Live updates: Trump forces ceasefire in Lebanon

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, where they are being written now.

Updates will resume Saturday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 20:24 Jerusalem time.

Shabbat Shalom!

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Cabinet that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon "has not yet been fully finalized" and is being opposed by Hezbollah, meaning that from Israel's perspective, "there is currently no agreement", according to a Friday evening report by Kan 11 News.

The report noted that the defense establishment has not yet received directives to implement a ceasefire, and operational conduct in Lebanon remains unchanged - including restrictions on activities in Beirut.

According to Kan 11 News, following pressure from ministers to expand the scope of the fighting, the Prime Minister stated that he prefers the diplomatic route, noting that US President Donald Trump is a strategic partner for Israel, and therefore the continuation of contacts and talks must be permitted.

The report further stated that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told Cabinet ministers that the political echelon needs to decide on the path forward, adding that the military is fully prepared to expand the fighting. Sources familiar with the matter cited in the report stated that the Chief of Staff remarked, "If it is possible to reach a ceasefire on terms acceptable to us, then it is preferable to do so today rather than a month from now under those same conditions."

Israeli and American sources emphasized to Kan 11 News that Israel’s conditions for a ceasefire are: the demilitarization of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, the maintenance of the security zone established by Israel, and freedom of action to neutralize immediate threats.

Officials familiar with the dialogue between Israel and the US claimed that the Trump administration has expressed understanding regarding these conditions.

The report comes two days after the US, Israel and Lebanon announced in a joint statement following talks in Washington that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire.

The statement stated that the implementation of the truce is directly "contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector".

Hezbollah, however, was quick to reject the ceasefire. The group's leader, Naim Qassem, declared that so-called “armed resistance" targeting Israel would persist and vowed that communities in northern Israel would not find safety so long as Israel continues its military presence in Lebanon.

The Iran-backed terrorist organization has continued to fire rockets and explosive drones towards northern Israel, targeting both civilians as well as IDF soldiers. Israel has retaliated by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

(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.)

In a forceful condemnation of foreign interference, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday rebuked Tehran for exploiting his war-torn nation as leverage against the United States and Israel, overriding the desires of the Lebanese public.

In an interview with CNN, Aoun asserted his absolute dedication to rescuing his country from devastation. He emphasized that the domestic population is completely exhausted by the ongoing warfare between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization.

“We are fed up and we want to live in peace," Aoun said, adding that “(Lebanese people) deserve to live in peace and in dignity, they deserve not seeing their homes being destroyed every five to 10 years."

The Lebanese government had committed to the monumental objective of disarming Hezbollah to diminish its sweeping autonomy and stop the Israeli advance, as part of a US-brokered ceasefire in 2024. Lebanon has remained trapped in the crossfire, however, because Iran has tethered its own peace deal with the US to a demand for an Israeli military withdrawal from Lebanese soil.

Directly challenging the leadership of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the primary benefactors of Hezbollah, Aoun delivered a blunt message in the CNN interview.

“It’s not your country, it’s our country," Aoun said. “(Iran is) using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in their negotiation with US."

He added, “You are not trying to help us … the people of Lebanon are paying the price … for the sake of your own interest. Our interests … do not coincide with your interests."

Aoun also commented on his country’s decision to hold direct truce talks with Israel.

“We are ready, we are willing, we are committed (to negotiations to end the war)," he told CNN, adding, “If you are not, you will never live in peace, safety and security," he said addressing the Israeli people and government.

He stated that both nations are facing a pivotal window to dissolve their long-standing enmity so that civilians on both sides of the border can find stability.

“They are both fed up with war since 1948," he added. “This is a huge opportunity. They both have to choose: war or… diplomacy."

Nonetheless, these diplomatic efforts have struggled to take root on the ground, as Hezbollah refuses to lay down its arms while Israeli troops continue to operate against Hezbollah targets in Lebanese territory. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has condemned the direct Israel-Lebanon negotiations as an act of submission, asserting the truce framework was roundly dismissed by a vast portion of the Lebanese public.

Aoun countered this narrative, noting that citizens across all religious denominations - including the Shiite community - have personally told him they want an end to Hezbollah's perpetual conflict with Israel.

“They are Lebanese people. They are not Naim Qassem’s people," he said.

Simultaneously, the Lebanese president criticized Israel's strategy for combatting the terrorist organization, arguing that the group can only be resolved by state authorities once the Israeli military pulls back, meaning the crisis must ultimately be settled at the diplomatic table.

“They can invade the whole country, they can flatten the whole country, but they will never be able to achieve their objective," Aoun said on Israel. “Hezbollah is not an objective you can see… it’s an idea."

“I will try… to negotiate and reason with them," Aoun said in reference to Hezbollah and disarmament. “Eventually they will be persuaded, but the cost will be high."

The interview aired two days after a trilateral summit convened by the United States in Washington resulted in a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

A joint statement issued by the three countries on Wednesday stated that the accord dictates that the implementation of the truce is directly "contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector".

The summit marked the fourth round of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel.

After the initial April 23 meeting between the sides, which was attended by the Israeli and Lebanese Ambassadors to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, President Donald Trump expressed hope that peace between Israel and Lebanon would be possible this year.

Trump also said he hopes to host a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Aoun in Washington within a few weeks.

However, Aoun has made clear that a high-level summit with Netanyahu is currently out of the question, stressing that the cessation of hostilities must be the primary focus before any direct political engagement can be considered.

Aoun also recently stressed that Israel’s complete military withdrawal from southern Lebanon is a “non-negotiable" prerequisite for an agreement.

(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 said on Friday that the US had succeeded in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Speaking to farmers in Wisconsin, Trump stated that the war is finished “one way or the other".

“We had to extinguish a nuclear weapon - this was going to be a very capable country that was going to have a massive nuclear presence, and we weren't going to let that happen," he said.

“Nobody wanted that to happen. And we've largely finished that, you'll see. And one way or the other, it's finished," clarified Trump, adding, “It's either finished with a piece of paper or finished in a more difficult way, although you could say a much easier way."

Earlier on Friday, Trump reiterated his position that Iran will not be permitted to have nuclear weapons as part of any deal it signs with Washington.

“We're having great success with Iran. They're not going to have a nuclear weapon. They're in no position to have a nuclear weapon," Trump stressed in a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One.

On Wednesday, Trump commented on the talks with Iran and speculated that a deal could be reached within days.

“I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran it could be done over the weekend," Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is “close" to signing the papers.

Trump stated he wants Iran’s enriched uranium transferred into US hands and expects that to happen in the near future.

Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, a top military advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN on Friday that the diplomatic track with the US has stalled.

Rezaei asserted that “the negotiations are at a deadlock and (US President Donald) Trump must break this deadlock," adding that “the ball is in Trump’s court."

(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.)

Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in northern Israel, surface-to-air missile launches targeting Israeli Air Force aircraft were identified, triggering alerts in northern Israel, said the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.

The incident concluded with no injuries or damage to the aircraft. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.

Tehran on Friday conditioned a prospective diplomatic accord with Washington on the unfreezing of $24 billion in blocked Iranian assets, according to a high-ranking official who warned that the White House would “enter into a dark corridor" if military hostilities resume.

Mohsen Rezaei, a top military advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, told CNN in an interview on Friday that the diplomatic track has stalled.

