#hezbollah

US-Iran War Live Updates: Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill Over 4,000, Oman-Iran Talks Near Agreement Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 4,000 people since March 2, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, which linked the escalation to the broader regional conflict that intensified after the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. The current wave of Israeli strikes began on March 2, four days after the joint U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, and has continued amid heightened tensions across West Asia. The Israeli military maintains control over parts of southern Lebanon and continues to target villages in the region, despite ongoing diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel aimed at ending the conflict. Hezbollah, however, is not participating in the negotiations, according to reports. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have reported progress in talks between Iran and Oman, raising hopes of an agreement that could reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz and restore oil shipments disrupted by the five-month-old conflict. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Washington expects Iran and Oman to reach a deal soon, which would allow commercial oil shipments through the waterway to resume. The agreement on the management of the Strait of Hormuz could also serve as a key step toward broader efforts to end the conflict. Iranian officials have indicated that a broad framework for an agreement with Oman has been reached and is awaiting final approval from Iran’s top leadership, as reported by Al Jazeera. However, Iranian officials are seeking to place the arrangements within a broader regional security framework. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that security in the Gulf should be ensured by Gulf states themselves, rather than by foreign powers.#us #iran #hezbollah #oman #lebanon

Ali Khamenei’s Funeral Delays: A Complex Web of Religion, Politics, and Security The delayed funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has sparked widespread speculation, with religious, political, and security dimensions intertwining. Khamenei, who died in June 2024, was buried after a prolonged period, raising questions about the reasons behind the delay. This situation reflects broader tensions within Iran’s Islamic framework, where religious traditions, state interests, and external pressures collide. Religious Practices and the Concept of "Vadiya" (Temporary Burial) In Shia Islam, the prompt burial of the deceased is traditionally emphasized, with the body ideally interred within 24 hours. However, exceptions exist, particularly when circumstances necessitate a temporary placement. The term vadiya (temporary burial) refers to this practice, where the body is placed in a secure location for a period before being transferred to its final resting place. Khamenei’s family reportedly opted for vadiya, citing security concerns and the need to protect his remains from potential threats. This decision aligns with historical precedents, such as the case of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, whose body was temporarily buried in Beirut in 2024 due to ongoing conflict with Israel. Nasrallah’s funeral, held months later, became a symbolic political event, underscoring the intersection of religion and statecraft. Security and Political Implications The delay in Khamenei’s funeral has been attributed to heightened security risks, particularly in the context of Iran’s volatile regional environment. Analysts suggest that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other security agencies prioritized safeguarding his remains to prevent any potential attacks or disruptions.#iran #hezbollah #islamic_revolutionary_guard_corps #ali_khamenei #hassan_nasrallah

Iran Announces Blockade of Hormuz Strait Amid Tensions with U.S., Israel, and Hezbollah Iran has declared a blockade of the strategic Hormuz Strait, a critical waterway through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes, amid escalating tensions with the United States, Israel, and Hezbollah. The move comes days after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was announced, but clashes have since resumed, raising concerns about the stability of the region. The U.S. and its allies have responded by reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the safety of maritime traffic through the strait, while diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation continue. Iran’s Blockade and U.S. Response Iran’s announcement to block the Hormuz Strait, made by its military leadership, has sparked international alarm. The strait, located in the Persian Gulf, is vital for global energy supplies, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil passing through it. Iran’s move is seen as a direct challenge to U.S. and Western interests, particularly given the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S. over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal. The U.S. Department of Defense has dismissed Iran’s claims, stating that maritime traffic through the strait remains secure. A spokesperson for the U.S. military emphasized that "international commercial vessels continue to transit the strait safely, and the U.S. and its allies are actively monitoring the situation to prevent any disruption." The U.S. has also reiterated its support for the 14-point agreement between Iran and the U.S., which includes commitments to reduce nuclear activities and enhance regional security. Diplomatic Efforts in Switzerland In a separate development, Iran and the U.S.#iran #united_states #israel #hezbollah #hormuz_strait

