Key facts
- Israel has expanded its ground assault into southern Lebanon.
- Israeli forces have captured Beaufort castle in southern Lebanon.
- Hezbollah has rejected a US-mediated ceasefire plan.
- An IDF medical officer was killed and seven troops wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack.
- France criticized Israel's prolonged military operations in Lebanon.
- Iran is reportedly threatening new strikes on Israel.
- Oil prices fell as Hezbollah was expected to accept a ceasefire.
- US State Department officials held a fourth round of border security talks with Israel and Lebanon.
- Former President Trump reportedly intervened to prevent Israeli troops from entering Beirut.
- Hezbollah continues to fire missiles and drones after 968 days of conflict.
Israel has expanded its ground assault into southern Lebanon, marking its broadest incursion in 25 years. This operation follows increased Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel and aims to establish a permanent security presence, symbolized by the capture of Beaufort castle. An IDF medical officer was killed and seven troops wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack near Beaufort Castle, where Hezbollah released video of kamikaze drones attacking Israeli soldiers. The 900-year-old medieval fortress was recently captured by the Israeli military, which has vowed to push deeper into the country.
Hezbollah has rejected a US-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 stated that resistance would continue as long as the occupation persists. Israel continues its strikes in southern Lebanon, with the military reporting the interception of two Hezbollah rockets and Lebanese sources confirming an Israeli strike near Beirut, actions that defy a US-mediated de-escalation agreement. Israel's air force conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, and the military issued evacuation warnings for nine villages in the region. Lebanese and UN troops have taken positions in the village of Dibbine, near Marjayoun, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces after clashes with Hezbollah fighters.
France's UN Envoy Jérôme Bonnafont criticized Israel's prolonged military operations in Lebanon, calling them unjustifiable and a strategic error, with reports indicating attacks on rescue workers and medical facilities in Nabatieh. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject a Washington-brokered ceasefire, stating Israel should continue striking Hezbollah and "restore security to the north." Iran is reportedly threatening new strikes on Israel amidst escalating conflict, with missile launches observed and a previous ceasefire having collapsed, leading to a surge in oil prices and regional instability. Oil prices declined as Hezbollah was expected to accept a ceasefire, easing concerns about Middle East supply disruptions, with Brent crude falling 1.7% to $93.35 a barrel and WTI crude dropping to $90.65 a barrel. Separately, former President Trump stated he intervened to prevent Israeli troops from entering Beirut, and reportedly forced PM Netanyahu to abandon a plan to bomb south Beirut, highlighting the interplay of war and politics.
US State Department officials met with Israeli and Lebanese representatives for a fourth round of talks aimed at fostering stability and security along the border. Israel faces 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, with Iran mentioned in relation to the conflict. Israel's military announced it intercepted a hostile aircraft that entered northern Israel from Lebanon, though Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility despite a partial ceasefire agreement. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the U.S. supports Israel's intention to strike Beirut's Dahiyeh district if Hezbollah attacks persist, operations reportedly delayed due to U.S. involvement in Iran talks. President Trump is preparing to use Cold War-era authorities to allocate hundreds of millions of federal dollars to support coal-fired electricity and US exports of the fossil fuel. Trump's shifting decisions on troop levels in Europe have led to potential millions in costs, with the Pentagon awaiting clarity on troop movements.