Beirut

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has traveled to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, seeking his pressure to compel a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The visit comes amid internal Lebanese divisions over direct talks with Israel, with Hezbollah opposing both negotiations and disarmament. Israel has begun a gradual withdrawal from two 'pilot zones' as part of a US-brokered agreement, with Lebanese army units moving into Sawtar al-Gharbia. Aoun plans to present a written proposal for his army to secure Hezbollah's weapons arsenal, believing only Trump has the influence to restore Lebanese sovereignty. The article highlights the ongoing Israeli occupation of 60 villages, displacement of 700,000 people, and continued demolitions by Israeli forces.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:50 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urgently called on the United States to pressure Israel to halt ongoing military operations and home demolitions in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire declared in April. With the death toll reaching 2,869 since March and 1.2 million displaced, hostilities persist as Israel maintains a security zone against Hezbollah. Washington is set to host indirect talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives in mid-May. The crisis highlights deep regional tensions, internal Lebanese divisions regarding Hezbollah, and stalled diplomatic efforts involving Iran.

85 reports · 48 sources · Updated Jun 4, 01:37 PM UTC

The US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has effectively collapsed, leading to a severe escalation in violence across southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have killed hundreds since the truce began, with recent days seeing over 50 deaths in 24 hours, including medical workers. Hezbollah has retaliated with drone and rocket attacks into Israel. The conflict has displaced over one million civilians and caused nearly 2,900 total deaths since March. Despite ongoing diplomatic talks in Washington, the humanitarian crisis deepens as both sides accuse each other of violating international law and ceasefire terms.

86 reports · 29 sources · Updated Jul 6, 08:35 PM UTC

Hamas has called for direct negotiations with Fatah to establish a unified Palestinian national strategy, coinciding with the start of Fatah's eighth general conference. The appeal comes as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was re-elected as the leader of Fatah during the opening day of the three-day event held primarily in Ramallah, with parallel sessions in Gaza, Cairo, and Beirut. Hossam Badran, a senior Hamas official, described the conference as an opportunity to shift internal relations and enhance readiness against Israeli plans, which he accused of seeking to liquidate the Palestinian cause. He urged Fatah to rise above past disagreements to focus on collective responsibility amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The two factions have been divided since 2007, but recent intensification of conflict and discussions on post-war governance have renewed unity efforts. Israel currently controls significant portions of Gaza and is pursuing legislative moves in the West Bank, adding urgency to the call for political coordination between the rival groups.

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Lebanon's Economy Minister Amer Bisat describes the economic impact of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran as existential for the country. Already grappling with a severe financial crisis since 2019 that devastated its banking system and currency, Lebanon faces compounded woes from the recent conflict. The war, which included Israeli strikes on Hezbollah and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered sharp inflation, widespread job losses, and a collapse in tourism. Minister Bisat estimates the war has caused an economic loss equivalent to 7% of Lebanon's GDP. Approximately 1.2 million people have been displaced, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, exacerbating poverty levels that already affect half the population. Local businesses, from retail stores to restaurants, are shutting down or struggling due to soaring costs, supply chain disruptions, and reduced consumer spending. The situation is further aggravated by unregulated markets prone to price gouging and a fragile infrastructure reliant on expensive diesel generators. This new shock threatens to undo any potential recovery from previous crises, leaving the nation in a precarious state with little immediate hope for rebuilding or economic stabilization.

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This article reviews three newly released books across different genres. First, 'Sobhiyé' by Franco-Lebanese poet Gracia Bejjani is a debut novel set in 1970s Beirut. It explores the intimate experiences of women in the Christian neighborhood of Achrafieh, focusing on their complicity in resisting war and patriarchal structures. Second, American author Lisa Gardner releases 'Twelve Years Later,' a thriller featuring investigator Frankie Elkin. Although considered less gripping than previous works, the plot follows Elkin as she assists a condemned serial killer in finding his sister on an atoll near Honolulu. Finally, 'Vaillantes,' a graphic novel by Cécile Becq and Emilie Chazerand, is highlighted. Set in the summer of 1936 during the introduction of paid holidays in France, it depicts an unlikely friendship between a wealthy American woman and a peasant girl, addressing themes of social boundaries, sorority, and freedom. The reviews provide publication details, including page counts and prices, offering readers a curated selection of contemporary literary and graphic works.

