#hezbollah

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

Iran Rejects Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict and Coordinated Attacks on Israel Iran’s rejection of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal on April 6, 2026, has intensified tensions in the region, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to strike Iranian energy infrastructure if a deal is not reached by April 7. The proposed agreement, brokered by Pakistan, called for an immediate pause in hostilities and negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran’s counterproposal demanded a permanent ceasefire across the broader region, including an end to Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the lifting of sanctions. U.S. officials dismissed Iran’s demands as “maximalist,” while Trump criticized the offer as “not good enough,” further complicating diplomatic efforts. The rejection of the ceasefire proposal has raised concerns about the likelihood of a breakthrough before Trump’s deadline. Iranian state media reported that Tehran’s counterproposal included 10 demands, including a “protocol for safe passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, which may imply Iran seeks to regulate maritime traffic as leverage. The U.S. has maintained its threat to strike Iranian energy facilities and bridges, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the U.S. would conduct its largest strikes since the war began on April 6, escalating pressure on Iran. Meanwhile, coordinated attacks by Iran, Hezbollah, and the Houthis on Israel on April 6 highlighted the strategic calculus of the conflict. The attacks, which triggered Israeli air defenses across multiple regions, appeared to be timed to maximize psychological impact despite Iran’s limited capacity for large-scale strikes. Iran launched two ballistic missiles targeting central Israel, with at least one containing a cluster munition warhead.#pakistan #iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #hezbollah

Iran War Live Updates: Strikes Pummel Tehran, Trump’s Final Deadline Looms U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions by threatening to destroy Iran’s bridges and power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday 8 p.m. ET deadline. Trump dismissed concerns about potential war crimes, stating he was “not at all” worried about such accusations. His threats have drawn criticism from military law experts, who argue the scale of destruction could constitute a war crime. Iran rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal and demanded a permanent end to the conflict, emphasizing the need for guarantees against future attacks. The Iranian government conveyed its response through Pakistan, a key mediator. Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of Iran’s diplomatic mission in Cairo, told the AP that Tehran’s stance was clear: “We only accept an end of the war with guarantees that we won’t be attacked again.” Iran’s president announced that 14 million Iranians, including himself, had volunteered to sacrifice their lives in the war, doubling previous figures cited by state media. Iran’s population is 90 million, making the volunteer count a significant portion of the country’s citizens. Casualties have surged, with over 1,900 deaths reported in Iran and more than 1,400 in Lebanon. The Iranian government has not updated the death toll for days, while Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank have seen over two dozen fatalities. Israel reported 23 deaths, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. Millions of people in Iran and Lebanon have been displaced. Airstrikes targeted critical infrastructure in Iran, including a railway bridge in Kashan, a train station in Mashhad, and a highway bridge near Tabriz on the Tabriz-Tehran freeway. Neither the U.S.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #hezbollah #mohammad_mahmoud_ahmadinejad

As Lebanon braces for expanded Israeli incursion, northern Israel residents see buffer zone as lifeline to normalcy Metula, Northern Israel — From the border communities of northern Israel, the rooftops of Lebanese villages are visible in an area the Israeli government now holds as a “security buffer zone.” For more than 60,000 Israelis living in the frontier towns, the war with Hezbollah is not a distant reality. When air raid sirens sound here from Hezbollah’s rockets, there is no gap between warning and impact. Unlike in the rest of Israel, residents have only seconds to run for cover. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced another expansion of the military buffer zone inside Lebanon to “finally thwart the threat of invasion and to push the anti-missile threat away from our border.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed Hezbollah was planning a ground offensive into Israel akin to Hamas’ October 7 attacks in 2023. The announcement was welcomed on the Israeli side of the border. “This is what we expect the IDF to do: to be before us, not behind us,” said Nisan Zeevi, a venture-capital professional and third-generation resident of Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, located 800 meters from two villages he described as Hezbollah strongholds. “We cannot be the first line with Hezbollah. We need the army before the enemy.” Some 55,000 residents of northern Israel who had been displaced for over a year returned home after a November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, reassured by Netanyahu that the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group had been set “years backward.” Zeevi, however, was skeptical. “Just a year ago they sold us a promise: ‘We destroyed Hezbollah.’ You can come home. It’s safe.’ I was convincing new families to move here. And suddenly, we are back in the same situation.#israel #hezbollah #benjamin_netanyahu #lebanon #israel_defense_forces

