Lebanon's Aoun Rejects Call with Netanyahu as Israel Destroys Last Southern Bridge
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has refused to hold a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejecting what Beirut views as an attempt to grant Israel a moral victory amidst ongoing hostilities. This decision follows historic exploratory talks hosted by the US in Washington, where Lebanese officials emphasized that direct communication could trigger internal instability. Concurrently, tensions escalated as the Israeli military bombed the Qasmiyeh bridge, severing the final remaining link between southern Lebanon and the rest of the country. This strike is part of a broader campaign targeting infrastructure over the Litani River, effectively isolating southern regions. The violence continues to inflict heavy civilian casualties, with recent attacks killing rescue workers and civilians, bringing the total death toll since March 2 to over 2,100. While US President Donald Trump announced the planned leadership dialogue and Israeli forces prepared for a potential ceasefire, the destruction of critical infrastructure and Aoun’s diplomatic rebuff highlight the fragile and volatile nature of current negotiations. The situation remains critical as humanitarian access is further restricted by the systematic demolition of transport networks in the conflict zone.
Wire timeline
Lebanon's Aoun Rejects Call with Netanyahu as Israel Destroys Last Southern Bridge
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has refused to hold a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejecting what Beirut views as an attempt to grant Israel a moral victory amidst ongoing hostilities. This decision follows historic exploratory talks hosted by the US in Washington, where Lebanese officials emphasized that direct communication could trigger internal instability. Concurrently, tensions escalated as the Israeli military bombed the Qasmiyeh bridge, severing the final remaining link between southern Lebanon and the rest of the country. This strike is part of a broader campaign targeting infrastructure over the Litani River, effectively isolating southern regions. The violence continues to inflict heavy civilian casualties, with recent attacks killing rescue workers and civilians, bringing the total death toll since March 2 to over 2,100. While US President Donald Trump announced the planned leadership dialogue and Israeli forces prepared for a potential ceasefire, the destruction of critical infrastructure and Aoun’s diplomatic rebuff highlight the fragile and volatile nature of current negotiations. The situation remains critical as humanitarian access is further restricted by the systematic demolition of transport networks in the conflict zone.
Section Feed