Live updates: Ceasefire in Lebanon extended by three weeks

As part of IDF soldiers’ activity to remove threats south of the Forward Defense Line, over the past days, more than 50 terror infrastructure sites were dismantled.

Amomg the sites found was an underground compound used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to harm IDF soldiers and the State of Israel.

During a targeted raid in the Aadshit al-Qusayr area, a weapons storage facility with numerous weapons was located inside a children’s room. Among the weapons located: explosives, ‘Kalashnikov’ rifles, grenades, RPGs, machine guns, munitions, and combat equipment.

"The Hezbollah terrorist organization cynically exploits the civilian population in Lebanon in order to execute terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops," an IDF statement stressed.

In a separate incident om Sunday, terrorists launched an explosive drone toward IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line. A short while after, the drone was intercepted.

Following the incident, the IDF warned that it "will continue to operate against threats directed at Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, in accordance with directives from the political echelon."

Israel recently passed a message to the Trump administration warning that any easing of the naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz will be interpreted by Tehran as weakness, Channel 12 News reported.

Such a move, even if partial or temporary, would not lead to flexibility on Tehran's part, the sources stressed, according to the report.

Diplomatic sources in Jerusalem warned that the Iranians are expected to entrench their positions and use any concessions to improve their starting point for continued confrontation, rather than pursue a true disarmament agreement.

On Sunday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a Cabinet meeting aiming to solidify an Israeli strategy for potentially extreme situations.

The US Army has already formulated a plan in case negotiations for a deal with Iran explode and fighting resumes. According to CNN, the Pentagon formulated a detailed attack plan for immediate execution in case the ceasefire collapses. The main focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran continues to threaten global shipping routes.

The United States said on Sunday night that its two-week maritime blockade targeting Iran has already prevented dozens of vessels from reaching Iranian ports.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on social media that American forces had blocked the movement of 38 ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian harbors.

“American forces have directed 38 ships to turn around, or return to port," the statement said.

CENTCOM did not specify where the vessels were intercepted or ordered to reverse course.

The announcement comes amid an escalating US pressure campaign against Tehran’s maritime trade and shipping activity.

The US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz officially began two weeks ago. President Donald Trump announced the blockade after delegations from Iran and the United States held extended negotiations in Islamabad but failed to produce an agreement.

Last week, CENTCOM seized an Iranian ship which attempted to violate the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted the ship, M/V Touska, as it transited the north Arabian Sea at 17 knots enroute to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

Trump announced last Tuesday that due to the division in Iran, the ceasefire in Iran would be extended for an unspecified amount of time, to allow the leadership time to submit a proposal for a deal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that the US naval blockade will remain in place until an Iranian proposal is submitted.

Iran has transmitted a revised diplomatic proposal to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, Axios reported on Sunday night.

The proposal suggests that negotiations over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the current conflict be prioritized, while discussions on its nuclear program are postponed to a later stage, a US official and two sources familiar with the matter told Axios.

The proposal is viewed as an attempt to break the current deadlock in talks and manage internal divisions within Iran’s leadership regarding the level of nuclear concessions it is prepared to make in exchange for an agreement with the Trump administration.

However, US officials note that addressing the Hormuz issue first, including lifting the American blockade, could significantly reduce Washington’s leverage in future negotiations. Without that leverage, the US would face greater difficulty in pressing Tehran to relinquish its enriched uranium stockpile or agree to a long-term halt in enrichment activities.

President Donald Trump has made resolving Iran’s nuclear capabilities a central objective of his administration’s approach to the conflict, whether through diplomacy or military pressure.

Trump is expected to convene a Situation Room meeting on Monday with senior national security and foreign policy officials to assess the stalled negotiations and evaluate possible next steps, according to three US officials who spoke to Axios.

One of the officials said the meeting will focus on the breakdown in talks and available strategic options moving forward.

Trump on Saturday cancelled planned talks with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan. His senior envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had been scheduled to travel to Islambad for the talks.

“I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going to Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their ‘leadership,’" he continued. “Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan, where he met with local mediators, concluded without tangible progress.

Following the Pakistan talks, Araghchi met with officials in Oman in Muscat on Sunday, where discussions reportedly centered on the Strait of Hormuz. He then returned to Islamabad for additional consultations.

On Monday, Araghchi was expected to travel onward to Moscow for meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Behind closed doors, sources familiar with the discussions say Araghchi and Pakistani officials explored a new phased approach aimed at bypassing the current impasse over Iran’s nuclear program.

One source said Araghchi conveyed to mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar over the weekend that there is no internal consensus within Iran regarding US demands for a prolonged suspension of uranium enrichment and the removal of enriched material from the country.

According to the sources, the revised Iranian-Pakistani framework prioritizes resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis and ending the US blockade first. Under the proposal, either an extended ceasefire or a permanent end to hostilities would be established.

Only after that stage, the proposal suggests, would nuclear negotiations begin.

Pakistani intermediaries have already forwarded the proposal to the White House, though it remains unclear whether Washington is prepared to consider it.

A White House spokesperson, Olivia Wales, said: “These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the US will not negotiate through the press. As the president has said, the United States holds the cards and will only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

Spokespersons for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pakistani military declined to comment.

Shlomi Ara, the uncle of Sgt. Idan Fooks, said on Sunday evening that Fooks’s girlfriend, who serves as a military lookout, witnessed the incident in which his nephew was killed by an explosive drone strike.

Speaking with Ynet, Ara said, “His girlfriend is a lookout, and ever since he entered Lebanon they had been coordinating when they would both be able to come home together. This morning she saw the incident, saw the wounded soldiers, and asked if Idan was there. They told her he wasn’t, but she had a bad feeling. In hindsight, it turns out she saw the boyfriend she loved so much - and who loved her - being killed in Lebanon. She is in shock, just like all of us."

He eulogized his nephew, saying, “Idan was someone who knew how to bring people together. He was very close to his four brothers, especially Rani, who is one year younger than him. There is also Oz, and nine-year-old Raz, who only asked on Saturday when his brother would be coming home."

Fooks, 19, from Petah Tikva, was a combat soldier in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He was killed by an explosive drone during operational activity in southern Lebanon. He will be laid to rest on Monday at 4:00 p.m. in the military section of Segula Cemetery in his hometown.