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates, Threatening US-Iran Ceasefire Deal The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has intensified, with fresh violence causing significant casualties and raising concerns about the stability of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Recent clashes have resulted in at least 18 deaths in Lebanon, including civilians, and four Israeli soldiers killed, sparking outrage among Israeli officials. The escalating violence has drawn international attention, with France and other global powers urging restraint. Casualties and Escalation Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that since March 2, Israeli airstrikes have killed 3,912 people, including 746 medical workers, women, and children. Israeli forces have also suffered losses, with at least 32 soldiers and four civilians killed in the conflict. The violence has left entire communities in ruins, with Israeli military operations targeting suspected Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has retaliated with rocket attacks and guerrilla tactics, targeting Israeli civilian areas. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has called for continued resistance, framing the conflict as a defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to maintain a “security buffer” in southern Lebanon, citing the need to protect northern Israeli settlements from Hezbollah attacks. Impact on US-Iran Ceasefire Deal The conflict has cast a shadow over the recent US-Iran agreement, which aims to ease tensions and resume limited economic ties. The deal, announced in late April, includes provisions for Iran to halt its nuclear program, lift sanctions, and allow international inspections of its facilities.#iran #israel #hezbollah #lebanon #benny_gantz

Christian Leaders in Lebanon Urge Immediate Action to Prevent Israeli Attack on Historic District Líderes cristianos de la ciudad portuaria de Tiro, en el sur de Líbano, pidieron el martes a las autoridades y a la comunidad internacional que actúen con urgencia para evitar que Israel ataque el distrito cristiano de la ciudad, mientras bombardeos en vecindarios cercanos dejaron ocho muertos y decenas de heridos. El ejército israelí emitió una advertencia de evacuación para la zona, incluyendo el barrio cristiano, que hasta ahora se había mantenido al margen de los combates. Los líderes religiosos, incluido el arzobispo metropolitano George Iskandar, el metropolitano greco-ortodoxo Elias Kfoury y el archeparca Charbel Abdullah, instaron a la comunidad internacional y a los dirigentes libaneses a tomar medidas inmediatas para proteger al casco antiguo de Tiro, un área histórica y cultural de gran valor. La advertencia israelí provocó la evacuación de cientos de personas del distrito cristiano, mientras miembros de la Defensa Civil trasladaban a ancianos a zonas seguras. Autos cargados con pertenencias personales se extendían por kilómetros de la autopista costera, y el tráfico se detuvo mientras las familias intentaban llevar lo más valioso. Ali Bahar, quien viajaba con su esposa y tres hijos, expresó que “después de las advertencias en Tiro, nos fuimos. Recogimos y nos fuimos”, mientras que Hussein Darwish, en medio del embotellamiento, comentó que “nos fuimos para estar tranquilos y a salvo”. Un ataque aéreo israelí el martes en otro vecindario de Tiro mató a ocho personas y herió a 32, según el Ministerio de Salud. Los líderes cristianos destacaron que el casco antiguo no es solo una zona residencial, sino el corazón histórico y humano de Tiro, hogar de miles de civiles, incluidas familias, niños y personas mayores.#israel #hezbollah #lebanon #christian_leaders #tire

House Floor Erupts After GOP Rep Accuses Rashida Tlaib of Hezbollah Ties The House floor descended into chaos on Wednesday as Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, accused Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., of having ties to Hezbollah during a debate over a Lebanon war powers resolution. The confrontation unfolded amid heated discussions about U.S. military involvement in the region, with Miller’s allegations sparking immediate backlash from Tlaib and her allies. The incident occurred during a vote on a resolution that would compel President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Lebanon. Tlaib, a progressive member of the House Democratic Squad, argued that the measure was necessary to halt U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. However, the resolution did not explicitly mention Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization and a proxy force of Iran. Republicans seized on this omission, claiming the measure would inadvertently aid Hezbollah and that Tlaib’s supporters were acting as its proxies. Miller, who had previously criticized Tlaib’s stance on Middle Eastern conflicts, accused her of harboring ties to the terrorist group during the debate. “Hezbollah is a terrorist organization ... and its members are butchers that you like to hang out with to a certain extent,” Miller said, directly addressing Tlaib. Tlaib responded by calling the remarks an “attack on my character” and demanded that Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., the presiding chair, rule Miller’s comments out of order. Obernolte ultimately struck Miller’s remarks from the record after a prolonged delay, freezing the House floor for over an hour as lawmakers deliberated. Miller was barred from speaking further on the House floor for the remainder of Wednesday. Later, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, R-Fla.#hezbollah #rep_max_miller #rep_rashida_tlaib #rep_jay_obernolte #rep_brian_mast