War in Middle East Intensifies with First Strike from Yemen Israel’s military confirmed that Yemen had launched a missile toward the country early Saturday, marking the first time the nation faced direct fire from Yemen. Sirens sounded around Beer Sheba and near Israel’s main nuclear research center as Iran and Hezbollah continued to strike Israeli targets overnight. The Houthis, a rebel group backed by Iran, have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014. They did not immediately acknowledge the attack, which followed years of an uneasy ceasefire with Saudi Arabia, which has waged a war against the group since 2015. The Houthis had previously avoided direct involvement in the broader Middle East conflict, focusing instead on attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These strikes disrupted global shipping, which previously handled over $1 trillion in goods annually. The rebels also targeted Israeli military sites with drones. Meanwhile, Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities hours after threatening to escalate its campaign against Tehran. Iran vowed retaliation, striking a U.S. military base in Saudi Arabia and wounding American troops. Houthis’ military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, outlined conditions under which the group might join the war, including continued Iranian aggression against the “Axis of Resistance.” This potential involvement raises concerns about renewed attacks on Red Sea shipping, which has already faced disruptions from Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthi rebels previously damaged over 100 vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors, from November 2023 to January 2025. Iran’s recent agreement to allow humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz, announced by its UN ambassador, aimed to ease global supply chain issues.#yemen #iran #hezbollah #houthi #sanaa

Fears Israel Could Replicate Its 'Gaza Model' in Lebanon as Satellite Imagery Captures Widespread Destruction A growing concern is emerging that Israel may adopt a strategy similar to its prolonged and devastating military campaign in Gaza when dealing with southern Lebanon, as satellite images reveal escalating destruction and displacement. The Israeli Defense Ministry’s announcement of establishing a “security zone” in the region has intensified fears that the conflict could lead to long-term occupation, with hundreds of thousands of Lebanese citizens forced from their homes. The situation in southern Lebanon has deteriorated rapidly, with Israeli airstrikes targeting key infrastructure, including bridges over the Litani River, and leaving entire residential areas in ruins. Humanitarian organizations warn that the scale of destruction mirrors the devastation seen in Gaza, where over two years of Israeli military operations left much of the territory in ruins and more than 70,000 Palestinians dead. The Lebanese government has reported over 1,000 casualties since hostilities resumed earlier this month, while more than 1 million people have been internally displaced. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has explicitly compared the current offensive in Lebanon to operations in Gaza, particularly in areas like Rafah, which was heavily damaged during Israel’s two-year assault on the enclave. Katz emphasized that displaced families would not be allowed to return until the safety of northern Israel from attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah is guaranteed. This statement has fueled fears that Israel’s military strategy in Lebanon could involve permanent control over vast territories, a move that has drawn criticism from international leaders and human rights groups.#israel #hezbollah #united_nations #lebanon #israeli_defense_ministry

US-Israel-Iran War Escalates Amid Escalating Strikes and Diplomatic Tensions The conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States has intensified, with ongoing strikes, rising casualties, and growing global economic uncertainty. Iran’s military actions continue across the Middle East, while the U.S. signals potential diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Meanwhile, regional tensions have led to heightened security measures, energy market volatility, and humanitarian challenges. Iran’s strikes have targeted multiple locations, including southern Lebanon, where Israeli air attacks hit residential areas and critical infrastructure. Reports indicate that Hermel and several southern towns were hit, with homes damaged. In Iraq, a strike killed 15 fighters, marking another escalation in cross-border violence. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli military positions, including a radar site near Ma’alot-Tarshiha and artillery positions in northern Israeli settlements. The U.S. has delayed planned strikes on Iranian power infrastructure amid claims of possible talks, though Iran has dismissed such negotiations as misleading. Iranian officials, including senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officer Mohsen Rezaee, have warned that attacking Iran’s infrastructure would lead to a “quagmire” for the U.S., with threats of sinking American ships in the Arabian Gulf. Iran’s Energy Minister, Abbas Aliabadi, downplayed concerns over potential attacks on the country’s power grid, stating that Iran’s decentralized electricity system would allow for quick recovery. However, attacks on infrastructure, including power networks and urban areas, have increasingly impacted civilian life, with displacement and humanitarian crises worsening in Lebanon and parts of Iran.#iran #united_states #israel #hezbollah #mohsen_rezaee