In the incident in which he was killed, one combat officer and three soldiers were seriously wounded, one soldier was moderately wounded, and another sustained light injuries. The six wounded soldiers were evacuated to hospital for treatment, and their families were notified.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Fooks, saying, “Our hearts grieve over fallen soldier, Sergeant Idan Fooks, of blessed memory, in battle in southern Lebanon. My wife and I, along with all citizens of Israel, send our deepest heartfelt condolences to Idan’s family and share in their heavy loss. We wish a speedy and full recovery to our soldiers who were wounded in this difficult incident. Idan fought with bravery and courage alongside his comrades to restore security to the residents of the North, and this is what we shall continue to do. May his memory be blessed and cherished forever."

Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “I bow my head over the loss of Sgt. Idan Fooks, a soldier in the 77th Battalion who fell in battle in southern Lebanon, and I send heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time. Idan fought bravely, alongside our other heroic soldiers, in defense of northern residents against a cruel terrorist organization that will pay a heavy price for its actions."

“I wish a full and speedy recovery to the soldiers wounded in the serious incident, and I strengthen the IDF troops operating with power and determination in Lebanon. The IDF will continue to act with all necessary means and full backing until complete security is restored to the residents of the north. May Idan’s memory be a blessing."

Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg said, “I share in the deep sorrow of the Fooks-Ara family over the loss of their son, nephew, and grandson, Israel’s hero, soldier Idan Fooks, who fell during the fighting in southern Lebanon. Idan was a resident of Petah Tikva’s Pisgat Hadar neighborhood and a graduate of Ben Gurion High School in the city. We join the family in their heavy grief. May his memory be a blessing."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu early Monday morning ordered the cancellation of the annual Lag Ba’Omer celebrations in Meron, citing the fragile ceasefire with Lebanon. The decision was made following several security assessments chaired by the Prime Minister.

Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs wrote a letter to government ministers stating that the decision followed the updated Home Front Command guidelines. The revised guidelines include a cap of 1,500 people for gatherings in communities located along the Confrontation Line, as well as in the communities of Meron, Bar Yochai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa.

The letter further noted that, due to the current situation, the annual celebrations honoring Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron will not take place this year in their usual large-scale format. Instead, they will be held in a symbolic and limited format, in accordance with civil defense regulations.

It was stressed that the directive stems from “concerns over a potential mass-casualty event due to the fragility of the ceasefire with Lebanon, the site’s proximity to the Lebanese border, the possibility of rocket fire toward the area, and the difficulty of carrying out a large-scale evacuation of participants within the necessary timeframe."

The letter said that specific instructions regarding the symbolic format of the event will be issued closer to the date by the relevant authorities.

Israel’s defense establishment is concerned about further escalation along the northern border. On Sunday evening, following a situational assessment, the Home Front Command updated the defensive guidelines, restricting gatherings to up to 1,500 people in the Confrontation Line area, as well as in the communities of Meron, Bar Yohai, Or HaGanuz, and Safsufa.

All other defensive guidelines remain unchanged.

Earlier in the evening, Lebanese media reported a wave of Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Prior to that, reports said the Israeli Air Force had struck Hezbollah targets in several villages in the area.

Meanwhile, the Forum of Heads of Local Authorities in the Confrontational Line announced a dramatic decision to suspend activity in educational institutions and transportation services in communities under threat of rocket fire.

The shutdown, set to take effect this coming Tuesday, comes amid continued rocket and drone attacks by Hezbollah, which have undermined residents’ sense of security despite reports of a possible arrangement or ceasefire.

In a joint statement, the local leaders said that “the reality on the ground proves that security has not been restored along the Confrontation Line." They added that it is impossible to maintain a normal school routine while children and educational staff face daily danger on the roads and in classrooms.

Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council and chairman of the Forum, sharply criticized the national leadership. “I am outraged by the detachment of those sitting in their ivory tower from the reality facing parents, students, and residents here. The blood of our children is not expendable, and we will not wait for a disaster before making life-saving decisions."

Davidovich added that the authorities would not allow students to be abandoned on threatened roads, and that the suspension would remain in effect until meaningful security solutions are provided.

The news site Axios reported that Israel transferred an Iron Dome air defense system to the United Arab Emirates early in the war with Iran, along with personnel to operate it, citing two Israeli and one US official.

The report noted that "security and intelligence coordination between the countries has intensified significantly, with the deployment-previously undisclosed-marking an unprecedented step.

Since the war began, the UAE has been a primary target of Iranian attacks, with hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones launched, most of which were intercepted, though some struck military and civilian sites."

"Amid the heavy barrages, the UAE turned to allies for support. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly approved sending the system following a call with the Emirati president.

This marked the first time Israel deployed Iron Dome abroad, and the first use of the system outside Israel and the US. It successfully intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles.

Israeli and Emirati officials say cooperation has deepened throughout the conflict, including Israeli Air Force strikes on Iranian missile positions aimed at Gulf states.

However, the presence of Israeli troops in the UAE may be politically sensitive in the region, while Netanyahu’s decision could draw criticism in Israel amid ongoing attacks.

Despite past disagreements since the 2020 peace agreement, both sides describe current ties as their strongest yet. Former UAE national security official Tareq al-Otaiba said Israel and the US provided critical support, including military aid and intelligence sharing.

A senior Emirati official emphasized the significance of the assistance, stating it would not be forgotten."

Controversy has arisen due to footage from the village of Debl showing IDF engineering vehicles destroying solar panels near the village during operations against Hezbollah in the area.

The village, which sits near the Israeli border, has for decades been considered one of the communities most identified with Israel and the South Lebanon Army (SLA), as 220 of its residents fell fighting alongside the IDF.

According to the villagers, the panels that were destroyed served as one of their central sources of power and water.

They were located on land belonging to Colonel Aqel Hashem, a senior SLA commander who was murdered by Hezbollah in 2000.

Jonathan Elkhoury, a member of an SLA family who resides in Israel, criticized the action, claiming the panels were civilian infrastructure that had no connection to Hezbollah.

According to Elkhoury, the damage to the infrastructure could directly affect the residents who depend on such systems to provide basic services.

This is not the first incident to occur recently in the village. Earlier this month, footage from the village showed an IDF soldier destroying a statue of Jesus, sending shockwaves around the world and causing the IDF to replace it with a new statue.

In response to the footage documenting the destruction of solar panels, the IDF Spokesperson said: “The actions seen in the video do not align with IDF values or the conduct expected of its soldiers. The incident is under investigation. Based on the findings, command measures will be taken accordingly."

A new mural unveiled in the Iranian city of Mashhad is raising new questions about the medical condition of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

A video posted on social media by Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) senior research analyst Joe Truzman shows the new mural, which features deceased leaders of the Islamic Revolution.

