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Tag: Benjamin Netanyahu

  • Netanyahu Rejects Trump’s Gaza Plan as Israeli Leader Faces Political Balancing Act

    Netanyahu Rejects Trump’s Gaza Plan as Israeli Leader Faces Political Balancing Act

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is once again navigating a difficult political balancing act after rejecting aspects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza, highlighting the growing complexity of the relationship between the two leaders.

    Netanyahu’s response reflects the competing pressures facing his government as Israel considers its security objectives, relations with Washington, domestic political demands, and the broader international debate over Gaza’s future.

    Trump’s Gaza proposal has generated significant discussion over the territory’s governance, security arrangements, reconstruction and the future of its Palestinian population. While the U.S. administration has promoted its vision as part of a broader effort to reshape the region, Netanyahu has signalled that Israel will not automatically accept every element of the plan.

    The Israeli prime minister’s position illustrates a strategy he has repeatedly used throughout his political career: maintaining close ties with Washington while preserving room to pursue policies that satisfy his domestic political base and Israel’s security establishment.

    The disagreement also comes as international pressure continues over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the future of efforts to end the conflict. Any long-term arrangement is expected to involve difficult negotiations over security, governance, reconstruction and Palestinian political rights.

    Netanyahu faces pressure from both supporters and critics within Israel. Some members of his coalition favour a tougher approach to Gaza, while others and international partners are pressing for a diplomatic framework that could provide a lasting resolution.

    Trump and Netanyahu have maintained a close political relationship, but their differing positions on Gaza demonstrate that the alliance does not necessarily mean the two governments will agree on every aspect of policy.

    Analysts say Netanyahu’s challenge will be to preserve U.S. support while managing coalition politics and responding to international demands over Gaza.

    The dispute is likely to remain central to discussions about the next phase of the conflict and the prospects for a broader Middle East peace agreement.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Trump and Netanyahu to Meet on Israel-Hezbollah Conflict and Expansion of Abraham Accords

    Trump and Netanyahu to Meet on Israel-Hezbollah Conflict and Expansion of Abraham Accords

    U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as efforts to expand the **Abraham Accords>.

    The high-level meeting is expected to focus on regional security, military developments along Israel’s northern border, and diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation between Israel and additional Arab nations.

    According to officials familiar with the agenda, Trump and Netanyahu will review the latest security situation surrounding Hezbollah, which has remained a central concern amid heightened tensions in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Both leaders are also expected to discuss ongoing U.S. support for Israel’s defense and broader efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East.

    Another major topic will be the future of the Abraham Accords, the landmark normalization agreements that established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries. The two leaders are expected to explore opportunities to encourage additional nations to join the accords, with the goal of expanding economic cooperation, security partnerships, and regional diplomacy.

    Supporters of the Abraham Accords argue that the agreements have reshaped relations in the Middle East by fostering closer political, economic, and technological ties between participating countries. Analysts believe further expansion could strengthen regional alliances while creating new opportunities for trade and investment.

    The meeting comes as diplomatic and military developments continue to shape the Middle East, with governments across the region closely monitoring the evolving security landscape.

    Observers say the outcome of the discussions could influence future U.S.–Israel cooperation, regional diplomatic efforts, and broader strategies aimed at addressing security challenges while promoting long-term stability.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Iran Says U.S. Peace Deal Requires Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon

    Iran Says U.S. Peace Deal Requires Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon

    Iran has raised a major new condition for its proposed peace agreement with the United States, insisting that Israeli forces must withdraw from southern Lebanon for the deal to fully take effect.

    Speaking on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israel’s continued military presence in Lebanese territory would violate the spirit of the agreement and prevent the conflict from truly ending.

    “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end,” Araghchi stated.

    The demand introduces fresh uncertainty ahead of a planned signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland for the U.S.-Iran agreement, which is intended to formally end months of conflict between the two countries.

