Israel Strikes Lebanon as Peace Talks Enter Second Day in the US
Israel's military targets Hezbollah infrastructure sites in southern Lebanon amid ongoing peace negotiations.
On Friday, Israel carried out new strikes against southern Lebanon, targeting the militant group Hezbollah.
These strikes occurred just hours before the resumption of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, which entered their second day.
The truce between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, in place since April 17, has not fully halted hostilities, with hundreds killed in ongoing attacks and both sides accusing each other of violations.
The US described the first round of negotiations as positive, though neither Lebanon nor Israel has officially commented on the developments amid the ongoing strikes.
The Israeli military reported that it began striking what it termed as Hezbollah infrastructure sites near the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon.
At least two strikes were confirmed by an AFP correspondent in the area, with state media reporting a third strike targeting a center operated by a local NGO near a hospital, resulting in seven injuries including two nurses.
The Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for five towns and villages around Tyre, indicating potential further escalation.
Separately, the military reported the death of an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of soldiers killed since early March to 19.
Additionally, a civilian contractor was killed.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported additional drone strikes on locations in the south not included in Israel's evacuation warnings.
The peace talks in Washington, led by Lebanese negotiator Simon Karam and Israeli counterpart Yechiel Leiter, are focused on extending the shaky ceasefire, which is set to expire unless an extension is agreed upon.
Both sides have entrenched views; Karam is known for advocating Lebanese unity amidst sectarian divisions, while Leiter is well-versed in Israeli politics and diplomacy.
Hezbollah has vehemently opposed direct engagement between Lebanon and Israel, describing the negotiations as offering 'free concessions' to Israel.
The ongoing strikes and negotiations highlight a complex situation where diplomatic efforts continue amid unresolved tensions.
These strikes occurred just hours before the resumption of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, which entered their second day.
The truce between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, in place since April 17, has not fully halted hostilities, with hundreds killed in ongoing attacks and both sides accusing each other of violations.
The US described the first round of negotiations as positive, though neither Lebanon nor Israel has officially commented on the developments amid the ongoing strikes.
The Israeli military reported that it began striking what it termed as Hezbollah infrastructure sites near the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon.
At least two strikes were confirmed by an AFP correspondent in the area, with state media reporting a third strike targeting a center operated by a local NGO near a hospital, resulting in seven injuries including two nurses.
The Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for five towns and villages around Tyre, indicating potential further escalation.
Separately, the military reported the death of an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of soldiers killed since early March to 19.
Additionally, a civilian contractor was killed.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported additional drone strikes on locations in the south not included in Israel's evacuation warnings.
The peace talks in Washington, led by Lebanese negotiator Simon Karam and Israeli counterpart Yechiel Leiter, are focused on extending the shaky ceasefire, which is set to expire unless an extension is agreed upon.
Both sides have entrenched views; Karam is known for advocating Lebanese unity amidst sectarian divisions, while Leiter is well-versed in Israeli politics and diplomacy.
Hezbollah has vehemently opposed direct engagement between Lebanon and Israel, describing the negotiations as offering 'free concessions' to Israel.
The ongoing strikes and negotiations highlight a complex situation where diplomatic efforts continue amid unresolved tensions.