At the center of the mural is former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was eliminated in an Israeli-American strike at the start of Operation Roaring Lion. He is surrounded by numerous smaller images of deceased Iranian officials, and four additional, larger images, including the first Supreme Leader Ayatollah Rouhalla Khomeini, former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a 2024 helicopter crash, and IRGC Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, who was eliminated in a US strike in 2020.

While the three other images are of prominent figures who are confirmed to be dead, the fourth is rather puzzling, as it is of current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Since taking over as Supreme Leader after his father, Ali, was eliminated during the opening wave of Israeli-American strikes in February, there have been speculations and reports surrounding Mojtaba's condition.

Most recently, the New York Times reported last week that Khamenei is far more seriously injured than previously reported and is living under an extreme security regime out of concern that Israel may track his whereabouts.

Khamenei, who was wounded in the deadly attack in which his wife and son were also killed, is surrounded by a senior medical team. According to the report, his leg has undergone three surgeries, and he is awaiting the fitting of a prosthetic limb. His hand was also operated on and is undergoing gradual rehabilitation.

He reportedly suffers from severe burns to his face and lips that make speaking difficult, and he is expected to undergo plastic surgery.

The report further stated that Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who is a cardiac surgeon by profession, and the health minister are personally involved in his treatment. Despite the injuries, Khamenei is said to remain mentally sharp.

Because of his physical condition and concerns about projecting weakness, Khamenei has not yet recorded any visual or audio message. His communication with the outside world and senior regime officials is reportedly conducted through a primitive but secure method.

Messages are delivered only in handwritten sealed envelopes, passed hand-to-hand through motorcycle couriers traveling across highways to the hiding location.

In addition, commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly do not visit the leader physically, in order not to “draw" Israeli intelligence to his exact location.

While Khamenei recovers from his injuries, the country is effectively being run by a “board of directors" made up of hardline generals. According to the sources, Khamenei functions as a “chairman of the board" who approves their decisions, though he rarely opposes them.

The leading figures at the top are said to include Ahmad Vahidi, commander of the Revolutionary Guards; Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, head of the Supreme National Security Council; and hardline military adviser Yahya Rahim Safavi.

Senior Revolutionary Guards officials believe that after five weeks of intense fighting, they have succeeded in halting the threat to the regime’s survival.

Large crowds gathered on Saturday night to pay final respects to 11-year-old Nesia Karadi, a month after she was critically injured when an Iranian missile struck her family's apartment on Rimon Street in Bnei Brak on the eve of Passover.

The girl succumbed to her wounds on Friday after doctors at Sheba Tel Hashomer Medical Center fought for weeks to save her.

Her uncle, Rabbi Michael Lasri, eulogized her: "I have been dealing with Jewish outreach for 40 years, and she did all that in a few weeks. She had merits with the greatest of Israel."

Rabbi Yigal Cohen, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, added: "This soul caused Jews to think of returning to their roots. Her only crime was being born a Jew in the Land of Israel."

Her father, Rabbi Elazar Elhanan Karadi, stated: "Thank You, Creator of the Universe, for giving me a girl who taught me what true joy is, what the love of Torah is. Thank you, people of Israel, Tel Hashomer hospital, doctors, and anyone who took upon themselves to do something in her merit."

The father turned to his daughter in tears: "We ask forgiveness, we did what we could. G-d wanted otherwise. We are sure that you will look out for and influence the entire Jewish people."

He asked the public: "Continue getting stronger [in your religion], study Mishna in her memory, and take upon yourselves small deeds in the merit of Nesia bat (daughter of) Hila."

The bereaved mother stated, "Next month, you will celebrate your birthday, and we will make you a cake just the way you like it. You always asked for a big home; now G-d made you the biggest Garden of Eden there is."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday night that Tehran will not engage in “forced negotiations" with the United States while facing threats and pressure, according to Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

During a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian said current US policies were damaging trust and making any diplomatic progress more difficult.

He said movement toward dialogue would remain unlikely unless “hostile actions and operational pressures" by Washington are brought to an end.

Pezeshkian added that the United States must first remove “operational obstacles, including the blockade" of vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports in order to create conditions for resolving disputes.

According to a statement from the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif told Pezeshkian that Islamabad “would continue its sincere and honest endeavors to promote regional peace and security."

In a post on social media, Sharif also thanked Iran for sending a senior delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the war.

The Iranian delegation departed Islamabad on Saturday and later arrived in Muscat, Oman, for additional regional discussions.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner had been expected to travel to Islamabad on Saturday, but Trump canceled the visit at the last moment.

"I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going is Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians," he wrote in a post on Truth Social. "Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their 'leadership.' Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"

Trump later told Fox News in an interview, "I've told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, 'Nope, you're not making an 18 hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you're not going to be making any more 18 hour flights to sit around talking about nothing.'"

Trump announced on Tuesday that due to the division in Iran, the ceasefire in Iran would be extended for an unspecified amount of time, to allow the leadership time to submit a proposal for a deal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that the US naval blockade will remain in place until an Iranian proposal is submitted.

On Thursday, Trump was asked how long he is willing to wait for Iran to submit a proposal to end the war and replied he was in “no rush".

Trump told reporters that Iran's leaders are "fighting like cats and dogs for who's going to control" the country.

“We’ve taken out their military. We’ve hit about 75 percent of our targets. We stopped a little early because they wanted to have some peace, and we have a blockade that’s 100 percent effective. And they’re getting no business," he said.

Trump further stated, “They want to make a deal. We have been speaking to them, but they don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in turmoil."

“They came to us, and they said, 'We will agree to open the Strait,' and all my people were happy. Everybody was happy-except me. I said, ‘Wait a minute. If we open this strait, that means they’re going to make 500 million dollars a day. I don’t want them to make 500 million dollars a day until they settle this thing, so I’m the one that kept it closed. We have total control of it. And it’ll open when they make a deal or something else happens," continued Trump.

The President also said he could make a deal with Iran “right now," but he wants it to be “everlasting" rather than temporary.

IDF: Earlier today (Saturday), the IDF struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon.

The targeted structures were used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to advance attacks against IDF soldiers and the State of Israel.

The IDF will continue to operate decisively against threats directed at Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, in accordance with directives from the political echelon.

Amid Hezbollah's continued ceasefire violations and rocket fire toward the Galilee, the leaders of several communities in northern Israel have expressed frustration at the government's inaction and a feeling of abandonment.

Upper Galilee Regional Council head Asaf Langleben criticized the status quo in northern Israel, which continues to suffer from Hezbollah's attacks despite the extension of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

"This is not a ceasefire. It is a tense calm that has once again been broken by a rocket barrage at Manara and Margaliot. The responsibility to remove the missile threat and restore security to northern residents lies solely with the Israeli government. Residents of the north deserve to return to true routine and safe lives until the threat is removed - however long it takes."