    However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already rejected the idea of a withdrawal, saying Israel will remain in Lebanon “as long as necessary.” A U.S. official familiar with the negotiations also indicated that the draft agreement does not explicitly require Israel to leave Lebanese territory.

    Although Israel is not a direct party to the U.S.-Iran agreement, it has played a central role in the conflict. Israel joined U.S. military operations against Iran earlier this year and has continued fighting the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon while expanding its military presence in parts of the country.

    The disagreement highlights the fragile nature of the proposed ceasefire, which aims to end a conflict that has destabilized the Middle East, disrupted global energy markets, and left the strategically important Strait of Hormuz largely closed.

    Pakistan and Qatar, which have served as key mediators in the negotiations, reportedly supported provisions calling for an end to military operations throughout the region, including Lebanon. According to regional officials familiar with the talks, Iran pushed strongly during the final stages of negotiations to ensure Lebanon was included in any broader settlement.

    The issue places Israel in a difficult position as it seeks to weaken Hezbollah while maintaining close coordination with the United States, its most important ally. Israeli operations in Lebanon have expanded significantly during the conflict, with strikes reaching deep into Beirut and other parts of the country.

    U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Israel’s approach to Lebanon, suggesting the ongoing military campaign risks undermining the broader peace effort.

    “It just goes on forever,” Trump said, adding that continued fighting casts “a negative light on the big deal” being negotiated with Iran.

    The proposed agreement includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting restrictions on Iranian ports, and launching a 60-day negotiation process focused on Iran’s nuclear program. Discussions are also expected to address sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and international oversight of Tehran’s nuclear activities.

    Questions remain over how Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium will be handled and who will verify compliance with any future nuclear commitments. Iranian officials have signaled a willingness to discuss options for reducing or removing the material, though resistance from hard-line factions within the country could complicate those efforts.

    Despite the unresolved issues, major Western powers have welcomed the framework. Leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom described the agreement as a diplomatic breakthrough and urged all parties to implement it quickly.

    With the planned signing ceremony approaching, negotiators continue working to resolve disagreements that could determine whether the ceasefire evolves into a lasting peace or collapses into renewed conflict.

  • Iran Says U.S. Peace Deal Requires Israel’s Withdrawal From Lebanon

    Iran Says U.S. Peace Deal Requires Israel’s Withdrawal From Lebanon

    Iran has stated that any agreement aimed at ending the conflict with the United States must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, a condition that threatens to complicate the fragile diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran.

    Speaking to foreign diplomats, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the complete end of hostilities cannot be achieved while Israeli troops remain in territories seized during the conflict in Lebanon.

    “The end of the war in Lebanon is an inseparable part of the complete end of the war,” Araghchi said. “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war has not fully come to an end.”

    Iran’s position introduces a significant challenge to the tentative U.S.-Iran agreement that was designed to halt military hostilities, reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, and initiate a new round of diplomatic negotiations.

    Although the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran has not yet been publicly released, Iranian officials insist that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security are explicitly referenced within the draft framework.

    According to Tehran, any continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon would constitute a violation of the proposed agreement and could undermine efforts to establish a lasting peace.

    However, Israeli leaders have already rejected the demand.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israeli forces will remain in designated security zones in Lebanon to counter threats posed by the Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah.

    Israeli officials argue that their military operations are necessary to protect communities along the northern border and have signaled no intention of withdrawing under external pressure.

    The disagreement highlights the complexity of the broader peace initiative, which extends beyond the direct confrontation between Iran and the United States.

    Analysts note that while the tentative deal offers hope for de-escalation, unresolved disputes involving regional actors such as Israel and Hezbollah could jeopardize its implementation.

    The proposed agreement reportedly includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease disruptions to global energy supplies, and establish a 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear program and future sanctions relief.

    International observers have welcomed the diplomatic progress but warned that achieving a durable settlement will require compromise from all parties involved.

    World leaders attending the recent G7 summit also discussed the implications of the agreement, emphasizing the importance of preventing further escalation across the Middle East.