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Faris Ferhat, a Lebanese man from Arabsalim in southern Lebanon, recounted the traumatic loss of his two sons, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren following an Israeli air strike on May 13. The attack occurred despite a ceasefire agreement that had been extended by US President Donald Trump. Ferhat survived because he was outside watering seedlings when Israeli warplanes targeted his home, which was completely destroyed. He described searching through debris in pitch darkness, initially mistaking his grandchild's body for a toy. One grandson died at the scene, while another was seriously injured and hospitalized in Beirut. Ferhat stated he 'saw hell with his own eyes,' emphasizing the indescribable pain and lasting psychological impact of the event. This incident highlights ongoing violence in the region, where the Lebanese government reports over 1 million displaced persons and approximately 2,900 deaths since March 2. Despite diplomatic efforts to maintain peace, Israeli attacks and Hezbollah retaliations continue, violating the temporary truce and causing further civilian casualties and destruction in southern Lebanon.

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Lebanon's severe economic crisis has been significantly worsened by the 2024 war between Israel and Hezbollah, resulting in approximately $11 billion in additional losses, according to the World Bank. This compounds an existing $70 billion loss in the financial sector since 2019, which had already plunged half the population into poverty. Economy Minister Amer Bisat estimates the war caused a 7% drop in GDP due to business closures, job losses, and a collapse in tourism. The conflict has displaced 1.2 million people, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, further straining resources. Inflation is soaring as global tensions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, drive up fuel and import costs. With the Lebanese pound losing over 90% of its value and electricity shortages persisting, citizens face existential economic challenges. Local businesses, such as Ayman al-Zain’s destroyed clothing store, struggle to rebuild amidst high prices and security fears. The situation represents a major shock to an already fragile economy plagued by years of corruption and mismanagement.

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Israel is actively preparing for the possibility that the United States may resume military hostilities against Iran, following President Donald Trump's upcoming discussions in Washington. While Trump considers options ranging from renewed negotiations to limited surgical strikes or 'Project Freedom' operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Israeli military and intelligence divisions are updating a joint 'target bank' with US Central Command. Israel aims to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities and missile arrays, viewing them as existential threats. However, the US remains cautious about involving Israel directly, fearing that Israeli participation could trigger widespread Iranian missile retaliation and prolonged regional conflict. Additionally, any renewal of fighting against Iran would significantly impact the situation in Lebanon. Israel intends to seek American approval to renew attacks on Hezbollah targets in Beirut, citing increased drone threats, though Washington has previously restrained such actions to avoid further escalation. Despite these preparations, diplomatic channels remain open, with Trump reportedly willing to exhaust negotiation opportunities before committing to military action.

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The United States is currently hosting the third round of diplomatic talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington, aiming to establish a sustainable ceasefire and a path forward for Lebanon. These negotiations occur against a backdrop of continuing Israeli military attacks on Lebanese territory, which persist despite previous ceasefire agreements. A significant obstacle to the peace process is the staunch opposition from Hezbollah, which has rejected participation in the Washington meetings. The discussions seek to address decades of conflict and instability in the region. Al Jazeera’s program features analysis from security expert Ali Rizk, former US State Department official Jennifer Gavito, and distinguished fellow Rami Khouri. They examine the strategic objectives of the US in facilitating these talks and evaluate the potential for achieving a lasting resolution. The core tension remains between diplomatic efforts in Washington and the ongoing violence on the ground, raising questions about the efficacy of the current negotiation framework without the involvement of key regional actors like Hezbollah.

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For the first time in ten years, the Palestinian Fatah party is holding a congress to reorganize its leadership structures, including the Revolutionary Council and Central Committee. While President Mahmoud Abbas, aged 90, is expected to be re-elected chairman by acclamation, the event raises questions about his potential successor and the future direction of Palestinian politics. Abbas has promised elections within a year of the Gaza war's end, aiming for a democratic state adhering to international law. However, recent local elections were criticized as undemocratic due to tribal influences and lack of competition. Observers note that while Fatah remains the dominant political force, internal dissent and criticism of Abbas’s autocratic style persist. The congress, attended by approximately 2,600 delegates across Ramallah, Gaza City, Cairo, and Beirut, aims to renew the party’s bloodline and respond to the critical situation following the Gaza conflict. Despite calls for peaceful resistance, analysts doubt substantive change, suggesting the move primarily strengthens Abbas’s inner circle while marginalizing opponents within a rigid political system.