Mateh Asher Regional Council head and Confrontation Line Forum chairman Moshe Davidovich said in response to the ongoing fire: "What is happening here is not a ceasefire - it may be unceasing fire."

Metula Council head David Azoulay criticized the government, saying, "Shabbat, midday, the birds are chirping - and again there are sirens. Again a so-called ‘ceasefire,’ and the screen reads: ‘rocket and missile fire, Misgav Am, Manara, Margaliot.’ The fire is clearly heard throughout the area. Soon the Home Front Command will issue a statement that it was a false alarm, then the IDF spokesperson will correct it to ‘fire toward forces in Lebanon,’ and the Prime Minister is busy with how the American economy will grow."

Azoulay added: "We’re not really of interest to him. Abandonment, we said? American interests at the expense of Israeli citizens. That’s what happens when you get a ‘bear hug.’ Oh and by the way, regardless of what the military or political leadership says, there was one impact in an open area and several interceptions. By miracle, once again there were no casualties. But even if there had been, it probably wouldn’t interest those who are supposed to provide us with security. Until ‘total victory,’ the question is whose [victory it will be]."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the IDF to vigorously attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, the Prime Minister's Office said Saturday night.

The announcement closely followed sirens which sounded in the area of Malkia, due to the identification of a suspicious aerial target was identified. The IDF later said that "contact with the target was lost" and that the incident had concluded.

The incident was not the first: At around 5:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, sirens sounded in the western Galilee following a UAV infiltration. The IDF said, "Following the sirens that were sounded in several areas in northern Israel, the Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that was launched from Lebanon toward Israeli territory. Contact with an additional suspicious aerial target was lost. No injuries were reported."

An hour earlier, two rockets were launched from Lebanon towards the Galilee Panhandle. One of the rockets was intercepted, while the other fell in an open area.

Prior to the rocket fire, the Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that was identified in the area in which IDF soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line.

The target did not cross into Israeli territory. No sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.

A short while ago, IDF soldiers of the 36th Division struck and eliminated three Hezbollah terrorists who were driving in a vehicle loaded with weapons. An additional terrorist riding a motorcycle in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line, was also eliminated.

Earlier today, IDF soldiers from the Golani Brigade and the Multidimensional Unit identified two armed Hezbollah terrorists in the Litani area, south of the Forward Defense Line.

The terrorists were eliminated in an Israeli Air Force strike guided by the soldiers.

The terrorists that were eliminated posed a threat to the IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.

The IDF continues to operate in order to remove threats to Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.

During operational activity of the reserve Paratroopers Brigade in the Shiite Ridge area, IDF soldiers located an anti-tank missile cache in a Hezbollah weapons storage facility. The missiles located were intended to target and harm IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.

Additionally, soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade and the Yahalom Unit under the command of the 98th Division continue to dismantle structures used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization for military purposes in the Stadium neighborhood in Bint Jbeil.

In a separate operation, IDF soldiers of the 8th Brigade, under the command of the 91st Division, located an underground shaft and Kalashnikov rifles.

Moreover, IDF soldiers of the 769th Brigade located explosive devices that had been planted in a structure and in a vehicle used by Hezbollah for terrorist purposes.

"A short while ago, the Hezbollah terrorist organization blatantly violated the ceasefire understandings once again, by launching explosive drones toward IDF soldiers operating south of the Forward Defense Line, in the area of Qantara in southern Lebanon," the IDF stressed.

"The drones detonated adjacent to the soldiers. No IDF injuries were reported."

IDF: Following the sirens that sounded in the area of Malkia, a suspicious aerial target was identified. The contact with the target was lost. The incident has concluded.

This incident constitutes an additional violation of the ceasefire understandings by the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

US President Donald Trump has announced that US representatives will not travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran.

"I just cancelled the trip of my representatives going is Islamabad, Pakistan, to meet with the Iranians," he wrote on Truth Social. "Too much time wasted on traveling, too much work! Besides which, there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their 'leadership.' Nobody knows who is in charge, including them. Also, we have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!"

In an interview, Trump told Fox News, "I've told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, 'Nope, you're not making an 18 hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you're not going to be making any more 18 hour flights to sit around talking about nothing.'"

Siren sounded Saturday afternoon in Manara, Margaliot, and Misgav Am in the Galilee Panhandle, following the launch of rockets from Lebanon. One of the rockets exploded in an open area, and the second was intercepted.

No injuries were reported.

"This incident constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings by the Hezbollah terrorist organization," the IDF warned.

About an hour later, at 5:17 p.m., alerts sounded warning of a hostile aircraft infiltration into the western Galilee area. Approximately ten minutes later, the Home Front Command announced that the incident had "concluded" and the IDF later confirmed that two aircraft entered Israeli territory.

"The Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that was launched from Lebanon toward Israeli territory," a statement read. "Contact with an additional suspicious aerial target was lost."

"No injuries were reported. This incident constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings by the Hezbollah terrorist organization."

Shortly prior to the rocket launch towards the Galilee Panhandle, the IDF reported the interception of "a suspicious aerial target that was identified in the area in which IDF soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line."

"The target did not cross into Israeli territory. No sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol."

Over the course of the day, reports emerged from Lebanon of IDF strikes in several areas. IDF Arabic-language spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, issued a renewed evacuation warning to many villages in southern Lebanon, urging residents not to return. “During the ceasefire agreement, the IDF remains deployed in its positions in southern Lebanon in the face of Hezbollah’s ongoing terrorist activity," he said.

In the morning hours, artillery strikes were reported against several villages, alongside explosions documented in the village of al-Khiyam, apparently due to the demolition of structures. Later, Lebanese reports said the IDF struck a vehicle and a motorcycle in the village of Yohmor al-Shaqif, with four fatalities reported in the two strikes. In the afternoon, additional artillery fire was reported in Wadi Hassan, al-Qantara, Alman, Yohmor al-Shaqif, and al-Qusayr.

"IDF soldiers of the 36th Division struck and eliminated three Hezbollah terrorists who were driving in a vehicle loaded with weapons. An additional terrorist riding a motorcycle in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line, was also eliminated," the IDF said.

The IDF added, "Earlier today, IDF soldiers from the Golani Brigade and the Multidimensional Unit identified two armed Hezbollah terrorists in the Litani area, south of the Forward Defense Line. The terrorists were eliminated in an Israeli Air Force strike guided by the soldiers. The terrorists that were eliminated posed a threat to the IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon." According to the IDF, 15 terrorists were eliminated over the weekend.