    For now, the future of the deal remains uncertain.

    While Tehran insists that peace cannot be achieved without Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, Israel’s firm opposition has created a major obstacle that negotiators must overcome if they hope to transform the tentative framework into a comprehensive and lasting agreement.

    As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation serves as a reminder of the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and security concerns that continue to shape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Trump Says Iran War Deal Has Already Been Signed as World Awaits Details

    Trump Says Iran War Deal Has Already Been Signed as World Awaits Details

    U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that an agreement to end the war with Iran has already been signed, with full details expected to be released in the coming days ahead of a formal signing ceremony scheduled in Switzerland on Friday.

    The surprise announcement has sparked cautious optimism in global markets and among international observers, although significant questions remain about the contents of the agreement and how it will be implemented.

    According to Trump, the deal marks a major breakthrough after months of conflict that disrupted regional stability, global energy supplies and international shipping routes. However, few specifics have been made public, leaving governments and analysts awaiting official documentation.

    Financial markets responded positively to the news. U.S. stocks opened sharply higher while oil prices declined amid hopes that tensions in the Middle East may ease and that a prolonged energy crisis can be avoided. Investors are closely watching developments involving the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

    Trump also claimed that shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is beginning to resume. However, available assessments suggest that vessel movements have not yet returned to normal levels, indicating that maritime operations remain heavily affected by the conflict.

    Further uncertainty emerged after reports indicated that a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in force despite Trump’s announcement. Maritime advisories issued to shipping companies reportedly state that enforcement measures will continue until a ceasefire agreement is formally implemented on June 19, raising questions about the timeline for lifting restrictions.

    The agreement is also expected to address regional conflicts beyond Iran itself. Mediator Pakistan said the deal includes an end to military operations in Lebanon, while Iranian officials described developments in Lebanon as an inseparable part of the broader peace framework.

    Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that Israel will maintain a strong security posture. Speaking in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel had prevented what he described as a grave threat to the country but warned that “the fight is not over.”

    He emphasized that Israel would remain vigilant and continue military deployments in designated security zones for as long as necessary to protect its national security interests.

    Meanwhile, international shipping authorities are focused on restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The head of the International Maritime Organization said that removing mines from the waterway is a critical first step before normal traffic can resume.

    More than 500 vessels and thousands of seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf region following months of disruption. Officials have warned that reopening the route will require careful coordination to avoid accidents and ensure safe passage for ships leaving the area.

    The coming days are expected to provide greater clarity as negotiators prepare for the formal signing ceremony in Switzerland. Until then, world leaders, investors and regional stakeholders remain focused on the details of an agreement that could reshape security and economic conditions across the Middle East.

  • Israeli Military Strikes Beirut Suburbs Ahead of Anticipated U.S.-Iran Agreement

    Israeli Military Strikes Beirut Suburbs Ahead of Anticipated U.S.-Iran Agreement

    The Israeli military launched fresh airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, escalating tensions in the Middle East just as the United States and Iran appeared to be moving closer to a long-anticipated diplomatic agreement aimed at ending months of hostilities.

    According to Israeli officials, the strikes targeted infrastructure linked to the Iran-backed militant group, Hezbollah, in the Dahiyeh district of the Lebanese capital, an area widely regarded as the group’s stronghold. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising above the city following the attacks. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was carried out in response to Hezbollah attacks directed at northern Israel.

    The military action comes at a delicate moment, with Qatari mediators reportedly in Tehran working to finalize an agreement between the United States and Iran that could bring an end to the ongoing conflict and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route. Regional officials involved in the talks have expressed cautious optimism that a breakthrough may be within reach.

    However, the renewed violence in Lebanon threatens to complicate diplomatic efforts. Tehran, Hezbollah’s principal backer, has previously insisted that any ceasefire arrangement involving Washington must also address Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

    Israeli authorities defended the strikes as necessary measures to protect national security, reiterating that they would not tolerate attacks originating from Hezbollah-controlled areas. The latest bombardment follows a similar Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs last week, an incident that triggered retaliatory attacks from Iran against Israeli targets.