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Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has announced that Lebanon intends to pursue legal action against Israel for alleged war crimes and acts of aggression committed on Lebanese soil. In an interview with Ad-Diyar newspaper, Berri emphasized that authorities are meticulously documenting all incidents involving Israeli occupying forces. The stated goal is to hold those responsible accountable both legally and politically for the destruction of cities and villages, the demolition of civilian homes, and the injuries inflicted upon the Lebanese people. Berri highlighted the necessity of exposing these atrocities to ensure justice. This announcement follows his earlier condemnation on May 2 of Israeli assaults on Muslim and Christian holy sites in southern Lebanon, where he urged local authorities to take decisive action. The statement underscores escalating diplomatic and legal tensions between the two nations, with Lebanon focusing on international legal mechanisms to address the humanitarian and structural damage caused by recent military engagements. The move signals a strategic shift towards formal judicial proceedings alongside political rhetoric.

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Lebanon has officially reopened the Cinematheque Libanaise, a national archive dedicated to preserving the country's rich cinematic history, despite enduring nearly three years of ongoing hostilities. The reopening ceremony took place at the National Library in Beirut and was attended by Lebanese Minister of Culture Ghassan Salame. Alongside the archive's revival, an exhibition featuring a collection of Lebanese film archives was opened to the public. Originally founded in 1999 by former Minister Mohammed Youssef Baydoun following UNESCO's designation of Beirut as the Arab Cultural Capital, the Cinematheque had been shut down for nearly a decade due to bureaucracy and corruption. This initiative aims to safeguard Lebanon's audiovisual heritage, which includes significant contributions from the industry's peak in the 1950s and 1960s with icons like Fairuz and Sabah. Previous attempts to preserve this history, such as Maurice Akl's collection, were destroyed during the civil war. Since the archive's closure, independent entities like Metropolis Cinema Association have worked to maintain film heritage. The reopening represents a crucial cultural effort to protect Lebanon's cinematic memory against the backdrop of current regional instability and past destruction.

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Iran’s leadership is deeply fractured over whether to pursue diplomatic negotiations or escalate military conflict with the United States. While White House leaks suggest imminent deal prospects, hardline generals within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) dominate decision-making following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pragmatists, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, advocate for preserving ceasefires and rerouting trade through land borders to mitigate severe economic damage caused by naval blockades and infrastructure bombardment. Conversely, IRGC head Ahmad Vahidi represents hardliners who believe resistance is vital, arguing that war could suppress internal unrest and rally support. The situation is exacerbated by Iran’s establishment of a new authority demanding payments in rials for Strait of Hormuz passage, threatening regional stability. With Israel striking Beirut and US forces attacking Iranian tankers, the risk of renewed fighting remains high. The power struggle between economic pragmatists seeking survival through smuggling and trade diversification, and ideological hawks prepared for total war, defines Tehran’s current strategic ambiguity, leaving the region on edge regarding potential closures of key waterways and further attacks on Gulf cities.

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Lebanon is set to demand an immediate ceasefire from Israel during high-level face-to-face talks in Washington, according to a senior Lebanese official. These negotiations, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, mark the third meeting between the two sides since hostilities reignited on March 2, despite a U.S.-backed truce declared in April that is due to expire soon. The Lebanese delegation, led by Presidential Special Envoy Simon Karam, will attend despite strong objections from Hezbollah, which continues to exchange fire with Israeli forces. Israel’s team includes Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin and senior military representatives. The talks occur amidst escalating violence, with recent Israeli strikes killing 22 people in Lebanon, while Hezbollah claims attacks on Israeli troops. Key Lebanese demands include implementing a ceasefire, securing a timetable for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and releasing Lebanese prisoners. This diplomatic effort runs parallel to broader U.S.-Iran conflict mediation, as Iran links ending the Lebanon war to wider regional deals. The meetings represent the highest-level contact between Beirut and Tel Aviv in decades, reflecting significant internal political divisions in Lebanon regarding Hezbollah’s role and disarmament.