Iran War Live: Tehran Vows to 'Completely Close' Hormuz if Power Plants Hit Tehran has issued a stark warning, threatening to fully block the Strait of Hormuz and launch retaliatory strikes on regional energy and water infrastructure if the United States attacks its power plants. The declaration comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Israeli forces recently targeting critical infrastructure in Lebanon as part of the broader conflict involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel. The Israeli military struck the Qasimiyah Bridge in southern Lebanon, a location near the border with Syria, in an operation described by President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon as a “prelude to a ground invasion.” The attack, which left visible smoke rising from the area, has intensified fears of a wider regional conflict. Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has been engaged in a prolonged standoff with Israeli forces, and the destruction of the bridge is seen as a significant escalation in the conflict. Iran’s threats to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil shipments, underscore the country’s determination to protect its strategic interests. The strait’s closure could have severe economic repercussions, affecting energy markets worldwide. Iran’s military officials have previously warned that any attack on their nuclear facilities or power infrastructure would trigger a massive retaliation, including strikes on key energy hubs in the Gulf. The U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran has grown increasingly complex, with multiple fronts of engagement. Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in Syria and Lebanon have been accompanied by U.S. military support for Israel, including intelligence sharing and logistical aid.#iran #israel #strait_of_hormuz #hezbollah #lebanon

Iran War Live: Trump Threatens to Attack Power Plants Over Strait of Hormuz U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s power plants will be “obliterated” if the country fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The threat comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Iran facing international pressure to restore maritime access through the critical waterway. Separately, Japan announced the release of one of two nationals detained in Iran since last year. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi confirmed that the individual, detained in 2025, was released on Wednesday following discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Motegi emphasized ongoing efforts to secure the release of the second detainee, who remains in custody. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting four drones over its Eastern Province, adding to earlier claims of downing a ballistic missile near Riyadh. The kingdom’s defense ministry stated that the intercepted projectiles fell in uninhabited areas, underscoring its efforts to counter potential threats from regional adversaries. In Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israeli forces are engaged in a battle for the strategically significant town of Khiam. Hezbollah has confirmed fighting with Israeli troops using medium- and long-range weapons, though casualty figures remain undisclosed. Israel’s military has speculated on the number of fighters killed, but independent verification is lacking. The town’s capture would disrupt Hezbollah’s supply routes from the east to the south, making it a key objective for both sides. Analysts note Hezbollah’s weakened position due to severed supply lines from Iran and Syria, though its exact state of strength remains unclear.#japan #iran #israel #donald_trump #hezbollah

Iran declares US-Israeli economic, banking interests in region are targets Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of attacks on “economic centres and banks” linked to United States and Israeli entities in the region, following what it described as an attack on an Iranian bank. The conflict, now in its 12th day, has seen Iran escalate its threats, with the IRGC-affiliated Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters accusing the “enemy” of leaving Iran’s hands “open” to targeting financial institutions tied to the US and Israel. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya group, recognized by the United Nations as IRGC-owned, stated that “the enemy left our hands open to targeting economic centres and banks belonging to the United States and the Zionist regime in the region.” The warning included a directive that “people of the region should not be within a one-kilometre radius of banks,” while also urging the Americans to “await our countermeasure and our painful response.” Iran’s counterattacks have intensified as explosions have struck Tehran, with the country claiming that US and Israeli forces have bombed nearly 10,000 civilian sites since the war began on February 28. The toll includes over 1,300 civilian casualties, according to Iranian state media. The IRGC’s Tasnim news agency released a list of offices and infrastructure operated by top US companies with Israeli ties, which the agency labeled “Iran’s new targets.” The companies include Google, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle. The listed facilities, which provide cloud-based services, are located in multiple Israeli cities and some Gulf countries, according to Al Jazeera reporter Maziar Motamedi. The warnings came after an Israeli airstrike on a bank branch in Tehran, which Iran’s state broadcaster called an “illegitimate and unusual act in war.#iran #israel #hezbollah #al_qard_al_hassan #khatam_al_anbiya

