Lebanon’s National News Agency reported at least eight deaths from Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon this morning. The reports came despite Donald Trump announcing an agreement to halt attacks, which neither Israel nor Hezbollah has publicly confirmed. Strikes hit the towns of Jibchit, Toul and Kfar Sir north of the Litani River, along with other sites in the Nabatieh region. An airstrike on Tyre the previous day killed at least four people and damaged Jabal Amel hospital. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned Israel’s occupation of parts of Lebanon, including the Beaufort castle, and called for an immediate ceasefire. A fourth round of US-hosted talks between Israel and Lebanon is set to begin today. Trump said Hezbollah had agreed through intermediaries not to attack Israel, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would pull back forces preparing to strike Beirut. The reported deal would spare Beirut and its Hezbollah-controlled suburbs from strikes in exchange for an end to attacks on Israel. However, fighting in southern Lebanon continued. The Israeli military said it intercepted two projectiles from Lebanon with no injuries reported. Netanyahu stated operations would proceed as ground forces advanced toward the Zahrani River. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said the group would back a full ceasefire leading to Israeli withdrawal. Lebanon plans to seek an expanded truce in Washington talks. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of new fronts and closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign minister said any violation of the ceasefire applies to all fronts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to testify before Congress on the State Department budget. Oil prices rose more than five percent amid the tensions.
