Key facts
- Israel has expanded its ground assault into southern Lebanon, marking its broadest incursion in 25 years.
- Israel has captured Beaufort castle as part of its operations in southern Lebanon.
- Oil prices surged over 3% as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalated.
- U.S. crude futures rose 3.3% to $90.24 a barrel.
- Brent futures climbed 2.25% to $93.17 a barrel.
- Iran reportedly ordered the Strait of Hormuz blocked and halted communications with the U.S.
- France criticized Israel's prolonged military operations in Lebanon.
- Former President Trump stated he intervened to prevent Israeli troops from entering Beirut.
- An IDF medical officer was killed and seven troops wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack.
- Hezbollah rejected a U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan.
- Israel's military reported intercepting two Hezbollah rockets.
- Israel's military announced it intercepted a hostile aircraft from Lebanon.
Israel has significantly expanded its ground assault into southern Lebanon, marking its broadest incursion in 25 years and capturing Beaufort castle. This operation follows a surge in Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel and aims to establish a permanent security presence. The escalating conflict has impacted global markets, with oil prices jumping over 3%. U.S. crude futures rose 3.3% to $90.24 a barrel, and Brent futures climbed 2.25% to $93.17. Reports suggest Iran ordered the Strait of Hormuz blocked and halted communications with the U.S., further increasing regional tensions.
France has criticized Israel's prolonged military operations in Lebanon, with its UN Envoy Jérôme Bonnafont calling them unjustifiable and a strategic error. Attacks on rescue workers and medical facilities in Nabatieh have been reported. Meanwhile, former President Trump stated he intervened to prevent Israeli troops from entering Beirut. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated the U.S. supports Israel's intention to strike Beirut's Dahiyeh district if Hezbollah attacks persist, though these operations were reportedly delayed due to U.S. involvement in Iran talks. Separately, President Trump reportedly forced Prime Minister Netanyahu to abandon a plan to bomb south Beirut.
Hezbollah has rejected a U.S.-mediated ceasefire plan that was agreed upon by the Lebanese and Israeli governments. The group's leader described the plan as a 'roadmap for annihilation' and vowed to continue resistance as long as the occupation persists. Israel continues its strikes in southern Lebanon. An IDF medical officer was killed and seven troops wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed continued IDF operations, and Israel struck the town of Al-Sultaniyah. Lebanese media reported an Israeli strike on a car in Toul, near Nabatieh. Israel's military also reported intercepting two Hezbollah rockets and a hostile aircraft entering northern Israel from Lebanon. Hezbollah has reportedly used fiber-optic guided drones to test Israeli air defense systems. Despite these actions, UN peacekeepers and Lebanese troops have taken positions in the village of Dibbine following an Israeli withdrawal.
U.S. State Department officials have met with Israeli and Lebanese representatives for a fourth round of talks aimed at fostering stability and security along the border. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject a Washington-brokered ceasefire, advocating for continued strikes to 'restore security to the north.' Reports indicate Israel is encountering significant difficulties in Lebanon, suggesting a challenging operational environment, though specific details were not provided. Hezbollah continues to fire missiles and drones after 968 days of conflict. A poll suggests Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be ousted from his leadership position.