Rezaei asserted that “the negotiations are at a deadlock and (US President Donald) Trump must break this deadlock," adding that “the ball is in Trump’s court."

The Islamic Republic is reportedly seeking a two-phase payout, demanding $12 billion immediately upon the ratification of an interim truce, followed by the remaining $12 billion at a later date.

Conversely, policymakers in Washington are hesitant to release the capital, fearing that relinquishing the funds would strip the US of critical leverage. Trump has insisted that any new framework must be vastly more stringent than the 2015 nuclear pact signed by the Obama administration.

In the CNN interview, Rezaei characterized the asset demand as a baseline barometer for future diplomacy. He argued that unlocking the funds would establish “a new horizon for the future" of bilateral relations.

According to the adviser, “If he (Trump) wants to reach an agreement with Iran, this $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump - this is a test that America must pass and the path will be opened," noting that “this is our own money, not America’s money."

Should Washington reignite the conflict, Rezaei threatened to “drag the war" well beyond the Persian Gulf, extending retaliatory strikes from the Strait of Hormuz into the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Indian Ocean.

He vowed, “We will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American bases that we have been attacking so far," though he simultaneously assessed that “the possibility of war is low."

Regarding recent statements by Trump - who claimed he and Khamenei “seem to be getting along well" and that he would be “honored" to meet the Iranian leader - Rezaei dismissed the possibility of a face-to-face summit. Avoiding queries regarding the Ayatollah's physical health, Rezaei stated, “This will not happen, right now we are in the first stage of negotiations and Mr. Trump has brought the negotiations to a standstill. This will not happen."

Rezaei expressed deep skepticism regarding the longevity of any treaty signed by Trump, citing his 2018 abandonment of the 2015 nuclear deal and his current use of "ambiguity" as a negotiating tactic. If diplomacy collapses and a ground invasion occurs, Rezaei warned that “then the world will understand Iran’s true capabilities, because our land power is many times greater than our missiles."

The US and Iran have been holding indirect talks in an attempt to reach a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and end regional hostilities, but so far no such deal has been reached.

Trump on Wednesday commented on the talks with Iran and speculated that a deal could be reached within days.

“I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran it could be done over the weekend," Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is “close" to signing the papers.

Trump stated he wants Iran’s enriched uranium transferred into US hands and expects that to happen in the near future.

Trump’s red line for a deal has long been that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, a red line which he reiterated in a conversation with reporters on Thursday.

In the remarks, Trump said that former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama “inspired" Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

“The Obama deal, I terminated that or they would have had a nuclear…that was a road to a nuclear weapon. Our deal - if we make that deal and it's going well but who knows - if we make that deal it's the exact opposite. They will never have a nuclear weapon. I'm not going to let them have a nuclear weapon," he stated.

(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 Spokesperson's Unit stated that earlier on Friday, during a close-quarters encounter with terrorists in the Zawtar al-Sharqiyah area in southern Lebanon, an IDF officer was severely injured, and the commander of the Givati Reconnaissance unit was lightly injured.

Following the incident, IDF soldiers began searches in the area. The soldiers located and eliminated two terrorists involved in the incident. Strikes were conducted on additional terrorist infrastructure in the area.

(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 on Friday reiterated his position that Iran will not be permitted to have nuclear weapons as part of any deal it signs with Washington.

“We're having great success with Iran. They're not going to have a nuclear weapon. They're in no position to have a nuclear weapon," Trump stressed in a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One.

The President’s comments come as the US and Iran hold indirect talks in an attempt to reach a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and end regional hostilities, though so far no such deal has been reached.

Trump on Wednesday commented on the talks with Iran and speculated that a deal could be reached within days.

“I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran it could be done over the weekend," Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is “close" to signing the papers.

Trump stated he wants Iran’s enriched uranium transferred into US hands and expects that to happen in the near future.

The President on Thursday reiterated his red line that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, telling reporters that former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama “inspired" Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

“The Obama deal, I terminated that or they would have had a nuclear…that was a road to a nuclear weapon. Our deal - if we make that deal and it's going well but who knows - if we make that deal it's the exact opposite. They will never have a nuclear weapon. I'm not going to let them have a nuclear weapon," he stated.

(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.)

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of Shabbat. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 19:02 on Friday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 20:06 EDT candle lighting time in New York.

The updates from Israel will resume Saturday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 20:24 in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom!

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The IDF reported that last week it struck and eliminated the terrorist Abd Harb, commander of Hezbollah’s engineering unit.

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The European Union (EU) has pledged an additional 100 million euros in financial assistance to bolster Lebanon's military, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas announced on Thursday.

The financial injection from the EU arrives at a critical juncture, as a newly established and highly fragile truce between Israeli forces and Lebanon faces immediate destabilization.

In a post on social media, Kallas noted that while the current ceasefire provides a strategic window to avert a resurgence of all-out warfare, recent volatile developments on the ground jeopardize the peace.

Specifically, she warned that the killing of a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeper by a Hezbollah mortar shell, alongside persistent border skirmishes, "underscore the tenuous nature of what was agreed".

The underlying diplomatic breakthrough was brokered in Washington on Wednesday, where Israeli and Lebanese representatives consented to a truce. The baseline parameters of the agreement dictate that the cessation of hostilities is strictly dependent upon the Hezbollah terrorist organization completely halting its rocket fire and pulling all of its terrorists out of the South Litani Sector.

However, Hezbollah's top leadership signaled ongoing defiance on Thursday. The group's leader, Naim Qassem, declared that so-called “armed resistance" targeting Israel would persist and vowed that communities in northern Israel would not find safety so long as Israel continues its military presence in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun voiced optimism on Thursday regarding the broader diplomatic track. Aoun stated he remains hopeful that the ongoing trilateral consultations in Washington between American mediators, Lebanese officials, and Israeli delegates will produce favorable outcomes. He emphasized that these goals must include a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanese land, paired with the official deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces right up to the globally recognized frontier.

An adviser to Iran's highest authority on Thursday flagged significant issues with the current peace framework being discussed between the Islamic Republic and the United States, indicating that deep-seated uncertainties must be resolved prior to signing any accord.

Mohsen Rezaei, who serves as a counselor to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, made the remarks in an address broadcast on Iranian state television.

Rezaei asserted that US President Donald Trump is actively attempting to coerce Tehran into submitting to American terms, all while keeping Iran's own strategic prerequisites ambiguous and unaddressed.

The adviser further implied that core points of contention within the diplomatic track have yet to be settled, even as discussions continue.

The US and Iran have been holding indirect talks in an attempt to reach a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and end regional hostilities, but so far no such deal has been reached.

Trump on Wednesday commented on the talks with Iran and speculated that a deal could be reached within days.

“I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran it could be done over the weekend," Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is “close" to signing the papers.

Trump stated he wants Iran’s enriched uranium transferred into US hands and expects that to happen in the near future.

Those comments came a day after Trump denied reports that the US and Iran had stopped holding talks on a potential deal on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stressed that the talks have been ongoing as recently as Tuesday, but also added that it is time for Iran to make a deal.

“Fake News Reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the U.S.A., stopped speaking a few days ago are false and erroneous," wrote Trump.

He added, “The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today. Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, ‘It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!’"

