underscoring how a breakdown in communication could worsen tensions.
Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem said the group will not hold direct talks with Israel, reiterating a stance of continued resistance. At the same time, the Israeli military reported strikes in Southern Lebanon aimed at what it described as imminent threats and Hezbollah infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah’s moves are eroding a ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s actions are putting Lebanon’s recently extended three-week ceasefire at risk. Israel has been striking targets in southern Lebanon almost daily, intercepting drones and issuing evacuation orders for villages. Lebanon reported seven deaths from Israeli strikes on Saturday, as Netanyahu promised a vigorous response against the Iran-backed group.
Israel launched fresh strikes in Lebanon’s Khiam and Yohmor al-Shaqif even after a ceasefire extension was announced. The renewed attacks come following exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters, with Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon reported to have killed at least six people. Hezbollah retaliated by targeting an Israeli armoured personnel carrier, raising fears of further escalation.
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A fragile lull is taking hold across the Middle East as conditional ceasefires follow recent fighting. Yet millions remain displaced and fear renewed strikes. Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas may be weakened but still active, while Israel faces growing pressure to prove military gains. The US is pushing for a nuclear deal and broader regional peace, but tension around the Strait of Hormuz keeps risk high.
Despite a newly announced three-week extension of a Lebanon ceasefire by Donald Trump, Israel and Hezbollah continued exchanging strikes. Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon reportedly caused casualties, while Hezbollah targeted an Israeli armored personnel carrier. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of sabotage, underscoring how quickly the ceasefire arrangement is being challenged on the ground.
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