Israel pauses attacks on southern Lebanon after US directive

Israel’s state television announced that the Israeli Defence Forces have temporarily halted offensive operations in southern Lebanon following a request from the United States. An unnamed Israeli security official said the pause will remain in effect while tensions between Iran and the United States are addressed and until ongoing negotiations over Lebanon’s situation are clarified. The withdrawal is expected to begin in staged phases from next week and will be coordinated with diplomatic talks slated to take place in Rome.

Despite the announced cease‑fire, Israeli drone strikes continued in the region. According to Lebanon’s official news agency, drones targeted residential areas in the Bint Cubeyl district, destroying homes and infrastructure, and ignited a forest fire that consumed a protected area of roughly 8,500 pine trees. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties, with reports of two deaths and additional injuries in the Nebatiye region. The Lebanese Health Ministry cites over 4,300 deaths since the conflict escalated in early March, while Israel claims the strikes targeted Hezbollah operatives.