Trump’s red line for a deal has long been that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, a red line which he reiterated in a conversation with reporters on Thursday.

In the remarks, Trump said that former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama “inspired" Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

“The Obama deal, I terminated that or they would have had a nuclear…that was a road to a nuclear weapon. Our deal - if we make that deal and it's going well but who knows - if we make that deal it's the exact opposite. They will never have a nuclear weapon. I'm not going to let them have a nuclear weapon," he stated.

The US House of Representatives resoundingly defeated a war powers resolution on Thursday that would have mandated President Donald Trump withdraw American forces from unauthorized engagements in Lebanon, The Hill reports.

The final tally on the house floor concluded at 324-92-2. A bipartisan coalition consisting of 207 Republicans, 117 Democrats, and lone Independent Representative Kevin Kiley of California united to block the measure.

Conversely, Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky stood as the solitary Republican to break party lines and vote in favor of the directive, while Democratic Representatives Betty McCollum of Minnesota and Derek Tran of California chose to record their votes as present.

Introduced by Representative Rashida Tlaib, the failed resolution highlighted the lack of formal congressional consent for current military deployments.

“Congress has not declared war with respect to, or provided any specific statutory authorization for, United States military participation in the military action by Israel in Lebanon, and the United States has not designated any actor inside Lebanon under any authorization for use of military force," it stated.

Defending her legislative push on social media on Thursday, Tlaib used her customary anti-Israel rhetoric.

“11 children are being killed every day in Lebanon. The indiscriminate bombings must stop. The government of Israel has expanded strikes across the country despite a ceasefire," she wrote, failing to mention that the Hezbollah terrorist organization has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, firing rockets and explosive drones on Israeli civilians as well as IDF soldiers.

Even the upper echelons of Tlaib’s own party pushed back against the premise of the bill. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, alongside other senior Democratic leaders, issued a unified statement challenging the resolution's baseline assumptions by arguing that “currently there are no US servicemembers involved in combat operations or hostilities in Lebanon."

The Democratic leadership team further clarified that if legislative intervention becomes necessary, a separate war powers resolution - also authored by Tlaib - would serve as a superior alternative. That secondary bill similarly commands the White House to pull troops from active combat zones in Lebanon, but explicitly dictates that “nothing in this concurrent resolution may be construed to prevent or limit security cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces or the protection of diplomatic facilities."

Tlaib has been a vocal critic of Israel ever since she took office and has continued her anti-Israel statements and actions during the war against Hamas in Gaza.

She criticized Israel’s alleged “apartheid system" after the Hamas October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and also criticized the US for providing billions in funding “to support the apartheid government".

She has refused to apologize or acknowledge fault in echoing the phrase "from the river to the sea," which she claimed represented Palestinian Arab freedom while most regard it as a call for Israel's extermination.

Tlaib also came under fire for a statement in which she accused the IDF of "bombing" a hospital in Gaza, which was actually hit by an Islamic Jihad rocket.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that Iran killing US troops would be a pretext to resume the fighting.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked whether he would restart the war with Iran if they killed US troops and replied, “Well, it would be a good reason. If they killed US troops, I think I would do that very quickly."

The President’s comments follow a Wednesday report in The Wall Street Journal which cited US officials who stated that Trump had privately told aides that he would consider ending the ceasefire with Iran if Tehran kills American troops.

Those same officials insisted that the current ceasefire remains intact despite recent violent skirmishes, including on Tuesday night when the US Army conducted strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, with Iran responding by launching missiles and drones toward Kuwait.

In his remarks on Thursday, Trump commented on a potential deal with Iran and said that former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama “inspired" Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

“The Obama deal, I terminated that or they would have had a nuclear…that was a road to a nuclear weapon. Our deal - if we make that deal and it's going well but who knows - if we make that deal it's the exact opposite. They will never have a nuclear weapon. I'm not going to let them have a nuclear weapon," he stated.

He also said he was not considering a covert operation to seize Iran’s enriched uranium, adding that there is no reason to get the so-called “nuclear dust" as it is entombed.

Trump also was asked about the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was announced on Wednesday night, and rejected an assertion by a reporter that Hezbollah rejected the ceasefire.

“Hezbollah didn't reject anything. They called us, and they said, 'How about stopping?'" he said.

Trump added, “Lebanon has been under attack for so many years and is always like an underdog. It would be really nice if it could end. I spoke to Bibi Netanyahu about that, and I speak to them about it and I actually spoke to Hezbollah about it."

The Mossad armed Kurdish militias with weapons seized during the war from the terrorist organizations Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The move to arm the militias was carried out as part of a broader plan intended to bring about the toppling of the regime in Iran. As part of the assistance, the Kurdish militias received financial support, vehicles, and were supplied with light weapons, anti-tank missiles, grenades, and mortar shells.

The American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was also actively involved in the security plan to arm the Kurds.

Despite cooperation between the intelligence agencies, the joint program was not fully implemented and was ultimately canceled at the political level in the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump was the one who decided to cancel the program entirely.

The cancellation of the operation by President Trump came following heavy pressure from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Turkish pressure led to a halt in the transfer of equipment and weapons, and the Mossad and CIA were forced to end the joint program aimed against the government in Tehran.

IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir on Thursday held a situational assessment and discussion with a forum of northern local authority heads and the General Staff Forum at the Northern Command.

Zamir expressed his appreciation for IDF troops and Northern Command commanders for their achievements in the operation thus far, emphasizing that the IDF’s objectives are to protect the communities in northern Israel, create a new security reality, and deepen the damage inflicted on Hezbollah.

In addition, he expressed his appreciation to the local authority heads for their leadership, partnership, and support throughout the operation, stressing that the IDF will continue to stand by their side and work in close cooperation to ensure the residents' security.

"We chose to hold a joint situation assessment to deepen the dialogue and strengthen the partnership," Zamir said. "We have a shared goal - protecting the residents of the north and restoring lasting peace and security. We are working together, shoulder to shoulder, toward that goal."

He added "We are maintaining a multi-front state of readiness and are looking at the broader picture across the entire Middle East, while remaining focused on the northern border."

"My directive is to concentrate our efforts here - the majority of the IDF’s troops and capabilities are deployed in the northern arena. Even at this hour, our troops continue to operate on the ground and with firepower to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and remove threats. Just this week, IDF troops operated in the Beaufort Ridge area, dismantling significant and critical Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure that had been built over many years, while advancing defensive operations."

Zamir also noted that Israel has "weakened Iran and its axis to an unprecedented degree, significantly damaging and weakening Hezbollah as well, which serves as a key pillar of Iran’s influence. We have created a new security reality. We are standing between the communities and the threats they face, removing those threats."

"During Operation Roaring Lion, when we identified Hezbollah’s entry into the the attack against Israel, we acted swiftly and decisively to eliminate the threat of infiltration raids and anti-tank attacks against the communities. This is our policy - there is no containment. We act with initiative and defensive action against every emerging threat.

"I am aware of the difficulties and the price you are paying. This is a time for leadership, determination, and perseverance. We are engaged in a prolonged operation, we have achieved significant accomplishments, and we hold the upper hand. Our mission is your security and your protection - restoring lasting peace and security. Together, we are committed to creating a better security reality here for the long term."

On Wednesday night, the IDF identified several Hezbollah launches in the Al-Qatrani area.