Overnight, the IDF struck Hezbollah rocket launchers that were loaded and ready for launch in the areas of Deir El Zahrani, Reman, and Al-Saamiya in southern Lebanon, north of the Forward Defense Line. "These launchers posed an immediate threat to IDF soldiers and to Israeli civilians," the IDF emphasized.

Live updates are stopping at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, and will resume on Saturday night, upon the conclusion of Shabbat in Israel.

Iran on Friday denied that it plans to hold talks with the US in Pakistan on Saturday.

While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is planning a visit to Islamabad, the Iranian news agency Tasnim published a report which stated that he “will not hold any negotiations with the Americans in Islamabad."

The report claimed that “American officials and the media have been fabricating stories about a new round of talks for more than 10 days."

The news agency further stated that negotiations with the Americans “are not currently on the agenda," and that Araghchi will discuss with the Pakistani side “Iran’s considerations regarding ending the war."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei later reiterated there are no plans to hold any meeting between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad. He added that the Iranian delegation “will inform Pakistan of our remarks."

The Iranian report followed confirmation from the White House that US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for direct talks with Iran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed their trip in an interview with Fox News on Friday.

"I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in direct talks with representatives from the Iranian delegation," she said.

Leavitt added that the talks will be mediated by Pakistan. “The Iranians reached out, as the President called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation, so the President is dispatching Steve and Jared to go hear what they have to say, and we’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation," she said.

Trump announced on Tuesday that due to the division in Iran, the ceasefire in Iran would be extended for an unspecified amount of time, to allow the leadership time to submit a proposal for a deal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that the US naval blockade will remain in place until an Iranian proposal is submitted.

On Thursday, Trump was asked how long he is willing to wait for Iran to submit a proposal to end the war and replied he was in “no rush".

Trump told reporters that Iran's leaders are "fighting like cats and dogs for who's going to control" the country.

“We’ve taken out their military. We’ve hit about 75 percent of our targets. We stopped a little early because they wanted to have some peace, and we have a blockade that’s 100 percent effective. And they’re getting no business," he said.

Trump further stated, “They want to make a deal. We have been speaking to them, but they don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in turmoil."

“They came to us, and they said, 'We will agree to open the Strait,' and all my people were happy. Everybody was happy-except me. I said, ‘Wait a minute. If we open this strait, that means they’re going to make 500 million dollars a day. I don’t want them to make 500 million dollars a day until they settle this thing, so I’m the one that kept it closed. We have total control of it. And it’ll open when they make a deal or something else happens," continued Trump.

The President also said he could make a deal with Iran “right now," but he wants it to be “everlasting" rather than temporary.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

US President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview on Friday that Iran plans to make an offer aimed at satisfying US demands.

"They're making an offer and we'll have to see," Trump said.

He further added that US officials negotiating with Iran "are dealing with the people who are in charge now".

Trump’s comments followed confirmation from the White House that US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for direct talks with Iran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed their trip in an interview with Fox News on Friday.

"I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in direct talks with representatives from the Iranian delegation," she said.

Leavitt added that the talks will be mediated by Pakistan. “The Iranians reached out, as the President called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation, so the President is dispatching Steve and Jared to go hear what they have to say, and we’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation," she said.

While Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to Islamabad on Friday, Iranian media denied he would be holding talks with the US delegation.

The Iranian news agency Tasnim claimed that “American officials and the media have been fabricating stories about a new round of talks for more than 10 days."

The news agency further stated that negotiations with the Americans “are not currently on the agenda," and that Araghchi will discuss with the Pakistani side “Iran’s considerations regarding ending the war."

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

The IDF on Friday evening struck Hezbollah rocket launchers in the areas of Yater and Kafra in southern Lebanon, north of the Forward Defense Line.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit stated that the launchers posed a threat to IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.

Earlier on Friday, said the IDF, the Hezbollah terrorist organization launched explosive drones toward IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line. The drones detonated adjacent to the soldiers, no IDF injuries were reported.

“This incident constitutes an additional blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings. The IDF continues to operate in the Forward Defense Line area, in order to remove threats to Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers," said the IDF.

Also on Friday, IDF soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade, under the command of the 98th Division, identified and eliminated six armed Hezbollah terrorists who operated in Bint Jbeil, south of the Forward Defense Line in southern Lebanon.

Following the identification, an exchange of fire began between the terrorists and the soldiers, during which the soldiers eliminated two terrorists.

Subsequently, the soldiers struck the structure from which the terrorists had been operating. In the strike, the four remaining terrorists were eliminated. No IDF injuries were reported.

IDF soldiers also struck Hezbollah surveillance equipment on Friday in the area of Kounin, south of the Forward Defense Line. The surveillance equipment posed a threat to the soldiers operating in the area.

As part of the activity of Golani Brigade soldiers in the area, weapon caches were located, including explosive devices, Kalashnikov rifles, grenades, RPGs, and combat equipment.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

A short while ago, the IDF struck Hezbollah rocket launchers in the areas of Yater and Kafra in southern Lebanon, north of the Forward Defense Line. The launchers posed a threat to IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians.

Earlier today, the Hezbollah terrorist organization launched explosive drones toward IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon, south of the Forward Defense Line. The drones detonated adjacent to the soldiers, no IDF injuries were reported.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

IDF soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade, under the command of the 98th Division, on Friday identified and eliminated six armed Hezbollah terrorists who operated in Bint Jbeil, south of the Forward Defense Line in southern Lebanon.

Following the identification, an exchange of fire began between the terrorists and the soldiers, during which the soldiers eliminated two terrorists.

Subsequently, the soldiers struck the structure from which the terrorists had been operating. In the strike, the four remaining terrorists were eliminated. No IDF injuries were reported.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit noted, “This incident constitutes an additional blatant violation of the ceasefire understandings by the Hezbollah terrorist organization."

It added, “The IDF will continue to operate to remove threats to Israeli civilians in the area of the Forward Defense Line."

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will travel to Pakistan on Saturday for direct talks with Iran.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed their trip in an interview with Fox News on Friday.

"I can confirm that Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be off to Pakistan again tomorrow morning to engage in direct talks with representatives from the Iranian delegation," she said.

Leavitt added that the talks will be mediated by Pakistan. “The Iranians reached out, as the President called on them to do, and asked for this in-person conversation, so the President is dispatching Steve and Jared to go hear what they have to say, and we’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation," she said.

CNN reported earlier on Friday that Trump is planning to send Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan to participate in talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the coming days.

Vice President JD Vance, who headed the US delegation in the previous round of talks, is not currently planning to attend, given that Iran’s Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, is not participating either, the officials said. Ghalibaf is viewed internally by White House officials as the head of the Iran delegation and Vance’s counterpart.