    Analysts warn that the timing of the operation could undermine the fragile momentum behind the proposed U.S.-Iran agreement. While negotiators continue working toward a framework that could ease regional tensions, the situation on the ground remains volatile.

    The anticipated deal reportedly focuses on establishing a 60-day framework for broader discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, and other contentious issues that have long strained relations between Tehran and Washington. Yet several major concerns, including Iran’s support for regional proxy groups and the future of its nuclear program, remain unresolved.

    Meanwhile, residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs once again found themselves caught in the middle of a conflict that has repeatedly spilled across borders, raising fears of a wider regional war.

    International leaders continue to urge restraint from all parties involved, warning that further escalation could derail diplomatic progress and deepen instability across the Middle East.

    As hopes for a U.S.-Iran agreement persist, the latest strikes serve as a stark reminder of how fragile peace efforts remain in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Israeli Air Strikes Hit Tyre as Lebanon Conflict Escalates Despite Iranian Warning

    Israeli Air Strikes Hit Tyre as Lebanon Conflict Escalates Despite Iranian Warning

    Israeli forces carried out a series of air strikes across southern Lebanon on Tuesday, including attacks on the coastal city of Tyre, despite Iran’s warning that further Israeli operations in Lebanon could trigger renewed retaliation.

    Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least eight people were killed and 32 others injured in strikes on Tyre, with rescue teams continuing to search through the rubble for additional victims. The casualty figures remain provisional as emergency operations continue.

    The strikes came shortly after the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order covering large sections of Tyre and its surrounding areas. For the first time since the conflict began, the order included the city’s predominantly Christian quarter, where Israel alleged Hezbollah fighters had recently been operating.

    Residents rushed to leave the city following the warning, creating heavy traffic on roads leading north toward Sidon and Beirut. Many families fled with their belongings tied to vehicles as fears of further bombardment spread throughout the area.

    Among those evacuating was Elias Barbour, who told reporters he was heading to stay with relatives in Beirut and questioned why civilians were being forced from their homes. Another resident, Mohammed Mustafa, rejected Israeli claims that Hezbollah fighters were operating in the area and accused Israel of using the allegations to frighten civilians.

    The Israeli strikes were part of a broader military campaign across southern Lebanon. Lebanese media reported that at least 13 people were killed in air and artillery attacks throughout the region on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, two people were reportedly killed in a drone strike near the town of Nabatieh, while two Syrian nationals later died in separate attacks on villages along the coastal highway north of Tyre.

    Israel’s military has not provided detailed comments on the Tyre operation, but Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Israeli forces remain active across southern Lebanon and are continuing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure.

    The Israeli military also reported that troops along the northern border shot and killed a man described as a terrorist after he crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory and opened fire on soldiers.

    Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple attacks against Israeli forces, including rocket launches targeting a military position in Maroun al-Ras and drone strikes against Israeli troops and military vehicles in other border areas.

    The latest escalation comes despite a temporary pause in direct hostilities between Israel and Iran. The two countries halted attacks on each other Monday after exchanging fire over the weekend, marking their first direct confrontation since an April ceasefire.

    Iran had warned Israel against continuing military operations in Lebanon, threatening further action if attacks persisted. On Monday, Iranian military officials stated that operations against Israel had ceased after delivering what they described as a “painful response,” while also warning that stronger retaliation would follow any renewed Israeli aggression.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by saying Israel was holding fire against Iran “at the moment” but emphasized that the campaign against both Iran and Hezbollah was far from over. He vowed that any future Iranian attack would be met with overwhelming force.

    The ongoing violence continues to complicate efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to secure a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and regional proxy groups.