Iran fires missiles at Israel after Beirut attack ‘crossed all red lines’ Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles toward Israel on Sunday, accusing the country of violating a ceasefire agreement and crossing “all red lines” by continuing its assault on southern Lebanon. The attack, which began around 10pm local time, targeted Israel’s Ramat David airbase, according to Iranian media. Israeli authorities confirmed they intercepted all incoming missiles and advised civilians to leave protected spaces after the strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) called the operation a “warning” to Israel, warning that further aggression would result in “broader and more crushing” responses. The IRGC’s statement framed the attack as retaliation for Israel’s ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon, which have persisted despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in Washington earlier this week. The IRGC accused Israel of targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, specifically the Dahiyeh area, where Hezbollah’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters is located. “If the crime in the suburbs of Beirut spreads, we will attack targets in the occupied territories,” the IRGC warned. It also threatened to escalate retaliation if Israel “expands its attacks” or responds to Iran’s actions. Israeli military strikes in Dahiyeh on Sunday afternoon killed at least two civilians and injured 11 others in a densely populated neighborhood. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed the strikes hit a Hezbollah command center. The attacks have resulted in over 3,500 deaths in Lebanon since March 2, according to Israeli officials. Iran’s military adviser to the supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaee, tweeted that Tehran had “repeatedly stated” it would not tolerate ceasefire violations or aggression against Lebanon.#iran #israel #hezbollah #benjamin_netanyahu #mohsen_rezaee

Israel and U.S. Tensions Escalate Over Lebanon Operations and Iran Peace Talks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed growing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, which have reportedly disrupted ongoing peace talks with Iran. Netanyahu acknowledged strategic differences with Trump but emphasized their shared goals in countering Iranian influence. The dispute emerged after Trump expressed frustration with Israel’s actions, which he claimed were undermining diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran. Netanyahu, speaking in an interview with CNBC, clarified that while disagreements exist regarding the approach to the conflict, both leaders agree on key objectives. He noted that their relationship remains strong despite these differences, describing them as “mutual respect” despite occasional disagreements. Netanyahu also highlighted the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, stating that Iran poses a “threat to both Israel and the United States.” The tensions escalated after Trump reportedly called Netanyahu and criticized the Israeli military operations in Lebanon. According to reports, Trump expressed frustration over how the actions in Lebanon were affecting Iran’s peace talks, which had been a priority for both nations. Netanyahu, however, maintained that the operations were necessary to counter Iranian-backed militant groups in the region. Netanyahu acknowledged that there are “strategic differences” between him and Trump, particularly on how to conclude the conflict. He noted that while their methods may vary, they share a common interest in maintaining regional stability and preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear program.#iran #hezbollah #israeli_prime_minister_benjamin_netanyahu #lebanon #u_s_president_donald_trump