The launches by the Hezbollah terror organization landed inside a UNIFIL force position in the Dibbine area in southern Lebanon, the IDF confirmed Thursday.

As a result of the launches, a UN personnel member was killed, and two others were injured.

The IDF stressed, "An examination of the launch trajectory clearly indicates that the fire was carried out by the Hezbollah terrorist organization."

"Hezbollah’s launches endanger international forces and also harm UN personnel operating in the area."

The Serbian authorities have confirmed that the peacekeeper was a Serbian national who had received emergency medical care after his base came under attack. He was then helicoptered to a Beirut hospital where he died.

UNIFIL confirmed the attack, stating, "A UNIFIL peacekeeper died early this morning from critical injuries sustained when mortar shells struck his position near Marjayoun, southeastern Lebanon."

"Two other peacekeepers, who also sustained injuries, are being treated at a medical facility in the UNIFIL base.

"Soon after the incident that happened late last night, the critically injured peacekeeper was flown to a hospital in Beirut where he succumbed to his wounds. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the peacekeeper who lost his life in the service of peace. Our thoughts also go out for the full and speedy recovery of the injured peacekeepers."

The statement added, "UNIFIL has launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to this tragic incident."

"UNIFIL has detected an increasingly high number of trajectories and impacts in South Lebanon. The violence must end.

"We reiterate our call on all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times, including by refraining from actions that may put peacekeepers in danger. We also call on relevant national authorities to investigate the incident, bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure criminal accountability.

"Deliberate attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law and of Security Council Resolution 1701, and may amount to war crimes," the statement concluded.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that implementation of the newly announced ceasefire agreement with Israel could begin within 24 hours once all parties give their final approval.

Speaking with reporters, Aoun stated that Lebanon is still awaiting responses from the relevant parties as well as assurances that the terms of the agreement will be upheld.

"We are waiting for the replies of all concerned parties and guarantees of commitment," Aoun said, adding that "the implementation of the ceasefire could begin within 24 hours of final approval."

Aoun described the latest round of direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington as "very difficult." He revealed that negotiations resumed only after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervened following a suspension of the discussions by Lebanese delegation head Simon Karam.

The Lebanese President said he had been in contact with both international and domestic officials since 2:00 a.m. in an effort to secure the ceasefire.

Referring to the agreement reached in Washington, Aoun called it "the last opportunity," warning that otherwise "each side will have to bear its responsibilities."

He also expressed confidence in US involvement, saying Lebanon is relying on President Donald Trump and his administration to ensure implementation of the agreement. According to Aoun, the current arrangement differs from the November 27, 2024 agreement because it is intended to be a sustainable one.

Addressing the proposed pilot area included in the US-Lebanese-Israeli framework, Aoun said Lebanon suggested that the initial phase include the areas of Western and Eastern Zawtar as well as Beaufort Castle.

He added that Lebanon continues to rely on the American mediator, which he said has demonstrated a firm position throughout the process.

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday praised the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese government as a significant achievement.

"Members of the opposition need to apologize and acknowledge the major achievement so far in Lebanon," he said, stressing that this is an achievement "both on the ground and on the diplomatic level."

Katz credited the unprecedented talks between the two governments to "the bold and correct decisions led by the political echelon headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the strength of the IDF’s activity in Lebanon led by the senior command echelon, and the courage and heroism of IDF commanders and soldiers in regular and reserve service who fought and are fighting with determination for the security of the residents of the north, while paying heavy and painful prices, and the resilience of the residents of the north, our wonderful brothers, under complex and difficult conditions in order to allow the IDF to carry out its missions."

Katz also noted that Wednesday's "declaration of principles between Israel and the Lebanese government in Washington," which took place with US mediation and commitment "is an expression of the reality we have created in Lebanon so far."

This declaration, he said, "includes an unequivocal declaration of the goal of disarming Hezbollah throughout Lebanon and condemnation of Iran’s involvement in Lebanon and the region; a ceasefire conditioned on the prior removal of Hezbollah terrorists from the entire area south of the Litani, and the creation of a demilitarized zone while the IDF continues at this stage its fire and its activity on the ground."

It also includes "the IDF remaining in the security zone in Lebanon up to the yellow line, including the Beaufort area and without the return of the population, together with the continued thwarting of terrorist infrastructure on the ground; and freedom of action for Israel, with American backing, to strike in Beirut in response to fire at communities and Israeli territory."

"This is a reality that may, depending on developments on the ground and our continued uncompromising insistence on the State of Israel's interests, lead to a diplomatic peace agreement with the State of Lebanon, and above all to achieving real and permanent security for the residents of the north for the first time in 50 years. Everything of course depends on the determination and navigational ability of the political echelon and on the IDF’s ability to verify matters - we do not rely on any other party," he added.

"While opposition figures babbled and attacked without understanding the new security reality in the region after October 7, and the new policy of protecting borders and communities being led by the government and the IDF, with the IDF separating between jihadist forces and Israeli communities and the Israeli border in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza through security zones - we acted. We promised security to the residents of the north. That is what we did, and that is what we will do," Katz concluded.

A Hezbollah explosive drone struck the vehicle of Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo in southern Lebanon, shortly after he and an additional officer had exited the vehicle.

No injuries were reported, but the vehicle sustained damage.

The incident occurred a few weeks ago, while Milo and other commanders visited the area.

The IDF stated: “During one of the operational tours held by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo among the forces operating in the combat zone in Lebanon, an explosive drone was launched toward the place where he was located. No damage was caused and there were no injuries."

Earlier, Galei Zahal (Army Radio) reported that criticism had been voiced following the decision to hold the Golani Brigade change-of-command ceremony in an open area at the Beaufort Castle, under the threat of explosive drones.

Three senior commanders - 36th Division commander Brig. Gen. Yiftach Norkin, outgoing brigade commander Col. Adi Ganon, and incoming brigade commander Col. Ayoub Kayuf - were documented in the field without helmets, in complete contrast to accepted procedures for operational conduct in enemy territory.

Just minutes after the ceremony, a Hezbollah explosive drone was launched toward another force operating in southern Lebanon.

Only a few weeks ago, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir spoke before the IDF’s senior command forum about the need for operational discipline, in light of the serious threat posed by explosive drones, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 10 IDF soldiers.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Thursday morning came out against the ceasefire agreement reached with Lebanon.

According to Ben Gvir, the emerging understandings will not lead to Hezbollah forces being moved away from Israel’s border, but will provide the terrorist organization with the quiet it needs to rebuild its strength, grow stronger, and rearm.

"The ceasefire with Lebanon is a grave mistake and pipe dream by advisers who are dragging the Prime Minister into incorrect decisions," he warned.

"Hezbollah will not leave the area south of the Litani, and the Lebanese army has no way to force it to evacuate."

In his view, "the State of Lebanon is a partner of Hezbollah. There are ministers in its government on behalf of Hezbollah, and relatives of Hezbollah members serve in the Lebanese army."

Ben Gvir also warned that if the fighting stops, "in practice, Hezbollah will only grow stronger, and instead of defeating it, Israel is coming to terms with its very existence."

A central part of his criticism was directed at the US involvement in formulating the current agreement.