However, the Vice President will be on standby to travel to Islamabad if talks progress, the officials said.

Trump announced on Tuesday that due to the division in Iran, the ceasefire in Iran would be extended for an unspecified amount of time, to allow the leadership time to submit a proposal for a deal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that the US naval blockade will remain in place until an Iranian proposal is submitted.

On Thursday, Trump was asked how long he is willing to wait for Iran to submit a proposal to end the war and replied he was in “no rush".

Trump told reporters that Iran's leaders are "fighting like cats and dogs for who's going to control" the country.

“We’ve taken out their military. We’ve hit about 75 percent of our targets. We stopped a little early because they wanted to have some peace, and we have a blockade that’s 100 percent effective. And they’re getting no business," he said.

Trump further stated, “They want to make a deal. We have been speaking to them, but they don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in turmoil."

“They came to us, and they said, 'We will agree to open the Strait,' and all my people were happy. Everybody was happy-except me. I said, ‘Wait a minute. If we open this strait, that means they’re going to make 500 million dollars a day. I don’t want them to make 500 million dollars a day until they settle this thing, so I’m the one that kept it closed. We have total control of it. And it’ll open when they make a deal or something else happens," continued Trump.

The President also said he could make a deal with Iran “right now," but he wants it to be “everlasting" rather than temporary.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Nesia Karadi, 11, died of her injuries at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer after being critically injured in an Iranian missile strike on Bnei Brak on the eve of Passover. Her funeral will take place on Saturday night.

Her death brings the number of civilians killed on the home front during Operation Roaring ion to 28.

The 11-year-old girl was the niece of Rabbi Michael Lasri.

The Bnei Brak Municipality said in a statement, “The city of Bnei Brak mourns the passing of the child Nesia Karadi, of blessed memory. The mayor, acting mayor, deputy mayors, city council members, and all residents of the city are shocked and grieving upon receiving the bitter news of her death. Nesia returned her pure soul to her Creator after being critically injured by a cluster missile strike on Passover eve. Tens of thousands of residents, together with the people of Israel, prayed fervently for her recovery since the severe injury and followed with hope her fight for life at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer. Sadly, the decree was sealed, and this young flower was taken in the prime of her life. We share in the family’s profound grief and pray that the Holy One, blessed be He, will put an end to our suffering, wipe away every tear, and that destruction and tragedy will no longer be heard within our borders. May her soul be bound in the bond of eternal life."

Mayor Rabbi Hanoch Seibert said, “All of Bnei Brak surrounds the Karadi family with sorrow and prayer at this difficult time. We mourn the loss of an innocent child whose whole future lay before her, and we pray that God will send comfort and healing to the hearts of her parents and family. The municipality will stand by the family and support them in every way needed during this time of pain and mourning."

Her mother said in an interview with Kol Barama radio that Nesia was given her name because she was born through what the family saw as a clear miracle. “I remember the midwife shouting in the delivery room that this girl was born by a miracle."

“Nesia was the child who followed Home Front Command instructions most carefully. Every time there was a siren, she was always the first to run to the protected room. But during the siren in Bnei Brak, Nesia was asleep, and before she could get up and run, the missile struck and severely injured her."

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

With the start of Shabbat in Israel, Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk will continue to update the site until the start of Shabbat in New York.

The IDF Spokesperson for Arabic media, Col. Avichay Adraee, has issued an evacuation warning to residents of the village of Deir Aames in southern Lebanon, after launches were identified from its area toward northern border communities.

Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that the regime's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel on Friday evening to Islamabad, Pakistan, Muscat, Oman, and Moscow, Russia.

According to the report, the purpose of the trip is bilateral consultations, discussions, and dialogues regarding the ongoing developments in the region, as well as the latest status of the war against the US and Israel.

Following the hostile aircraft infiltration sirens that sounded in several areas in northern Israel, it was determined to be a false identification.

IDF soldiers struck Hezbollah surveillance equipment on Friday in the area of Kounin, south of the Forward Defense Line. The surveillance equipment posed a threat to the soldiers operating in the area.

As part of the activity of Golani Brigade soldiers in the area, weapon caches were located, including explosive devices, Kalashnikov rifles, grenades, RPGs, and combat equipment.

The soldiers also located weapons, an anti-tank missile, and combat equipment in the Rashaf area over the past 24 hours.

In addition, the IDF claimed that the Hezbollah terrorist organization once again violated the ceasefire understandings and launched explosive drones toward IDF soldiers operating south of the Forward Defense Line, in the Qantara area in southern Lebanon. The drones detonated near the soldiers. No IDF injuries were reported.

A short while ago, an IDF remotely piloted aircraft was downed in southern Lebanon following the launch of a small surface-to-air missile by the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

The incident is under investigation.

Following the sirens that sounded in several areas in northern Israel, the Israeli Air Force successfully intercepted a UAV prior to its crossing into Israeli territory.

Additionally, a suspicious aerial target was identified adjacent to IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon. The contact with the target was lost.

Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol. The incident has concluded.

Pakistani and Iranian sources told CNN on Friday that Iran is sending a delegation to Pakistan for talks.

However, the report notes that it is unclear if there will be any engagement with the US.

The U.S. military is developing a series of new operational plans intended for implementation if fighting with Iran resumes, according to a report aired overnight by CNN.

According to the report, the plan focuses first and foremost on damaging Tehran’s ability to block the Strait of Hormuz - the strategic shipping lane through which most of the world’s oil supply passes.

The military is identifying “dynamic targets" in the Gulf region, including fast attack boats and vessels designated for laying naval mines, based on the understanding that these are the assets enabling the regime to paralyze maritime traffic.

However, U.S. security officials acknowledge that attacking the vessels alone would not guarantee the immediate reopening of the strait.

As part of a broader campaign of economic and diplomatic pressure, the possibility of striking Iranian strategic infrastructure and energy facilities is being considered. The aim of such attacks would be to force Tehran back to the negotiating table from a weakened position, while carrying out past threats made by the administration of Donald Trump against the regime’s economic assets.

Another part of the operational plan concerns the targeted elimination of “obstructive figures" within the Iranian leadership. Military planners have reportedly discussed the possibility of targeting commanders and key figures identified as actively working to sabotage diplomatic contacts.

The move is intended to paralyze the hardline faction in Iran and neutralize opposition to a political arrangement.

On the ground, tensions are reaching a peak: the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) has joined the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command, bringing the number of American aircraft carriers in the Middle East to three. The military buildup comes alongside reports that Iran has begun placing additional naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with reporters at the Oval Office on Thursday, following another round of talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, who represented their countries in the meeting, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, were present as well.