Tehran suspends talks with U.S. over Israeli attacks in Lebanon, Iranian media reports Iran suspended high-stakes negotiations with the United States on Monday to protest Israel’s expanding military offensive in Lebanon, according to government-aligned media, complicating efforts to end the three-month war. The decision came amid escalating tensions as Israeli forces continued strikes in southern Lebanon, prompting Iran to halt discussions and threaten retaliatory measures. The semiofficial news agency Tasnim reported that the Iranian negotiating team would suspend “talks and the exchange of texts through mediators.” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran might retaliate if Israeli attacks in Lebanon continued. Speaking to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Ghalibaf stated, “Over the past two days, we have seriously pursued efforts to stop Israel’s attacks. If these crimes continue, we will not only suspend the negotiation process, but we will also stand against the Zionist regime.” He emphasized that any agreement between Iran and the U.S. would require a halt to attacks on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon. Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry also condemned the U.S. for its role in the conflict, stating that the country “bears direct responsibility both for the violations of the ceasefire against Iran and for the violations committed by the Zionist regime against Lebanon.” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that negotiations with Iran were continuing “at a rapid pace,” despite the suspension. Trump, who had previously expressed skepticism about the talks, told NBC News he was not informed of the decision to suspend negotiations but called it “an appropriate thing to say” because “they’re better negotiators than they are fighters.#iran #united_states #israel #hezbollah #lebanon

Trump Dismisses Iran Negotiations, Focuses on Nuclear Threat President Donald Trump expressed indifference toward the potential collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks during an interview with CNBC, stating he “didn’t care” if negotiations ended. He criticized the process as “boring” and suggested the discussions had stalled due to Iran’s reluctance to reach a deal. Trump also downplayed concerns about rising oil prices, which surged after reports indicated Iran might block the Strait of Hormuz and halt negotiations. The remarks came amid tensions over Iran’s military actions in Lebanon, where Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, had reportedly prompted Tehran to suspend talks. Trump said he planned to ask Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for updates on the situation in Lebanon, though he had not yet spoken with him directly. In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump claimed to have had a “productive call” with Netanyahu, asserting that Israel would not deploy troops to Beirut and that Hezbollah had agreed to halt attacks. Netanyahu, in a later X post, countered by stating that Israel would continue its military operations in southern Lebanon unless Hezbollah ceased attacks on Israeli cities. He emphasized that Israel’s stance on targeting terror groups in Beirut remained unchanged. Trump also addressed oil market volatility, insisting that prices would drop “like a rock” in the near future despite the spike following Iran’s reported actions. He argued that Americans would accept higher gas prices if it meant preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, calling the issue “all about” Iran’s nuclear ambitions.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #hezbollah #benjamin_netanyahu

Lebanon says Hezbollah agrees reciprocal halt to attacks on Israel Lebanon's government announced that Hezbollah has accepted a U.S.-proposed plan to halt attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel ceasing military operations in Beirut. The Lebanese embassy in Washington confirmed that Hezbollah had agreed to the mutual ceasefire, which would also extend to all of Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, stated that strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs would continue unless Hezbollah stops targeting Israeli cities and civilians. The agreement came after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he had spoken with both Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives, asserting that "all shooting will stop." Trump emphasized that Israeli forces would not attack Hezbollah, and in return, Hezbollah would not attack Israel. The U.S. president also claimed that troops heading to Beirut had been turned back, though Israeli military actions in the region had previously included strikes on "terror targets" in the southern suburbs. Iranian officials condemned the Israeli strikes, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warning that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, which took effect on April 8, was "unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon." He stated that any violation of the ceasefire in one area would invalidate the entire agreement. Meanwhile, Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran could suspend indirect negotiations with the U.S. over Israeli military actions in Lebanon, suggesting the possibility of activating other fronts, such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea. The Lebanese embassy's statement clarified that the proposed ceasefire would involve Israel halting strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in exchange for Hezbollah refraining from attacks on Israel.#us #iran #israel #hezbollah #lebanon

Iran Warns Israeli Attacks in Lebanon and Gaza Threaten US Ceasefire Talks Iranian officials have issued stark warnings that Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict in Gaza are jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire negotiations with the United States. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel and the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement, which Iran insists must apply to all fronts, including Lebanon. The Iranian government has suspended text exchanges with US counterparts through mediators, citing continued hostilities as a reason for halting talks. Iran’s chief negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, echoed these concerns, stating that the US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any ceasefire violations. He emphasized that the naval blockade of Iranian ports and Israel’s “war crimes” in Lebanon constitute direct breaches of the agreement. Ghalibaf warned that “every choice has a price,” suggesting that Iran would face repercussions if the ceasefire is not upheld. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed he had intervened to de-escalate tensions, asserting that he had secured assurances from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah that hostilities would cease. Trump stated that Israeli troops would not advance toward Beirut and that both sides would halt attacks. However, the credibility of these claims is questionable, as Hezbollah, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US, has not publicly confirmed such discussions. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran is demanding an immediate halt to Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, with Iranian officials insisting that negotiations cannot resume until their demands are met.#iran #united_states #israel #strait_of_hormuz #hezbollah