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Lebanon is set to demand an immediate ceasefire from Israel during high-level face-to-face talks in Washington, scheduled for Thursday and Friday. This diplomatic push comes as cross-border hostilities between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel continue, despite a U.S.-backed truce declared on April 16 that is due to expire soon. The upcoming meetings mark the third round of negotiations since fighting reignited on March 2 and represent the highest-level contact between the two nations in decades. Lebanon’s delegation, led by Presidential Special Envoy Simon Karam, will include broader representation than previous sessions, reflecting President Joseph Aoun’s commitment to securing a security agreement and Israeli withdrawal. Conversely, Israel insists on Hezbollah’s disarmament as a fundamental condition for peace. Tensions remain high, with recent Israeli strikes killing 22 people in Lebanon, including eight children, while Hezbollah attacks have injured Israeli civilians. The mediation efforts are occurring parallel to broader diplomacy aimed at resolving the wider U.S.-Iran conflict, with Iran linking an end to the Lebanon war to any potential deal. Both sides are expanding their delegations, signaling the critical nature of these negotiations amidst ongoing violence and significant humanitarian displacement in southern Lebanon.

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Despite ongoing peace negotiations in Washington, Israeli military attacks in Lebanon have resulted in 22 deaths, including eight children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Israeli forces targeted approximately 40 locations in southern and eastern Lebanon, utilizing drones to strike vehicles and residential areas. The Israeli military justified these actions as necessary measures against Hezbollah infrastructure, while simultaneously ordering residents from additional villages to evacuate. Concurrently, Hezbollah continues to shell Israeli targets. The UN peacekeeping mission, Unifil, has criticized both parties for endangering its personnel and positions near Naqura. Since the nominal ceasefire began on April 17, at least 393 people have been killed in Lebanon, bringing the total death toll to nearly 3,000. The conflict has caused significant destruction, with over 50,000 houses damaged or destroyed. This violence persists even as Israeli and Lebanese representatives engage in a third round of direct peace talks in Washington, mediated by the United States. The escalation follows earlier hostilities linked to broader regional tensions involving Iran, highlighting the fragility of the current diplomatic efforts amidst continued military operations and humanitarian crises.

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Despite ongoing peace negotiations in Washington, Israeli military attacks in Lebanon have killed 22 people, including eight children, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Israeli forces targeted approximately 40 locations in southern and eastern Lebanon, striking vehicles and residential areas, while Hezbollah continued rocket fire into Israel. The violence persists despite a ceasefire agreement established on April 17, which has failed to halt hostilities. Since the truce began, at least 393 people have been killed by Israeli actions, bringing the total death toll to 2,896. The UN peacekeeping mission, Unifil, criticized both Hezbollah for drone activities near its headquarters and Israel for military proximity to UN positions. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government reports over 50,000 homes destroyed, reflecting an Israeli strategy to clear border villages. Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated plans to permanently occupy areas south of the Litani River. As diplomats meet for the third round of direct talks in Washington, mediated by US President Donald Trump, the gap between diplomatic efforts and ground realities remains stark, with both sides violating the terms of previous UN resolutions and ceasefire agreements.

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The Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah) is convening its eighth general congress on May 14, 2026, five years after it was originally scheduled. This gathering, described as a 'quiet battle' for the movement's future, involves approximately 2,580 delegates meeting across Ramallah, Gaza, Cairo, and Beirut to address geographical fragmentation. The primary agenda includes electing the 18-member Central Committee and the 80-member Revolutionary Council. However, critics accuse the leadership of engineering outcomes by selecting loyalists from the Palestinian Authority's security and civil services, thereby suppressing democratic debate. A central underlying issue is the succession of 90-year-old President Mahmoud Abbas, with analysts suggesting the congress aims to install a loyalist circle to manage the transition. The event occurs against the backdrop of Israel’s devastating war in Gaza and systematic annexation efforts in the West Bank. Experts remain skeptical that the congress will yield a breakthrough political strategy or restore legitimacy, noting Fatah’s transformation from a liberation movement into a bureaucracy dependent on functional loyalty. The international community’s demand for a revitalized Palestinian Authority to manage post-war Gaza adds further pressure to this volatile juncture in Palestinian history.

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Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold new peace negotiations in Washington as their current ceasefire nears expiration. Despite the truce, violence has escalated, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting 22 deaths, including eight children, from intensified Israeli airstrikes on the eve of the talks. Over 400 people have died during the ceasefire period, which began in April. The upcoming discussions aim to consolidate the ceasefire and address security concerns, though key US figures like President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend due to other commitments. Instead, US ambassadors to Israel and Lebanon, along with aides, will mediate. Lebanon seeks an end to hostilities, while Israel insists on disarming Hezbollah. Tensions remain high as Hezbollah continues retaliatory attacks following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged regarding a alleged secret visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, which both Israel and the UAE denied. The conflict continues to destabilize the region and impact the global economy.

