More Israeli explosions reported in south Lebanon
Lebanon’s National News Agency reports that the Israeli attacks caused two large explosions on the outskirts of the border town of Meiss el-Jabal. Earlier, the agency reported that the Israeli army burned down homes in neighbouring Taybeh.
Lebanese army says it deployed in border village after Israeli withdrawal
The Lebanese army says its troops have completed their deployment in Kfarchouba, which sits on Lebanon’s border with the occupied Golan Heights, after the Israeli military withdrew from the village.
The November ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah affirmed UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the war in 2006, and stipulated that the Lebanese army must deploy and be the only armed force at the border with Israel.
Today, the Lebanese army urged residents to stay away from areas where the Israeli army recently withdrew until its forces secure the roads and clear unexploded bombs.
Earlier, the Israeli army carried out several attacks in villages southwest of Kfarchouba, where it has not withdrawn. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli troops blew up at least three homes in the Christian-majority village of Deir Mimas.
Israel seeking Trump approval to keep soldiers in Lebanon: Report
Israel’s Channel 13 reports that the Israeli cabinet will meet tomorrow to discuss keeping parts of south Lebanon under occupation. The report also said that the Netanyahu government is seeking a green light from Trump to maintain five military outposts in the country.
According to the ceasefire agreement reached between Hezbollah and Israel in November, all Israeli forces must withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday.
Hezbollah has only launched one “warning” military operation against an Israeli base since the ceasefire came into effect despite the daily Israeli attacks in Lebanon in violation of the agreement.
The group’s leaders have said that they are giving the Lebanese government a chance to resolve the Israeli breaches through diplomatic channels.
However, earlier today, Hezbollah political bureau member Ghaleb Abu Zeinab warned that “Monday will be a different day” if Israeli soldiers do not pull out of the country.
Marco Rubio speaks with Netanyahu, pledges ‘steadfast support’ for Israel
Newly sworn-in US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call for Netanyahu to stress that maintaining “steadfast support” for Israel is a top priority for Trump, the State Department says.
“The secretary congratulated the prime minister on Israel’s successes against Hamas and Hezbollah and pledged to work tirelessly to help free all remaining hostages held in Gaza,” the State Department said.
“The secretary also conveyed that he looks forward to addressing the threats posed by Iran and pursuing opportunities for peace.”
The conversation is the first call between Netanyahu and a top Trump aide since the new US administration took office on Monday.
Trump presented himself as an anti-war candidate during the election, but he appointed staunchly pro-Israel hawks to key positions in his administration, including Rubio as his top diplomat.
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