Ben Gvir made clear that, in his view, the Prime Minister must adopt a more forceful and independent line toward the US, adding, "The Prime Minister should have said to President Trump: We love and appreciate you, but Israel is a sovereign and independent state, and it cannot accept the strengthening or very existence off a terror organization on our border."

"There are moments when one must know how to say ‘no’ even to the President of the United States, and when that is not done, we will meet Hezbollah next time when it is much stronger and more dangerous."

He also demanded that the Prime Minister hold an orderly Cabinet discussion to address the ceasefire agreement.

The Golani Brigade combat team, operating under the command of the 36th Division, recently achieved operational control of the Beaufort ridge area.

The ridge overlooks northern Israeli towns, and control of it is critical to preventing Hezbollah from firing on the towns, which are within range.

As the assault on the ridge advanced, the IDF soldiers on the ground identified two armed terrorists who were positioned at a point near the Beaufort Castle about 150 meters from the forces.

The soldiers carried out a rapid maneuver, and in the first stage, a tank from the Golani Brigade combat team struck the terrorists.

Immediately afterward, Israeli Air Force UAV operators struck and eliminated the terrorists.

Lebanese sources told the country's Nidaa al-Watan newspaper that the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon regarding a ceasefire agreement were positive, and that discussions were held to set dates for additional diplomatic meetings between the sides.

The sources added that Washington invested its full weight in the first round of negotiations, but that the central gap that emerged Tuesday also accompanied Wednesday’s round of talks.

According to the report, the main point of dispute remains unchanged, as Lebanon insists on a full ceasefire, while Israel continues to demand, as a condition, the disarmament of the Hezbollah terror organization.

The trilateral summit, convened by the United States in Washington, resulted in a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, following intensive two-day negotiations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A joint statement issued following the second day of talks on Wednesday stated that the accord dictates that the implementation of the truce is directly "contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector."

To enforce the peace, Israel and Lebanon agreed to "swiftly advance the creation of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors." These stabilization steps are designed to lay the groundwork for "progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement."

In a direct rebuke to external interference, the United States, Israel, and Lebanon "rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage," while affirming that bilateral relations "must be decided by the two sovereign governments."

Both nations "reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence."

Earlier on Wednesday, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said, "We take the initiative, operate, and strike every threat. The Israeli Navy is an active partner in the operation. There is no ceasefire for our troops; we are working to maximize the operational freedom granted to us and will seize every opportunity to remove threats to Israeli civilians and our troops."

Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago regarding a hostile aircraft infiltration in the area of Arab al-Aramshe, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said it was determined to be a false identification.

Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago regarding a hostile aircraft infiltration in the area of Kfar Yuval, a suspicious aerial target was identified. The incident has concluded. No injuries were reported.

A trilateral summit convened by the United States in Washington has resulted in a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, following intensive two-day negotiations on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A joint statement issued following the second day of talks on Wednesday stated that the accord dictates that the implementation of the truce is directly "contingent on a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector".

To enforce the peace, Israel and Lebanon agreed to "swiftly advance the creation of pilot zones in which the Lebanese Armed Forces will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors". These stabilization steps are designed to lay the groundwork for "progress towards a comprehensive peace and security agreement".

In a direct rebuke to external interference, the United States, Israel, and Lebanon "rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage," while affirming that bilateral relations "must be decided by the two sovereign governments".

Both nations "reaffirmed that they have no hostile intent toward one another and committed to continuing direct negotiations to build confidence".

Building on preceding defense talks held at the Pentagon on May 29, the diplomatic delegations mapped out a strategic security framework. This roadmap is explicitly aimed at "ensuring the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Lebanon and Israel," which mandates the "dismantlement of non-state armed groups, and the prevention of their re-emergence". Furthermore, all participating parties "condemned Iran’s attacks on countries in the region, and ongoing activities that undermine stability throughout the Middle East".

Washington emphasized its commitment to bolstering the Lebanese military to enable the "effective exercise of sovereignty throughout Lebanese territory," while referencing a June 2 declaration by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that "Hezbollah is not just an enemy of Israel and an enemy of America, but that it is an enemy of Lebanon".

For its part, Jerusalem maintained that its national safety can "only be achieved through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantlement of its infrastructure throughout Lebanon". Conversely, Beirut stressed "the necessity for mutual respect of internationally recognized borders" and "the urgent need for full implementation of the cessation of hostilities".

The two sides are scheduled to officially "reconvene the political and security tracks the week of June 22, with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement," with the United States maintaining its role as the central mediator.

Commenting on the agreement, Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, said, “What today’s outcome reiterates: Israel and Lebanon want Iran out of our region."

He added, “Together, we will work to make sure that Iran and its terror proxies won’t continue to wreak havoc on our lives in the name of terror and destruction."

Tuesday and Wednesday’s meeting marked the fourth round of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel.

After the initial April 23 meeting between the sides, which was attended by Ambassador Leiter and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, President Donald Trump expressed hope that peace between Israel and Lebanon would be possible this year.

Trump also said he hopes to host a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington within a few weeks.

However, Aoun has made clear that a high-level summit with Netanyahu is currently out of the question, stressing that the cessation of hostilities must be the primary focus before any direct political engagement can be considered.

Aoun also recently stressed that Israel’s complete military withdrawal from southern Lebanon is a “non-negotiable" prerequisite for an agreement.

US President Donald Trump has privately told aides that he would consider ending the ceasefire with Iran if Tehran kills American troops, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing US officials.

Those same officials insisted that the current ceasefire remains intact despite recent violent skirmishes, including on Tuesday night when the US Army conducted strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, with Iran responding by launching missiles and drones toward Kuwait.

According to The Wall Street Journal report, Trump’s reluctance to reignite the war suggests he might be willing to withstand smaller flare-ups for weeks, and even months, to avoid a broader regional conflict.

Trump on Wednesday commented on the talks with Iran and speculated that a deal could be reached within days.

“I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran it could be done over the weekend," Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is “close" to signing the papers.

Trump stated he wants Iran’s enriched uranium transferred into US hands and expects that to happen in the near future.

Asked whether the ceasefire with Iran is still on, in the wake of the Iranian attack on Kuwait overnight, the President replied, “There’s a reason for everything, and we hit them pretty hard", while also acknowledging that “anything can happen when you are dealing with Iran."

On Tuesday, Trump once again denied reports that the US and Iran had stopped holding talks on a potential deal on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stressed that the talks have been ongoing as recently as Tuesday, but also added that it is time for Iran to make a deal.

“Fake News Reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the U.S.A., stopped speaking a few days ago are false and erroneous," wrote Trump.

He added, “The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today. Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, ‘It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!’"

His comments came a day after Iranian media reported that the Islamic Republic had suspended indirect negotiations with the United States, citing Israel's expanding military operations in Lebanon.

The US House of Representatives delivered a direct legislative reprimand to President Donald Trump on Wednesday, approving a measure designed to curtail his executive military authority regarding the conflict in Iran.

The successful vote represents the latest milestone in a sustained campaign by congressional Democrats to legally rein in the administration's war powers through both chambers of Congress, an initiative that has steadily gathered momentum in recent weeks, CNN reported.

Classified as a concurrent resolution, the newly passed piece of legislation requires authorization from both the House and the Senate to take effect, though it circumvents the executive branch and will not be sent to the president's desk for a signature.