    Lebanon has been deeply affected by the war since Hezbollah entered the conflict in March following an Israeli strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader. According to Lebanese authorities, at least 3,666 people have been killed in Lebanon since the fighting intensified, while nearly one million residents remain displaced from their homes.

    Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Lebanon in April, clashes have continued, raising concerns that the conflict could once again expand into a wider regional war.

  • Hezbollah Agrees to Halt Attacks on Israel as US Brokers Reciprocal De-Escalation Deal

    Hezbollah Agrees to Halt Attacks on Israel as US Brokers Reciprocal De-Escalation Deal

    A new diplomatic breakthrough may ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border after Lebanon announced that Hezbollah has agreed to a U.S.-backed proposal for a mutual halt to attacks with Israel.

    According to the Lebanese embassy in Washington, Hezbollah has accepted an arrangement under which Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs would cease in exchange for the Iran-backed group stopping rocket and drone attacks against Israel. Lebanese officials said the framework is expected to expand beyond Beirut and eventually cover all Lebanese territory.

    The development follows intensive diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that he had spoken with both Israeli and Hezbollah representatives and secured commitments from both sides to stop hostilities.

    “I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel,” Trump wrote, adding that Israeli forces would not move into Beirut and that troops already en route had been turned back. He also claimed that Hezbollah representatives had agreed to end attacks, while Israel would refrain from striking the group.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the understanding but stressed that Israel reserves the right to respond if attacks continue.

    Netanyahu warned that military action against Beirut could resume if Hezbollah does not stop targeting Israeli cities and civilians. He also emphasized that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would continue planned operations in southern Lebanon despite the agreement.

    The announcement comes after Israel ordered strikes on what it described as terrorist targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs following a series of rocket and drone attacks attributed to Hezbollah. The strikes prompted widespread concern in Lebanon, with many residents reportedly fleeing affected neighborhoods after evacuation warnings were issued.

    The situation also drew a strong reaction from Iran, Hezbollah’s principal ally. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi argued that the existing U.S.-Iran ceasefire should apply across all regional fronts, including Lebanon, warning that any military escalation could undermine broader diplomatic efforts.

    Iranian media reports suggested Tehran was considering suspending indirect negotiations with the United States over continued Israeli military actions in Lebanon. The reports also raised concerns about potential regional escalation involving strategic waterways such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea to international trade corridors.

    Despite those warnings, Trump maintained that diplomatic discussions with Iran remain active and are progressing rapidly. The U.S. administration has been seeking to preserve regional stability following recent efforts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran.

    The latest agreement represents a potentially significant step toward preventing a broader regional conflict involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran, and other actors across the Middle East. However, the durability of the arrangement will likely depend on whether both Israel and Hezbollah fully adhere to the terms of the proposed cessation of attacks.

    With military operations continuing in parts of southern Lebanon and lingering distrust between the parties, regional observers remain cautious about whether the agreement can evolve into a lasting ceasefire.

  • Israel Captures Beaufort Castle as Military Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon

    Israel Captures Beaufort Castle as Military Expands Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon

    Israel has intensified its military campaign in southern Lebanon, announcing the capture of the historic Beaufort Castle while expanding evacuation orders and ground operations against Hezbollah.

    The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a renewed warning for residents south of the Zahrani River to evacuate immediately, stating that anyone near Hezbollah personnel, facilities, or military assets could be at risk.

    According to Israeli military officials, a significant number of ground troops are participating in the operation, which is now expanding beyond previously established operational zones. The move signals a deeper Israeli advance into Lebanese territory, extending beyond the Litani River, a longstanding reference point in conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah.

    A major development in the campaign came with the capture of Beaufort Castle, a centuries-old fortress perched on a strategic ridge overlooking the Litani River. Originally constructed by Crusaders nearly 900 years ago, the castle has played a key role in multiple regional conflicts due to its commanding position and extensive views across southern Lebanon.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the seizure of the fortress as a significant turning point in Israel’s military strategy.