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The death toll resulting from recent Israeli military attacks in Lebanon has increased to 22, marking a significant escalation in regional hostilities. The strikes, which targeted areas including Beirut, have drawn international attention and concern regarding the widening conflict. Concurrently, reports from the United States indicate that Iran retains the majority of its mobile missile launchers and arsenal, suggesting that its military capabilities remain largely intact despite ongoing tensions. In response to the deteriorating security situation, Tehran has formally called upon Washington to accept a proposed plan aimed at ending the war. This diplomatic move highlights the complex interplay between military actions and political negotiations in the region. The situation underscores the persistent volatility in the Middle East, with potential implications for broader regional stability. As casualties mount, the pressure on international mediators to facilitate a ceasefire or de-escalation strategy intensifies. The divergence between the immediate humanitarian impact in Lebanon and the strategic military assessments regarding Iran's capabilities presents a challenging landscape for diplomatic resolution efforts led by Western powers.

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The death toll resulting from Israeli military attacks in Lebanon has risen to 22, according to recent reports. Despite an existing ceasefire agreement, the Israeli military conducted a series of drone strikes across various regions of Lebanon on May 13, 2026. In Beirut, specifically in the Saadiyat area south of the capital, an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) targeted vehicles, leaving one completely burnt and unusable. Emergency responders, including firefighters and soldiers, secured the scene and conducted inspections. In total, seven vehicles were targeted in different areas since the early hours of the morning. Concurrently, broader geopolitical tensions persist, with US reports indicating that Iran retains most of its mobile launchers and missiles. Tehran has called on Washington to accept its proposed plan to end the ongoing war. The incident highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and the continued volatility in the region, as violent engagements continue despite diplomatic efforts and agreements aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and Lebanese factions.

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Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon commenced in Washington on Thursday, occurring just one day after a significant escalation in Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon. Despite a truce that has been in effect since April 17, the Israeli military intensified its bombardment on Wednesday, resulting in at least 22 deaths, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The strikes targeted over 30 locations, primarily focusing on vehicles and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including areas near Beirut, Saida, Tyre, and villages such as Arabsalim and Roumin. Among the victims were several children and women. The Israeli Defense Forces stated they were targeting Hezbollah terrorist infrastructures following evacuation orders for specific villages. Since the truce began, more than 400 people have been killed and over 10,000 homes damaged or destroyed. These talks, mediated by the United States, proceed despite strong opposition from Hezbollah. Concurrently, regional tensions remain high with reports of a ship being boarded off the UAE coast and heading toward Iranian waters, highlighting the broader instability in the Middle East.

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Israeli drone strikes targeted vehicles on a coastal highway south of Beirut, killing eight people, including two children, in a significant escalation beyond the main southern conflict zone. The attack, occurring near Jiyeh approximately 20 kilometers from the capital, involved three separate airstrikes and follows similar incidents in the area earlier in the week. While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not immediately commented, the strike highlights ongoing tensions as ceasefire negotiations are set to resume in Washington under US State Department oversight. Hezbollah remains opposed to formal talks between Israel and Lebanon. Concurrently, the IDF has issued forced displacement orders for residents of six villages in southern Lebanon, warning that staying puts lives at risk. Reports indicate that at least 380 people have died during the current truce period, bringing the total death toll since the conflict began in March to over 2,800. Iran continues to insist that the Lebanon conflict be included in any final ceasefire deal with Washington, though talks remain stalled. This event underscores the fragility of the current security situation and the humanitarian crisis affecting civilian populations in both southern and central Lebanon.

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Amid ongoing tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict, significant diplomatic and military developments have emerged. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Iran is developing a new protocol to charge international shipping for safety services in the Strait of Hormuz, ending decades of free provision. This move aims to cover costs incurred for securing navigation in the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, a diplomatic dispute arose after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claimed he secretly visited the United Arab Emirates to meet President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing it as a historic breakthrough. The UAE Foreign Ministry firmly denied these reports, stating no such visit or military delegation reception occurred. On the military front, Israeli airstrikes targeted seven vehicles in Lebanon, including three on a highway south of Beirut. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that twelve people were killed in the attacks, including a woman and her two children. These events highlight the expanding regional implications of the conflict, affecting both diplomatic relations among Gulf states and civilian safety in neighboring Lebanon.