The press conference took place just after Trump announced on Truth Social that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon would be extended by three weeks.

Trump said at the start of the meeting with reporters that he hopes to host a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington within the next few weeks.

“We had a great meeting with the very high officials of Lebanon and very high officials of Israel. And we think that the President of Lebanon and the Prime Minister of Israel over the next couple of weeks will be coming here. They've agreed to an additional three weeks of, I guess, no firing, ceasefire, no more firing," Trump said, adding, “It's not going to happen between them, but they do have Hezbollah to think about."

He continued, “We're going to be working with Lebanon to get things straightened out in that country. I really believe it's something we can do pretty easily, just with the power of who we are, the great people, the Lebanese people. We have our ambassador here who has done a fantastic job, Ambassador to Lebanon from the United States. And we had a great conversation, and I think it's the beginning of something very important. It'd be a wonderful thing to get this worked out simultaneously with what we're doing in Iran."

Trump said Israel would be permitted to defend itself if Hezbollah fires towards its territory but “they are going to do it carefully and surgical".

A reporter asked Trump whether he believes there is a chance for peace between Israel and Lebanon this year, to which the President replied, “I think it is a great chance. I mean, you know, they're friends about the same things and they're enemies on the same things and it has to do with, I guess you could say a couple of countries, but certainly it's, if you look at Hezbollah, that's where everybody seems to be united."

Vice President Vance said that this is “an historic moment" and added, "We're going to extend the ceasefire for three weeks, that’s already in place between Israel and Lebanon. Of course, it wouldn’t have happened without the President’s direct engagement."

Ambassador Huckabee said, “The people of Lebanon and the people of Israel are neighbors, and they want to get along. They can get along. But it's like neighbors who have a rough little kid living in the neighborhood who keeps throwing rocks at everybody's window. And if the kid will quit throwing rocks, the neighbors can get along and start actually working together."

“The President has initiated something that is truly bringing the neighborhood back to a neighborhood and recognizing that the problem is not Lebanon and the problem is not Israel. The problem is Hezbollah, the bad little kid throwing rocks. That's what the President is getting launched today - to get that little kid out of the neighborhood," he added.

Ambassador Leiter thanked Trump and added, “Israel wants peace with Lebanon and Israel wants security for its citizens. We're united with the Lebanese government in wanting to rid the country of this malign influence called Hezbollah. And now that Mr. President, under your leadership, Iran has been so degraded, the possibility of degrading Hezbollah and liberating Lebanon from their occupation is real."

“So we hope that together, under your leadership, we can formalize peace between Israel and Lebanon in the very near future. And we are just very thankful for the opportunity," Leiter said.

The Lebanese Ambassador thanked Trump for his leadership and his support for Lebanon and said, “I think with your help, with your support, we can make Lebanon great again."

Leiter later commented on the meeting in a post on social media, writing, “A second productive round of talks with Lebanon’s Ambassador Nada Hamadeh today, hosted by President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Ambassador Michel Issa."

“Our goals remain clear: peace, prosperity, and security for our citizens from Iran and its terror proxies," added Leiter.

Trump’s announcement on the extension of the ceasefire followed Hezbollah’s latest blatant violation of the ceasefire, when the terrorist group fired four rockets towards Shtula in the Western Galilee just before midnight.

All of the rockets were intercepted by air defense systems. No impacts were reported inside Israeli territory, and there were no casualties.

Lebanon and Israel, formally at war since 1948, held an initial round of talks in Washington on April 14.

Despite the ceasefire, Hezbollah’s violations have continued, and Israel has retaliated by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The ceasefire framework published by the US State Department last week stipulates that Israel retains what it described as the right to self-defense against threats.

Hezbollah has criticized the decision to engage in direct negotiations, accusing the Lebanese government of making concessions without broad political or public consensus.

Lebanese officials have reiterated that decisions regarding war, peace, and negotiations rest solely with the state, stressing that the diplomatic track seeks to spare the country further suffering.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told CNN on Thursday that the extended ceasefire in Lebanon is “not 100%," and raised doubts over the Lebanese government’s ability to enforce the agreement in the south of the country, where Hezbollah operates under Iranian backing.

“I have to be honest," said Danon. “You know, the Lebanese government have no control of Hezbollah and Hezbollah is sending rockets trying to sabotage the ceasefire. And Israel, we have to retaliate. Every time we see a threat, we take action."

Danon said the current arrangement is an improvement over the previous situation, but stressed it remains incomplete.

“It’s a significantly better situation. It’s not 100%," he told CNN. “I hope …to see that the Lebanese military are actually able to implement and to enforce this ceasefire."

Danon’s comments followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement in a post on Truth Social that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks.

His post came after he participated in the direct talks between Israel and Lebanon at the White House.

"The President of the United States, DONALD J. TRUMP, Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, and Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, met today with High Ranking Representatives of Israel and Lebanon in the Oval Office. The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah," Trump wrote.

“The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS. I look forward in the near future to hosting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. It was a Great Honor to be a participant at this very Historic Meeting!" he added.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after the announcement, Trump said he hopes to host a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington within the next few weeks.

“We had a great meeting with the very high officials of Lebanon and very high officials of Israel. And we think that the President of Lebanon and the Prime Minister of Israel over the next couple of weeks will be coming here. They've agreed to an additional three weeks of, I guess, no firing, ceasefire, no more firing," Trump said, adding, “It's not going to happen between them, but they do have Hezbollah to think about."

A reporter asked Trump whether he believes there is a chance for peace between Israel and Lebanon this year, to which the President replied, “I think it is a great chance. I mean, you know, they're friends about the same things and they're enemies on the same things and it has to do with, I guess you could say a couple of countries, but certainly it's, if you look at Hezbollah, that's where everybody seems to be united."

The IDF struck the launcher that launched several rockets toward the area of Shtula.

Likewise, an additional loaded and ready-to-launch launcher was struck. The launcher posed a threat to IDF soldiers and the State of Israel.

US President Donald Trump announced in a post on Truth Social on Thursday that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks.

His post came after he participated in the direct talks between Israel and Lebanon at the White House.

"The President of the United States, DONALD J. TRUMP, Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, and Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, met today with High Ranking Representatives of Israel and Lebanon in the Oval Office. The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah," Trump wrote.

“The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS. I look forward in the near future to hosting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. It was a Great Honor to be a participant at this very Historic Meeting!" he added.