The final tally in Wednesday’s vote concluded at 215 to 208. Four Republicans - Representatives Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson - defied their party's leadership to cast votes in favor of the restriction. The approval follows three failed attempts by the House to pass a similar measure.

The legislative push was spearheaded by Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Lawmakers were initially slated to vote on the resolution on May 21, but Republican leadership abruptly canceled the proceedings at the eleventh hour when it became clear that GOP absences would cause them to lose the floor vote.

At the time of the cancellation, Meeks accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of intentionally obstructing the democratic process to shield the White House.

In the hours leading up to Wednesday's vote, Speaker Johnson vociferously defended the GOP lawmakers fighting to protect the administration's military autonomy, warning that restricting the commander-in-chief's geopolitical leverage could derail sensitive diplomatic talks.

“I think it is a very dangerous prospect to take away from the administration and the commander-in-chief right now the ability to negotiate. That’s what this does. It, it weakens us, our position, and our leverage in negotiation on the peace in that situation. ‘Operation Epic Fury’ is concluded," Johnson told CNN on Wednesday.

Johnson firmly asserted that America's military goals within Iran were both “well defined" and fully “achieved," dismissively brushing aside a growing bipartisan chorus of lawmakers who have demanded that the White House disclose more comprehensive information regarding the strategy.

“The president is now in the process of, of concluding a peace agreement, and we have to allow him the latitude to do that, and I think a war powers resolution right now is very untimely, and a very, very negative, and dangerous thing for the country," the Speaker concluded.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday commented on the talks with Iran and speculated that a deal could be reached within days.

“I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran it could be done over the weekend," Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is “close" to signing the papers.

Trump stated he wants Iran’s enriched uranium transferred into US hands and expects that to happen in the near future.

Asked whether the ceasefire with Iran is still on, in the wake of the Iranian attack on Kuwait overnight, the President replied, “There’s a reason for everything, and we hit them pretty hard", while also acknowledging that “anything can happen when you are dealing with Iran."

On Tuesday, Trump once again denied reports that the US and Iran had stopped holding talks on a potential deal on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stressed that the talks have been ongoing as recently as Tuesday, but also added that it is time for Iran to make a deal.

“Fake News Reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the U.S.A., stopped speaking a few days ago are false and erroneous," wrote Trump.

He added, “The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today. Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, ‘It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!’"

His comments came a day after Iranian media reported that the Islamic Republic had suspended indirect negotiations with the United States, citing Israel's expanding military operations in Lebanon.

Trump later insisted that talks with Iran are ongoing, writing on Truth Social, “Talks are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The President also commented on the matter in an interview with ABC News, saying he thinks he will have an agreement with Iran to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz "over the next week."

The US Military Central Command denied Iranian claims that damage to Kuwait International Airport was caused by a US missile.

"Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and unjustified attack," CENTCOM stated.

Iranian media reported that Iran attacked an American military vessel that it claimed housed a “command and control center" as it approached Iran’s territorial waters in the Gulf of Oman.

The report stated that the vessel was targeted while nearing Iranian territorial waters, though the claim has not been independently verified.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Congress today about the Iran war and the situation in the Middle East, during which he assured lawmakers that the administration was aware of the steps Iran would take in response to the war, such as the risk of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

“The president and the administration was aware there would be consequences to action, but the consequences of Iran having a nuclear weapon were worse," Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee when asked if the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was foreseen. “All the risk factors were understood, but the important risk factor was Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."

“Everyone was aware of what Iran might do in retaliation," he added, "but they cannot have a nuclear weapon." He gave a similar answer when asked if the administration knew Iran would attack America's allies in the region: “Everyone knew what Iran would do in response, we were prepared for any response … but they can’t have a nuclear weapon."

Rubio said that the goal of Operation Epic Fury was not regime change, though the administration would "love to see" regime change in Iran. Rather, he said, the goal was to "degrade" the defensive systems Iran sought to use to shield its development of nuclear weapons.

When asked about Israel's conflict with the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Lebanon, Rubio accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire that President Trump announced and Monday and defended Israel's retaliation, praising Israel's restraint in not launching heavy strikes in Beirut against Hezbollah.

Lebanese Shiite cleric Sheikh Ali Al-Amin stated on Wednesday that Lebanon and its people are paying the price for a war they did not decide to enter, stressing the importance of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel to halt the bloodshed.

Speaking in an interview with Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath, Al-Amin said the ongoing conflict has brought "killing, destruction, displacement and forced migration," adding that Lebanon continues to bear these consequences on an almost daily basis.

"The Lebanese state and its people did not make the decision to enter this war," he said, describing the conflict as an unequal one whose cost is measured in lives lost, destruction, and displacement.

Al-Amin said the significance of the talks between Lebanon and Israel lies in their ability to "stop the river of blood among our people," end the cycle of destruction and displacement, and enable displaced residents to return to their homes.

He emphasized that the Lebanese government had made the decision to negotiate and that it alone is responsible for protecting the population and safeguarding the country's territory.

In the interview, Al-Amin also addressed Hezbollah's opposition to negotiations with Israel. He said the organization did not consult the Lebanese state before entering the war and now seeks to influence the manner in which it ends.

According to Al-Amin, Hezbollah's connection to Iran's leadership dates back to its founding. "Since its establishment, it has been a mouthpiece for Iran," he said, adding that the group has repeatedly expressed its ideological commitment to Iran's system of rule and obedience to the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih.

Al-Amin further stated that there has long been a Shiite voice opposing what he described as the hijacking of the Shiite community and its placement in confrontation with the Lebanese state.

"The other Shiite voice rejecting the hijacking of the Shiite community and placing it in opposition to the Lebanese state has existed from the beginning," he said. He added that this current has consistently supported the strengthening of the Lebanese state, the deployment of the Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon, and opposition to external interference, including Iranian involvement.

He noted that calls for reform and policy change within the Shiite community have become more visible in recent years, saying that growing numbers of people recognize the dangers of the policies pursued by those leading the community and the harm they have caused to Lebanon in general and to the Shiite community in particular.

IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir visited the Israeli Navy’s Haifa Base today (Wednesday), together with the Commander of the Israeli Navy, MG Eyal Harel, and the Navy’s senior command staff.

During the visit, the Chief of the General Staff toured missile boats, conducted a situational assessment, and spoke with commanders about the challenges and operations in the maritime arena.

“Upon assuming my position, I directed the strengthening of the Israeli Navy as an additional long-range strategic arm of the IDF. We are now accelerating the implementation of this operational concept, Zamir stated during the visit.

He praised the servicemembers of the Israeli Navy, saying that they work to reinforce the security of the State of Israel across all arenas of combat "in challenging maritime theaters near and far, and in operations that cannot yet be disclosed to the public. They play a significant role in striking our enemies and reshaping the Middle East."

He affirmed that "the IDF, across all of its branches, is prepared to immediately resume combat operations against the Iranian terror regime. The Israeli Navy has a decisive role in our ability to once again strike the terror regime with determination, as we have done in the past. Alongside offensive activity in distant arenas, the foremost mission of the men and women of the Israeli Navy remains unchanged-defending our sovereignty, our maritime border, and the civilians of the State of Israel."