Iran Unveils High-Speed Naval Attack Craft Capable of Launching Cruise Missiles Amid Escalating Regional Tensions Iran has revealed a new high-speed naval attack vessel named “27 Rajab,” according to the semi-official Fars news agency. The craft was displayed during a ceremony in Tehran’s Enqelab Square and is reported to achieve speeds of up to 100 knots, equivalent to approximately 185 kilometers per hour. Fars described the vessel as a demonstration of Iran’s growing maritime military capabilities, noting its ability to launch long-range cruise missiles. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Washington is in a “good place” to negotiate an agreement with Iran to end the ongoing conflict. Speaking in Singapore, Hegseth emphasized that President Donald Trump would only approve a deal if it aligns with U.S. interests and global security. He also highlighted that Iran is fully aware of the conditions required for a final agreement to be reached. Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced an operation conducted at dawn on Saturday, targeting Israeli forces advancing toward Ghandouriyeh in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh district. The group claimed to have detonated explosive devices and launched rockets at the Israeli troops, resulting in injuries. Hezbollah reported that the Israeli forces were withdrawn under heavy smoke before the area was bombed from the air and by artillery fire. In retaliation for Israeli attacks, Hezbollah launched several rockets at northern Israel, specifically targeting the settlement of Kiryat Shmona, the country’s northernmost city. Israeli media reported that sirens were sounded throughout the night, with multiple rockets intercepted, according to local outlet Ynet. Hezbollah also claimed to have downed an Israeli Hermes 450 drone over the town of Zotar al-Sharqiya using a surface-to-air missile.#iran #hezbollah #tehran #fars_news_agency #enqelab_square

Hezbollah's FPV Drones and the Israeli Response The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has taken a new technological turn, with Hezbollah leveraging first-person view (FPV) drones to challenge Israeli defenses. These drones, equipped with fiber-optic connections instead of traditional radio or wireless signals, have proven difficult for Israel’s electronic warfare systems to detect, jam, or intercept. Analysts warn that this shift in tactics is reshaping the dynamics of the war, forcing Israeli forces to adapt their strategies and prioritize physical security measures. The FPV Drone Threat FPV drones, often operated by human pilots through live video feeds, allow for precise targeting of military assets. Hezbollah’s use of these drones has intensified since March 2024, following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group has deployed drones to strike Israeli border posts, including the Kiryat Shmona outpost, where footage showed multiple drones attacking armored vehicles. A verified video clip shared by BBC Verify revealed at least four FPV drones targeting Israeli military vehicles near the border. The footage showed two vehicles sustaining significant damage, while others were destroyed. Israeli media reported that one soldier was killed and six others injured in the attack. The drones’ reliance on fiber-optic cables, rather than radio signals, complicates Israel’s ability to track and neutralize them. Dr. Andreas Krieg of King’s College London noted that fiber-optic connections make drones "almost invisible" to existing electronic defense systems, as they bypass traditional jamming methods. This has forced Israeli forces to adopt more physical countermeasures, such as reinforced barriers and improved situational awareness.#iran #israel #hezbollah #lebanon #khamenei

