Israeli Military Strikes Southern Lebanon Despite US Ceasefire Talks

The Israeli military carried out fresh airstrikes, explosions and machine-gun fire across southern Lebanon early Saturday, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency. The attacks continued despite a US-brokered ceasefire framework and recent diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities.

The agency reported Israeli warplanes striking areas between Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Kfar Tebnit in Nabatieh district, and another airstrike hitting the outskirts of Baraachit in Bint Jbeil district. In Marjayoun district, forces carried out an explosion in Tallousa while drones flew at low altitude over nearby towns. Machine-gun fire from the direction of Khiam targeted agricultural land in Ibl al-Saqi. Warplanes also struck an area between Adshit al-Qusayr and Taybeh. In Tyre district, drones flew over the city and surrounding towns, reaching the Litani River, and additional drone activity was reported over Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The latest attacks followed US-sponsored military and technical talks between Lebanon and Israel held in Tampa, Florida, on October 20-21. According to reports cited by the source, those talks ended without an announced breakthrough or joint statement. The sides reportedly agreed to continue negotiations, although disagreements remained over Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

The source describes a June framework agreement that provides for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups. Set against the reported strikes, the unfinished talks show the work of peacemaking (Matthew 5:9) still ahead of the parties.

Since March 2, Israeli attacks have killed at least 4,386 people, wounded 12,407 others and displaced more than 1 million people, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

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