Key facts
- Four people were killed in Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh governorate.
- Iran warned that Israeli actions in Lebanon would violate an interim agreement with the US.
- Iran's top negotiator stated a ceasefire is a prerequisite for any deal.
- President Trump criticized Israel's handling of Hezbollah and the conflict in Lebanon.
- Israel's Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Palestinian doctor Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, ordering his continued detention.
Four people were killed in separate Israeli drone strikes targeting vehicles in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh governorate, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. The strikes occurred in Mayfadoun and Shoukin. Israel also carried out three consecutive drone strikes targeting the town square of Mayfadoun and dropped a sound bomb in Haddatha, causing minor injuries to four people.
Amid ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, Iran has warned that any Israeli attack on Lebanon or continued occupation of its territory would constitute a violation of an interim agreement. Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized to Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri that a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, and an Israeli withdrawal are prerequisites for any deal.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi suggested that the upcoming phase of US-Iran negotiations would be more challenging. Analysts noted uncertainties regarding Republican support for a US-Iran deal and Israel's potential adherence to its terms, particularly concerning Lebanon.
In a separate development, Israel's Supreme Court rejected an appeal by prominent Palestinian doctor Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, ordering his continued detention under the Unlawful Combatants Law. Rights groups have criticized the ruling, which was based on confidential materials.
President Trump commented on the situation, stating he was not happy with Israel's handling of Hezbollah and calling the conflict in Lebanon a "minor conflict." He also suggested that Syria, rather than Israel, should manage Hezbollah.