Marco Rubio Discusses White House Incident and Middle East Tensions U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, calling the incident an “unfortunate situation” that an individual could disrupt. He described the event as reflecting the current global landscape, stating, “That’s kind of the world we live in right now.” Rubio noted that the dinner was postponed following the incident due to security considerations and the logistical challenges of re-screening attendees. Rubio also highlighted ongoing tensions with Iran, stating that the current ceasefire remains in place but expressing concerns over regional instability and threats. When asked about the main obstacle to reaching an agreement with the Iranian government, he criticized the country’s leadership, calling it “run by radical Shia clerics” and noting the internal divisions between political officials and hardline factions. He explained that U.S. negotiators are not directly engaging with Iranian leaders but must navigate internal Iranian politics, as decisions require consensus among factions. The discussion extended to the Strait of Hormuz, where Rubio warned against any arrangement granting Iran control over passage or imposing fees. He stressed that the strait is an international waterway and that allowing Iran to regulate access would set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining global maritime rules. Rubio framed the nuclear issue as the central crisis, asserting that Iran seeks to expand its regional influence through groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iraqi militias. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would significantly escalate regional threats, with its leaders aiming to “dominate the region” rather than merely Iran.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #marco_rubio #hezbollah #white_house_correspondents_dinner

Iran War Live: Ceasefire Begins in Lebanon as Trump Claims Tehran Deal Near A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect on April 17, 2026, following a significant escalation in violence that had left 2,196 Lebanese casualties by Thursday, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The agreement, announced by Lebanese officials, aims to create a temporary pause in hostilities to facilitate negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese representatives over a long-term security and peace accord. The United States State Department confirmed its support for the ceasefire, emphasizing its role in brokering talks between the two nations. The ceasefire comes amid widespread devastation in Lebanon, where displaced residents began returning to their homes in Sidon, a city heavily impacted by Israeli airstrikes. Despite the temporary pause, tensions remain high, with many Lebanese citizens expressing caution about the agreement’s permanence. The National News Agency warned that the ceasefire’s success hinges on the ability of Israeli and Lebanese officials to address deep-seated grievances, including the status of Hezbollah, which has been a central figure in the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance that a deal to end the war on Iran is “very close,” signaling potential renewed diplomatic efforts. Trump hinted at resuming negotiations with Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, as early as the weekend of April 17-18, 2026. This claim follows a recent U.S. House vote that rejected a measure aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to unilaterally escalate military actions against Iran. The vote, which passed by a narrow margin, underscores the political challenges facing any attempt to de-escalate the crisis.#israel #trump #hezbollah #lebanon #lebanon_national_news_agency

Ten-day Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon Begins Amid Uncertainty A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon officially took effect on Thursday, marking a tentative pause in the ongoing conflict. The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to provide temporary relief amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which operates within Lebanon. Despite the formal start of the truce, analysts and officials have emphasized its fragility, warning that the agreement is more of a temporary reprieve than a lasting solution. The ceasefire, which began at 22:00 BST, follows a period of intense clashes along the Lebanese border, where Israeli and Hezbollah forces exchanged artillery fire in the hours leading up to the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as a "historic opportunity" for peace, though he reiterated that a more permanent resolution would require Hezbollah to be disarmed. Netanyahu also confirmed that Israeli troops will remain in a 10-kilometer-deep "security zone" in southern Lebanon, a stance that directly contradicts Hezbollah’s demands for their withdrawal. Trump, who has been a central figure in brokering the ceasefire, expressed hope that Hezbollah would "act nicely" during the truce, calling it a "GREAT moment" for the group if they comply. However, the U.S. president’s comments have drawn criticism for their lack of specificity, as he did not elaborate on the terms of the agreement or the role of Iran in the conflict. The ceasefire is technically between Israel and Lebanon, but Hezbollah’s involvement complicates its effectiveness, as the group is deeply embedded in Lebanese politics and military affairs.#israel #donald_trump #hezbollah #benjamin_netanyahu #lebanon