Lebanon's Prime Minister Urges Trump to Mediate Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict Lebanon’s prime minister, Nawaf Salam, made an urgent plea Thursday to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing conflict, demanding an immediate ceasefire and direct negotiations with Israel. Speaking exclusively to CNN, Salam emphasized the need for a resolution “yesterday, not tomorrow,” as the death toll from Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah reached 1,000, with over 100 of the casualties being children, according to Lebanese officials. Salam framed his appeal to Trump as a call for the U.S. to play a decisive role in ending the war, describing the country as a “strategic partner.” He reiterated Lebanon’s willingness to engage in immediate talks with Israel, stating, “We are ready for negotiations with Israel,” while urging greater U.S. involvement. The conflict, which began 17 days ago when Hezbollah launched projectiles into Israel to avenge the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has seen the situation worsen in recent days as Israel’s military campaign expanded to include a broader ground invasion. While France has proposed potential settlement ideas, and there are ongoing contacts with U.S. officials, Salam said actual negotiations have not yet begun. A major obstacle to peace remains Lebanon’s refusal to recognize the state of Israel. When pressed on whether such a concession could be part of a peace deal, Salam avoided a direct answer, instead blaming Israel for the stalled progress. “We have been extending our hands for two weeks to have direct talks with the Israelis,” he said. “So far, we haven’t received an agenda from the Israelis.” He added that Lebanon would only address the issue once Israel provides a clear plan.#israel #donald_trump #hezbollah #lebanon #nawaf_salam

Iran War Live: Israel Refinery Bombed as Retaliatory Strikes Reverberate Several Gulf states have reported missile and drone attacks following an Israeli assault on a key Iranian gasfield, with reports indicating casualties in Iran, Lebanon, and the occupied West Bank. The attacks come amid escalating tensions in the region, as Iran and its allies continue to respond to Israeli military actions. The Israeli strike, which targeted an oil facility, has prompted widespread retaliation, with multiple countries in the Gulf region facing coordinated strikes. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, as both sides appear to be engaging in a cycle of counterattacks. Analysts warn that the conflict could have significant regional and global implications, particularly given the involvement of key players such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian groups in the West Bank. The ongoing violence highlights the fragile stability in the Middle East and the challenges of de-escalation in a conflict marked by deep-seated grievances and strategic rivalries.#iran #israel #hezbollah #gulf_states #west_bank

"Very difficult to stop": BBC visits scene of Iran cluster bomb strike on Israel An Iranian cluster bomb struck an elderly couple’s apartment in central Israel late at night, killing both of them. The explosion left behind a clear path of destruction, with a large hole in the ceiling of their top-floor unit and broken concrete and metal rods pushed inward. Shrapnel damage on the back walls showed the force of the blast, which destroyed the front of the apartment and left it open to the street. Inside, a walking frame lay overturned under ash-covered furniture and rubble. Sigal Amir, a neighbor who was sheltering in a safe room during the attack, described hearing three intercepted missiles before the fourth one struck their home. “There was a massive boom, and I felt a pain in my ear from the blast,” she said. She noted that the couple had not been in the shelter, as one of them had mobility issues. The explosion also blew off the door of a nearby house, leaving it filled with dust like snow. Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Nadav Shoshani visited the site and explained that while missiles carrying cluster bombs are often intercepted, the munitions themselves are harder to stop. Each missile can carry 20 to 80 cluster bombs, which spread over a wide area. “We had dozens of impact points like this in central Israel,” he said. Despite intercepting many missiles, the dispersed nature of cluster bombs makes them particularly dangerous. The attack is part of a broader conflict where Iran has increasingly used cluster munitions. While air defenses have prevented most Iranian missile strikes from causing casualties in Israel, the use of cluster bombs complicates efforts to protect civilians. To date, only 14 people have been killed directly by Iranian strikes, with nine of them in a single attack in Bet Shemesh early in the war.#iran #israel #hezbollah #benjamin_netanyahu #lebanon

Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have escalated, with new air raids and ground attacks targeting Hezbollah positions, marking a significant expansion of the regional conflict. The Israeli Defense Ministry announced "limited and targeted ground operations" on Monday, intensifying its military presence in the area. This follows a series of attacks by Hezbollah, which launched rockets and drones at Israel for the first time in over a year in response to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. The violence has led to widespread casualties and displacement. Between March 2 and March 16, Israeli attacks killed at least 886 people, including 67 women, 111 children, and 38 health workers, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health. Over 2,141 others were wounded. More than one million Lebanese have been displaced from their homes, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that the return of residents to southern Lebanon would only occur once the safety of Israelis is guaranteed. Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) shows at least 394 Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2. These attacks have primarily targeted southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, with additional strikes in the Bekaa Valley and Baalbek in eastern Lebanon. In Beirut, Israeli warplanes have bombed areas like Haret Hreik, the Bashoura neighborhood, and Ramlet al-Baida, where displaced families sought refuge. The Dahiyeh region, once home to nearly one million people, has become a focal point of the conflict, with most residents forcibly evacuated. The human toll of the conflict is staggering.#hezbollah #israeli_defense_minister_israel_katz #lebanon #israeli_defense_ministry #armed_conflict_location_event_data

Israel strikes and destroys building in heart of Beirut An Israeli airstrike has damaged a building in central Beirut, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict. The attack occurred in the Bashoura neighborhood, a commercial area near downtown businesses and hotels. Israeli military officials had issued a warning at 04:00, urging evacuation of the building and surrounding areas, citing it as a facility linked to Hezbollah. As of now, there are no confirmed casualties from the strike. The conflict in Lebanon began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched missile attacks on Israel, supporting Iran’s regional interests. In response, Israel initiated bombing campaigns and deployed troops to southern Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported 912 deaths, including 111 children, since the war began. Over a million people have been displaced, primarily in southern and eastern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has strong support. However, Israeli strikes have expanded beyond these areas, targeting locations with less direct Hezbollah presence. The building in Bashoura, which was already damaged in previous attacks, has now been completely destroyed. Israel claims it is targeting not only Hezbollah fighters but also financial structures believed to fund the group’s operations. This includes the Al Qard Al Hassan "bank," which has offices across Beirut and has been hit by multiple airstrikes. The Israeli military has also struck hotels in the capital, with some attacks suspected to be assassination attempts against Hezbollah figures or Iranian-linked individuals. In the early stages of the war, Israeli bombing focused on southern Beirut, particularly the Dahieh district, a Hezbollah stronghold. The area has faced relentless attacks, forcing thousands to flee and leaving parts of the city in ruins, described by locals as resembling Gaza.#israel #hezbollah #beirut #al_qard_al_hassan #dahieh

Iran attacks Israel and Gulf neighbors as Israel hits Beirut Iran launched attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states following the killing of one of its top leaders in an Israeli airstrike, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The strikes, which included some of Iran’s latest missiles, targeted Israel and neighboring countries, with two casualties reported near Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Israel intensified its military operations in Lebanon, striking multiple apartment buildings in Beirut and killing at least six people. The conflict shows no signs of slowing, with both sides continuing to escalate their actions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that a projectile struck Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant complex but caused no injuries or damage. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi urged for “maximum restraint” during the conflict to prevent a nuclear accident. The price of Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, remained above $100 per barrel in early trading, up over 40% since the war began on February 28. Iran has been targeting the energy infrastructure of Gulf states and military bases as part of a strategy to raise oil prices and pressure Washington. Iran has also maintained its efforts to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport. Concerns over a potential global energy crisis have grown as Iran insists the strait remains open, though only to non-U.S. and non-allied vessels. The U.S. military has responded by launching deep-penetrator bombs on Iranian missile sites near the strait, while President Donald Trump criticized allies for not supporting efforts to secure the waterway. Iran executed a man it accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad agency, identifying him as Kourosh Keyvani. The judiciary alleged he provided sensitive location data to Israel.#iran #israel #strait_of_hormuz #hezbollah #lebanon