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Israeli airstrikes intensified across Lebanon on Wednesday, killing at least 22 people, including eight children, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attacks targeted approximately 40 locations in southern and eastern Lebanon, including strikes on vehicles near Beirut and villages in the south. This escalation occurred on the eve of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, brokered by the United States. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, remains strongly opposed to the talks, with its leader warning of fierce resistance. Despite a ceasefire announced in April by US President Donald Trump, violence has persisted, resulting in over 400 deaths since the truce began. Israel asserts its right to act against imminent threats under the ceasefire terms, citing operations against Hezbollah infrastructure. Meanwhile, UNIFIL expressed growing concern over drone activities and clashes near peacekeeper positions. Lebanon has requested US pressure to halt strikes before the upcoming diplomatic sessions, aiming for a historic breakthrough amidst ongoing hostilities that have claimed over 2,800 lives since March.

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Israel intensified airstrikes on Lebanon on May 13, 2026, killing at least 12 people in attacks targeting vehicles, primarily south of Beirut. The strikes occurred just one day before scheduled US-brokered negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, despite an existing ceasefire agreement. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that eight people, including two children, died in three separate strikes on cars along the coastal highway near Jiyeh, while additional fatalities were recorded in Sidon and the Tyre district. Since the truce began in mid-April, over 400 people have been killed in Lebanon, and more than 10,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, according to local officials. Israel stated it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and weapon storage sites, asserting its right to act against imminent threats under ceasefire terms. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed to have ambushed Israeli troops and launched drone attacks. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed growing concern over increased military activities and drone usage near its positions, which endanger peacekeepers. These escalations highlight the fragility of the current truce as diplomatic efforts continue.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah terror infrastructure in southern Lebanon, targeting weapons storage facilities, operational centers, and ready-to-fire rocket launchers. According to an IDF statement, these sites were utilized to facilitate attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilian areas. The strikes resulted in twelve fatalities, including two children, as reported by Lebanon's Health Ministry via Reuters. This military action serves as a countermeasure to a recent surge in Hezbollah suicide drone and rocket attacks over the past month. Concurrently, tensions have escalated diplomatically after Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared the group’s refusal to surrender and called for an immediate end to direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Qassem asserted that Hezbollah remains committed to the battlefield, rejecting any return to pre-March 2 conditions and accusing Israel and the US of seeking to annex Lebanon. The conflict continues to intensify along the border, with Israeli operations extending beyond the southern theater to include drone strikes on vehicles near Beirut.

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Israel intensified military strikes in Lebanon, killing 12 people, including children, in attacks targeting vehicles across the country. The incidents occurred just before a new round of direct negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv, mediated by the United States in Washington. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that three strikes near the coastal highway south of Beirut resulted in eight deaths, while additional attacks in Sidon and the Tyre district killed four others. These raids took place despite an April ceasefire agreement, under which Israel reserves the right to act against imminent threats. Since the ceasefire began, over 400 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli actions. Hezbollah continues to oppose direct talks under fire and has escalated drone attacks against Israeli troops operating within a declared 'yellow line' zone. Meanwhile, Lebanese civil defense forces mourned personnel killed in previous strikes. Veteran diplomat Simon Karam is set to lead the Lebanese delegation in the upcoming talks, as Washington seeks a diplomatic breakthrough amidst ongoing hostilities that have claimed more than 2,800 lives since March.

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Israeli drone strikes targeted seven vehicles across Lebanon on May 13, 2026, resulting in the deaths of 12 people, including a woman and her two children. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that three of these attacks occurred on the main highway south of Beirut, while others hit areas near Sidon and deeper in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military stated the operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and followed evacuation orders issued to residents of six southern villages. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire established on April 17, cross-border fire continues, with Hezbollah also launching drone attacks against Israeli forces. Amidst this escalation, Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold another round of direct talks in Washington on May 14, 2026. The Trump administration is actively pushing for a diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations, which have technically remained in a state of war since 1948. This violence underscores the fragility of the current truce and the ongoing humanitarian risks faced by civilians in the region as diplomatic efforts proceed simultaneously with military engagements.

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