Turning to Lebanon, Zamir added, "We take the initiative, operate, and strike every threat. The Israeli Navy is an active partner in the operation. There is no ceasefire for our troops; we are working to maximize the operational freedom granted to us and will seize every opportunity to remove threats to Israeli civilians and our troops."

The Chief of the General Staff expressed his appreciation to the Commander of the Israeli Navy, MG Eyal Harel, and commended the Israeli Navy and its senior leadership forum for their dedicated work and the many achievements of their service throughout the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded this evening (Wednesday) in an interview with CNBC to reports about a heated “shouting call" that reportedly took place this week between him and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Lebanon.

“President Trump and I agree on the main issues concerning Iran. Sometimes we have tactical disagreements, but we resolve them," Netanyahu said.

According to him: “The question is whether Iran wants to return to another round of fighting. We’ll wait and see, as they say. The United States and we have shared goals; we will see what we can achieve through an agreement."

He declined to address the phone call itself - but also did not deny what was reported about it.

“There are arguments even in good families," he emphasized.

Netanyahu also sharply criticized European leaders: “It is shameful how European leaders surrender to radical Islamic minorities in their countries. They know that we are defending them as well, but they do not have the courage to stand with what is right - the side that will save our civilization from the barbarians."

Hezbollah issued an official statement claiming responsibility for the rocket fire toward Israel earlier today, stating that the target was “a gathering of Israeli soldiers."

In an interview with CNBC, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dodged a question about the phone call this week with President Donald Trump, in which the US President reportedly cursed at Netanyahu and said he would be in jail if not for him.

“I’m not going to get into details," Netanyahu said.

According to the Prime Minister, “Sometimes we have, as in the best of families, you have these tactical disagreements. We always find a way to work them out, and we do so as great friends."

The British government has lifted its travel advisory against visiting the State of Israel, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) announced today (Wednesday). However, the advisory remains in effect at Israel's northern border and in parts of Judea and Samaria.

The announcement states: "FCDO no longer advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine but continues to advise against all travel to Gaza, parts of the West Bank and parts of northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to other parts of the West Bank."

The FCDO issued a travel advisory against Israel following the outbreak of the war with Iran in late February, during which Iran launched numerous ballistic missiles against Israel.

The FCDO webpage states: "Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports, have decreased. However, the risk of renewed strikes remains, and further attacks could occur at short notice."

The continued advisory for Israel's northern border comes as the Hezbollah terrorist organization continues its attacks on northern Israel.

The IDF officially admitted that UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) forces operating in southern Lebanon have been collecting intelligence on IDF soldiers.

Military representatives revealed the disturbing information during a confidential session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

According to the representatives at the committee session, the intelligence collected by the UN forces flows directly to the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

The flow of sensitive information to terrorist entities in Lebanon severely threatens the lives of IDF troops operating in the region.

In recent months, IDF officials have been warning that the forces have been working against the IDF and exceeding their authority on the ground.

In an interview with Ynet several months ago, a senior military official in the Northern Command voiced fierce criticism of UNIFIL's conduct and did not hold back from using strong language against the "peacekeeping" force.

"We find them documenting IDF forces, and not documenting the border and things that are under their authority," the official stated. "We sent blunt and clear messages in protest of their spry and unusual activities. We understand that they are not a helpful force, but a foreign force that does suspicious and unusual things beyond their authority."

It should be noted that UNIFIL numbers approximately 13,000 troops and was first deployed in southern Lebanon in 1978. In August of last year, the United Nations Security Council extended UNIFIL’s mandate in the area through the end of 2026. Under that decision, the UN force is scheduled to withdraw from Lebanon in 2027.

Explosions were heard early Wednesday morning on Iran’s Qeshm Island, the Mehr news agency reported.

Later, the Kuwaiti military announced that the country’s air defense systems were activated following attacks involving hostile missiles and drones, adding that it was working to intercept those threats.

Sirens and explosions were also heard across Bahrain following a missile attack.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) eventually claimed responsibility for the drone and missile attacks in Kuwait, asserting they were a response to a US attack on Qeshm Island.

Commenting on the incident, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated, “US forces successfully defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East, June 2."

It added, “Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors; however, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces."

“Moments earlier," the statement continued, “US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters. American forces also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island."

The statement stressed that no US personnel were harmed, adding, “CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire."

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, appeared on British journalist Piers Morgan’s show and explained to Morgan how Israel is winning the war in Iran, after Morgan appeared to downplay Israel’s achievements.

“I would remind you that Iran was marching toward a nuclear bomb. They had the facilities, they had the uranium, they had the technology, and it was only a matter of weeks or months before the breaking point, and they are not there today. It will take them years to rebuild that capability," said Danon.

He continued, “Iran tried to march to a nuclear bomb. It did not happen, it will not happen. The US and Israel actually showed them that we are determined, we are serious about it. You know, it would have been much, much easier to ignore it and to say, ‘You know what? It's not happening, maybe next year we'll deal with that.’ That's what too many leaders did, and look what happened with North Korea."

The US on Tuesday reported progress in the talks between Israel and Lebanon, as it hosted Israeli and Lebanese representatives in the White House.

“Delegations from Israel and Lebanon met today at State for the fourth round of direct talks, held under US auspices," said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott in a statement.

“Progress continues on the political and security tracks as we break from the failures of the past 20 years and advance toward a comprehensive agreement aimed at restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring Israel's security," he added.

“The United States remains fully committed to facilitating these historic negotiations. Another round is scheduled for tomorrow," concluded Pigott.

The latest round of talks came one day after President Donald Trump announced in a post on Truth Social, following a phone call with Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu, that Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to stop attacking each other and that Netanyahu has agreed to halt a planned attack against Hezbollah in Beirut.

Netanyahu, in a statement of his own following his conversation with Trump, said he clarified to the President that Israel will strike in Beirut if Hezbollah continues firing on Israeli civilians.

“I spoke this evening with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our cities and civilians, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut. This position remains unchanged. At the same time, the IDF will continue operating in southern Lebanon as planned," Netanyahu said.

The US has hosted several rounds of talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in recent weeks.

After the initial April 23 meeting which was attended by Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s Ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, Trump expressed hope that peace between Israel and Lebanon would be possible this year.

Trump also said he hopes to host a meeting between Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Washington within the next few weeks.

However, Aoun has made clear that a high-level summit with Netanyahu is currently out of the question, stressing that the cessation of hostilities must be the primary focus before any direct political engagement can be considered.

Aoun also recently stressed that Israel’s complete military withdrawal from southern Lebanon is a “non-negotiable" prerequisite for an agreement.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday once again denied reports that the US and Iran had stopped holding talks on a potential deal on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stressed that the talks have been ongoing as recently as Tuesday, but also added that it is time for Iran to make a deal.

“Fake News Reports that the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the U.S.A., stopped speaking a few days ago are false and erroneous," wrote Trump.

He added, “The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today. Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, ‘It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!’"

On Monday, Iranian media reported that the Islamic Republic had suspended indirect negotiations with the United States, citing Israel's expanding military operations in Lebanon.

Trump later insisted that talks with Iran are ongoing, writing on Truth Social, “Talks are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The President also commented on the matter in an interview with ABC News, saying he thinks he will have an agreement with Iran to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz "over the next week."