    Speaking after the operation, Netanyahu said the capture represented a dramatic change in policy and demonstrated Israel’s willingness to take the initiative across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the symbolic importance of the site, noting that Israeli forces had previously fought for control of Beaufort Castle more than four decades ago. He said members of the Golani Brigade had once again raised the Israeli flag over the fortress.

    Israeli officials argue that securing the castle and surrounding high ground strengthens protection for communities in northern Israel that have faced increasing missile and drone attacks launched by Hezbollah.

    Israel says its expanded military operations are a response to intensified attacks by the Iranian-backed group, including missile and explosive drone strikes targeting both Israeli military positions and civilian communities near the border.

    Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike near Hiram Hospital in the city of Tyre injured 13 hospital staff members and caused significant damage to the surrounding area.

    The escalation has drawn international concern. France has requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation in Lebanon.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized Israel’s actions, calling the continued military expansion a major mistake and arguing that there is no justification for prolonging operations or deepening Israel’s presence inside Lebanese territory.

    The fighting continues amid growing regional tensions. Israeli authorities confirmed the death of another soldier, while schools in several northern Israeli communities remained closed as a precaution against further attacks.

    Hezbollah reportedly launched approximately 25 projectiles toward northern Israel on Saturday, adding to pressure on the Israeli government to improve security measures for border residents.

    The capture of Beaufort Castle marks one of the most symbolically significant gains for Israel since the latest escalation began, while also underscoring the growing risk of a broader and more prolonged conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border.

  • Israeli Airstrikes Kill At Least 14 in Southern Lebanon Ahead of Washington Security Talks

    Israeli Airstrikes Kill At Least 14 in Southern Lebanon Ahead of Washington Security Talks

    Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people Thursday, including women, children, and a Lebanese soldier, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated ahead of planned security talks in Washington.

    The strikes targeted multiple locations across Lebanon’s south, including the major coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state media. Dozens of people were also reported wounded amid the intensified bombardment.

    The latest escalation follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel would expand military operations against Hezbollah. The move reportedly came in response to Hezbollah’s growing use of fiber-optic explosive drones that have targeted Israeli troops and communities near Israel’s northern border.

    In Tyre, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for several buildings and nearby neighborhoods before the attacks began, prompting many residents to flee the area.

    Further north in Sidon, an Israeli drone strike hit an apartment building housing displaced families, killing five people and injuring at least 21 others, including children. Among those killed was Hossan Zeidan, a former correspondent for Iran’s Arabic-language al-Aalam television network.

    Residents described scenes of chaos following the explosion.

    Mohammad Al-Gharbi, who lived nearby, said debris and shattered glass crashed into his home when the strike hit.

    “This building that was hit had six apartments occupied by poor families who had fled from the south to escape the attacks there, only to be hit here,” he said.

    In the coastal town of Adloun, another Israeli drone strike targeted a fleeing family vehicle, killing six people, including two parents and their children, according to Lebanese officials.

    Additional strikes near Tyre and Nabatiyeh also killed two civilians on a motorcycle and a Lebanese soldier traveling separately on his motorcycle.

    Meanwhile, the Israeli military said one Israeli soldier was killed and two reservists wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack in northern Israel.

    Lebanese and Israeli military officials are expected to meet Friday in Washington for rare security talks aimed at maintaining a fragile ceasefire that officially took effect on April 17. Despite the truce, violence has continued to intensify across southern Lebanon, although Beirut has largely been spared.

    Hezbollah has rejected the negotiations and instead aligned itself with Iran, which reportedly insists that any broader diplomatic progress with Washington depends on ending the conflict in Lebanon.

    The ongoing conflict began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel on March 2 in support of Iran following the outbreak of the Iran-Israel war.

    Lebanon’s Health Ministry says more than 3,269 people have been killed and over 9,800 wounded since the conflict began, while more than one million people have been displaced.

    Israeli officials say at least 23 Israeli soldiers, a defense contractor, and two civilians have also been killed during the fighting, most in drone attacks.