Trump’s announcement followed Hezbollah’s latest blatant violation of the ceasefire, when the terrorist group fired four rockets towards Shtula in the Western Galilee just before midnight.

All of the rockets were intercepted by air defense systems. No impacts were reported inside Israeli territory, and there were no casualties.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement, “Following the sirens that sounded in the area of Shtula a short while ago, several launches that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory were identified."

It added, “The Israeli Air Force intercepted the launches. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol."

In a separate statement, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said that earlier on Thursday, the IDF struck and eliminated three Hezbollah terrorists who launched a surface-to-air missile toward an Israeli Air Force aircraft, unsuccessfully.

In an additional incident, terrorists launched an explosive UAV toward IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon. Shortly afterward, the IDF struck terrorist infrastructure in the area.

A reservist was lightly injured by the explosive UAV and required medical treatment. His family was notified.

Additionally, the Hezbollah terrorist organization launched rockets toward IDF soldiers operating south of the Forward Defense Line, in the Aainata area in southern Lebanon. Some were intercepted, while others fell near the troops. No injuries were reported.

In addition, the IDF identified and dismantled two loaded and ready-to-launch launchers.

“These constitute blatant violations of the ceasefire understandings. The IDF continues to operate in order to remove threats to Israeli civilians and IDF troops," the statement said.

Lebanon and Israel, formally at war since 1948, held an initial round of talks in Washington on April 14. Two days later, the US announced a ten-day truce in the conflict.

Despite the ceasefire, Hezbollah’s violations have continued, and Israel has retaliated by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The ceasefire framework published by the US State Department last week stipulates that Israel retains what it described as the right to self-defense against threats.

Hezbollah has criticized the decision to engage in direct negotiations, accusing the Lebanese government of making concessions without broad political or public consensus.

Lebanese officials have reiterated that decisions regarding war, peace, and negotiations rest solely with the state, stressing that the diplomatic track seeks to spare the country further suffering.

US President Donald Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by three weeks.

"The President of the United States, DONALD J. TRUMP, Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, and Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, met today with High Ranking Representatives of Israel and Lebanon in the Oval Office. The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah. The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS. I look forward in the near future to hosting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. It was a Great Honor to be a participant at this very Historic Meeting!" he wrote.

Earlier on Thursday, the IDF struck and eliminated three Hezbollah terrorists who launched a surface-to-air missile toward an Israeli Air Force aircraft, unsuccessfully, said the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

In an additional incident, terrorists launched an explosive UAV toward IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon. Shortly afterward, the IDF struck terrorist infrastructure in the area.

Additionally, the Hezbollah terrorist organization launched rockets toward IDF soldiers operating south of the Forward Defense Line, in the Aainata area in southern Lebanon. Some were intercepted, while others fell near the troops. No injuries were reported.

In addition, the IDF identified and dismantled two loaded and ready-to-launch launchers.

Hezbollah violated the ceasefire on Thursday evening by firing several rockets toward the area of Shtula in the western Galilee.

All of the rockets were intercepted by air defense systems. No impacts were reported inside Israeli territory, and there were no casualties.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement, “Following the sirens that sounded in the area of Shtula a short while ago, several launches that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory were identified."

It added, “The Israeli Air Force intercepted the launches. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol."

The rocket fire by Hezbollah came as Israeli and Lebanese representatives met in Washington for a second round of talks.

Lebanon and Israel, formally at war since 1948, held an initial round of talks in Washington on April 14. Two days later, the US announced a ten-day truce in the conflict.

Despite the ceasefire, Hezbollah’s violations have continued, and Israel has retaliated by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The ceasefire framework published by the US State Department last week stipulates that Israel retains what it described as the right to self-defense against threats.

Hezbollah has criticized the decision to engage in direct negotiations, accusing the Lebanese government of making concessions without broad political or public consensus.

Lebanese officials have reiterated that decisions regarding war, peace, and negotiations rest solely with the state, stressing that the diplomatic track seeks to spare the country further suffering.

Following the sirens that sounded in the area of Shtula a short while ago, several launches that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory were identified, said the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

The Israeli Air Force intercepted the launches. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.

US President Donald Trump was asked on Thursday how long he is willing to wait for Iran to submit a proposal to end the war, replying he was in “no rush".

Trump told reporters that Iran's leaders are "fighting like cats and dogs for who's going to control" the country.

“We’ve taken out their military. We’ve hit about 75 percent of our targets. We stopped a little early because they wanted to have some peace, and we have a blockade that’s 100 percent effective. And they’re getting no business," he said.

Trump further stated, “They want to make a deal. We have been speaking to them, but they don’t even know who’s leading the country. They’re in turmoil."

“They came to us, and they said 'We will agree to open the Strait,' and all my people were happy. Everybody was happy-except me. I said, ‘Wait a minute. If we open this strait, that means they’re going to make 500 million dollars a day. I don’t want them to make 500 million dollars a day until they settle this thing, so I’m the one that kept it closed. We have total control of it. And it’ll open when they make a deal or something else happens," continued Trump.

The President also said he could make a deal with Iran “right now," but he wants it to be “everlasting" rather than temporary.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump published a post on Truth Social addressing the ongoing division among the Iranian Leadership.

"Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!" Trump wrote.

According to the President, "The infighting is between the 'Hardliners,' who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the 'Moderates,' who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY!"

He noted that "we have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is 'Sealed up Tight,' until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!"

Also on Thursday, the President announced that he has ordered the US Navy to eliminate any boat caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that "there is to be no hesitation."

He also noted that US minesweepers "are clearing the Strait right now. and that he is "hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled-up level!"

Trump announced on Tuesday that due to the division in Iran, the ceasefire in Iran would be extended for an unspecified amount of time, to allow the leadership time to submit a proposal for a deal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump made clear that the US naval blockade will remain in place until an Iranian proposal is submitted.

President Donald Trump claimed that he is in no rush to end the war with Iran.

"For those people, fewer in number now than ever before, that are reading The Failing New York Times, or watching Fake News CNN, that think that I am “anxious" to end the War (if you would even call it that!) with Iran, please be advised that I am possibly the least pressured person ever to be in this position. I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn’t - The clock is ticking!" the President wrote on Truth Social.

According to Trump, "The reason some of the Media is doing so poorly with Subscribers and Viewers is because they no longer have credibility. Iran’s Navy is lying at the bottom of the Sea, their Air Force is demolished, their Anti Aircraft and Radar Weaponry is gone, their leaders are no longer with us, the Blockade is airtight and strong and, from there, it only gets worse - Time is not on their side! A Deal will only be made when it’s appropriate and good for the United States of America, our Allies and, in fact, the rest of the World."