"There was a little glitch today, but I turned that one around very quickly, as you probably noticed earlier," Trump said, adding that the so-called glitch was the Iranians being upset about Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

"So, I spoke with Hezbollah, and I said no shooting, and I talked to Bibi, and said, no shooting, and they both stopped shooting each other," the President stated.

He added that a peace agreement with Iran could be "even better than a military victory."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented three sweeping government resolutions on Tuesday evening to fortify, develop, and revitalize conflict-zone communities in northern Israel, totaling approximately 13 billion shekels.

These new measures build upon previous government allocations for the north totaling 7 billion shekels, bringing the total state budget earmarked for fortifying and developing the region to approximately 20 billion shekels.

The plans were drafted in coordination with northern municipal leaders to address local needs directly, aiming to close infrastructure gaps and strengthen the socioeconomic resilience of the residents.

The first phase of the plan allocates 150 million shekels for immediate fortification, funding the deployment of roughly 1,800 new portable bomb shelters in public areas and the renovation of about 500 sub-standard public shelters.

The second phase allocates 6.6 billion shekels for long-term fortification. This includes full subsidies for constructing residential secure spaces in ground-level homes within 0 to 9 kilometers of the Lebanese border, along with retroactive compensation for residents who began construction independently. Additionally, this budget will fund fortification for high-density housing units through urban renewal programs and earthquake retrofitting, alongside efforts to streamline regulatory barriers.

The third phase consists of a 5.6-billion-shekel, multi-year strategic five-year plan focused on the rehabilitation and growth of communities within the 0 to 9-kilometer border zone.

At the heart of the resolution is a demographic target to attract 100,000 new residents to the north by 2036 and build roughly 25,000 new housing units by 2031. To meet this goal, 1.7 billion shekels in grants will be awarded to upgrade public buildings and infrastructure. The plan also includes tax benefits for residents and extensive funding for healthcare, transportation, tourism, the local economy, welfare, national security, and higher education.

Notably, only four ministers initially attended the cabinet meeting on the northern rehabilitation plan. The session was initially chaired by Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter, with Ministers Ze'ev Elkin, Yitzhak Wasserlauf, and Amichai Eliyahu in attendance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the discussion later following public criticism.

Commenting on the plan's approval, Netanyahu stated, "“What the Government approved today are dramatic decisions to strengthen the north. We are talking about the area from the Lebanese border line, nine kilometers south. This is an area that is crying out for development, and it is receiving it, first and foremost, through the strengthening of communities, infrastructure, and housing, as well as through an additional component, fortification. Fortification is an addition to security; it is not the sole component of security, nor is it the foundation of security, but it is an addition to security in the major struggle we are waging against Hezbollah, and we will succeed in it."

He emphasized, "We will also solve the drone problem - the best minds in the people of Israel, in the State of Israel, and also outside the State of Israel, are currently mobilized for this national project. We will solve this problem. We will restore both security and prosperity to the north. People will flock to the north; we are investing very big money here. A little over 13 billion shekels today, in addition to the 7 billion shekels we have already given, meaning 20 billion shekels are going to the communities of the north, and rightfully so. When I say that people will come to the north, I said that about the south as well, and people said: 'Well, those are just words.' Today, the south, which was security-challenged, has tremendous demand, tremendous growth, and a tremendous prosperity, and that is exactly what will happen here as well."

Smotrich welcomed the move, emphasizing the national importance of expanding communities in the region: "We stand alongside the residents of the north with an unprecedented economic safety net. From day one of the war, I emphasized that true victory over our enemies lies in strengthening and doubling the population of this vital region. To deliver on this, I spearheaded the government’s commitment to its residents and development through billions in investments. The resolutions approved today accelerate this momentum via a five-year plan that provides the tools for demographic growth while correcting years of neglect regarding life-saving fortification. I thank the Prime Minister, the ministers for their cooperation, and the Ministry of Finance staff who have worked tirelessly on this throughout the war."

Ze'ev Elkin, the minister responsible for the rehabilitation of the north and the south, concluded: "With the approval of this multi-year plan, we are finalizing the comprehensive government investment framework for the conflict line. This represents an unprecedented investment of over 13 billion shekels, alongside 1 billion shekels under the five-year plan for the Golan and Katzrin. This is the most extensive and comprehensive government investment ever made in this region. Over the past two years, we have drafted and approved a long list of government decisions spanning education, agriculture, water, the economy, settlement, academia, and infrastructure - today's resolution completes this overarching strategic move. Now, our main task is execution and implementation."

He added, "Our true test is not the resolutions themselves, but the tangible changes residents experience on the ground - better education, advanced healthcare, quality employment, new infrastructure, and stronger communities. The goal we have set is clear: to bring 100,000 new residents to the north over the coming decade and turn the region into a hub of growth, innovation, and quality of life. Now is the time to transition from planning to execution, and from vision to reality."

Following the meeting, Wasserlauf stated: "Together with Minister Ze'ev Elkin and the Tnufa Directorate, we passed vital resolutions exceeding 13 billion shekels. The Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee is investing over 600 million shekels through this decision toward growth engines, prosperity, and development in the north. We are rolling up our sleeves and heading out to work on the ground. Together with local municipalities, we will bring hope and good news to this beautiful region."

Sirens were activated across Bahrain following a missile attack, which was reportedly launched from Iran.

The incident comes shortly after the Kuwaiti military announced that its own air defense systems were actively working to intercept hostile missiles and drones.

The Kuwaiti military announced that the country’s air defense systems were activated following attacks involving hostile missiles and drones.

According to the military's statement, the systems are actively working to intercept the airborne threats.

The Iranian Mehr news agency reported that explosions were heard on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. No further details are available at this time.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Tuesday that US forces disabled an unladen oil tanker that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port on the Arabian Gulf.

In a statement, CENTCOM said its forces enforced blockade measures against Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it transited international waters toward Kharg Island.

“The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings, failing to comply with directions from US forces multiple times over a 24-hour period," the statement said.

“A US aircraft ultimately disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, preventing the tanker from reaching Iran," it added.

CENTCOM noted that it began implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13. It further said that US forces have disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues.

An IDF reservist was moderately wounded and three other soldiers sustained light injuries earlier on Tuesday following an explosive drone strike in southern Lebanon.

The incident occurred during an operational mission in the area, when a hostile drone struck the immediate area where the troops were stationed.

Immediately following the strike, the wounded received initial medical treatment on-site from unit medical personnel. All four soldiers were subsequently evacuated to a hospital for further medical care. Their families have been notified.

On Monday, the IDF cleared for publication that Captain Doctor Ori Yosef Silvester, 30, from Tel Aviv, a doctor in the Shaked Battalion (424), Givati Brigade, was killed in an explosive drone attack in southern Lebanon.

Dr. Silvester was a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and had previously completed his residency at Carmel Hospital in Haifa.

Seven other soldiers were wounded in that same incident: three sustained serious injuries, including two officers; one was moderately wounded; and three others, including two officers, were lightly injured. Among those lightly wounded was the commander of the Givati Brigade's Shaked Battalion, a lieutenant colonel.

The battalion medical officer was killed after Hezbollah launched several explosive drones toward IDF forces from the Shaked Battalion operating in the village of Zoutar al-Sharqiya, north of the Litani River and near the Beaufort sector. The drones detonated on a Namer armored personnel carrier, where Dr. Silvester was fatally struck.