Israeli Navy Chief Steps Down Amid Regional Operations and Post-Oct. 7 Assessments The head of the Israeli Navy, Vice Adm. David Saar Salama, announced his resignation on Thursday after four and a half years in command, including more than two years during the ongoing conflict. Salama, who completed 39 years of military service, handed over leadership to Vice Adm. Eyal Harel. His tenure was marked by significant operational expansion, including strikes in areas where the navy had not previously operated, as well as the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which exposed critical vulnerabilities in Israel’s military readiness. The Oct. 7 assault, in which Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, included a maritime component where terrorists infiltrated the country by sea near Zikim, killing 17 people before being intercepted. An internal navy investigation initially concluded that forces responded swiftly to prevent a larger attack, but a broader military review later deemed the probe inadequate. This assessment highlighted systemic failures in the navy’s preparedness for such threats. Since the start of the Gaza war, Israeli naval officials have reported a severe degradation of Hamas’ maritime capabilities. Most of its naval assets have been destroyed, and many operatives in its naval units have been killed or reassigned. However, officials emphasized that the threat remains active and could be rebuilt over time. In the Lebanon theater, the Israeli Navy has played a central role in operations against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group. During the conflict, including a major operation in October 2024, the navy conducted dozens of strikes that destroyed most of Hezbollah’s shore-to-sea missile arsenal. Israeli assessments now estimate that Hezbollah retains approximately 100 such missiles.#hezbollah #shayetet_13 #israeli_navy #david_saar_salama #eyal_harel

Israeli Special Forces Launch Covert Raids in Lebanon as Naval Operations Expand Israeli special forces, including Mossad and the elite Shayetet 13 unit, conducted a high-profile raid on Lebanon’s Naqoura, marking the first such operation in the country since 2000. The move, announced by the Israel Navy, reflects a broader shift in Israel’s military strategy following the October 7 massacre, which intensified efforts to disrupt enemy operations through covert and aggressive actions. The raid, part of a new approach by the IDF and navy, underscores the growing role of naval special forces in targeting adversaries behind enemy lines. The operation in Naqoura, described as a significant escalation, highlights the navy’s willingness to take calculated risks. In a separate mission, five Shayetet 13 commandos were deployed thousands of kilometers from Israel with no immediate support or rescue plan, according to the navy. This level of operational boldness signals a departure from traditional tactics, emphasizing the navy’s focus on high-impact, low-visibility strikes. The decision to target Naqoura, a strategic location along Lebanon’s southern coast, aligns with Israel’s broader efforts to disrupt Hezbollah’s capabilities and assert control over maritime zones. The navy’s collaboration with Mossad has reached new heights in recent years, with joint operations targeting key Iranian and Hezbollah figures. Israeli Naval Intelligence was directly involved in the killing of Iranian Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri, as well as facilitating IAF attacks against Iranian naval assets, including submarine-related sites. These operations have expanded to include direct involvement in eliminating senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force officials linked to Hezbollah.#hezbollah #mossad #israel_navy #shayetet_13 #iran_navy

Israel and Lebanon Ceasefire Talks Begin Amid Escalating Conflict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his government has directed cabinet members to initiate ceasefire talks with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” a day after Israel launched its most extensive attacks yet on the neighboring country. The strikes, which killed at least 300 people and injured 1,150, marked a significant escalation in the conflict. Netanyahu’s statement, posted on X in Hebrew, came amid repeated calls from Beirut for direct negotiations, though analysts caution that Israel’s continued military actions could undermine peace talks between the United States and Iran set to begin in Pakistan on Saturday. The attacks, which occurred without prior warnings, followed the announcement of a ceasefire in the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28. Despite the pause in hostilities, Israeli strikes persisted in Lebanon on Friday, albeit at a reduced pace. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, responded by launching missile attacks into Israel. Experts suggest that Wednesday’s attacks were strategically aimed at disrupting Tehran’s ceasefire negotiations with Washington, as Iran has emphasized that halting attacks on both Iran and Lebanon would be a prerequisite for any talks. The conflict has displaced over one million people in Lebanon, with thousands of civilians killed. Israel claims its operations in southern Lebanon are targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, but the humanitarian toll has been severe. The Israeli military’s 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982, which preceded the formation of Hezbollah as a resistance movement, has left a lasting impact.#iran #hezbollah #israeli_prime_minister_benjamin_netanyahu #lebanese_prime_minister_joseph_aoun #israeli_army_chief_eyal_zamir