Israeli ground forces made significant advances in Lebanon, reaching their deepest point since the invasion six weeks ago. The troops captured a strategic hill in the southern Lebanese village of Chamaa before being pushed back after fierce battles with Hezbollah militants. Lebanese state media reported that Israeli forces detonated the Shrine of Shimon the Prophet and several homes in Chamaa before withdrawing.
The Israeli military stated that their troops were engaged in limited, localized, and targeted operations in southern Lebanon. Simultaneously, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other areas in southern Lebanon, including the city of Tyre. The morning strike in Beirut targeted an area known as Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, with residents receiving advance warning from Israel.
The escalation of violence coincided with discussions between Lebanese and Hezbollah officials on a draft proposal presented by the U.S. to end the conflict. Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister reportedly called on Iran to persuade Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire deal based on U.N. Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
More than 3,400 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli airstrikes, with 80% of the casualties occurring in the past eight weeks. Lebanese officials are reviewing the draft proposal, with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri negotiating on behalf of Hezbollah. Berri emphasized Lebanon’s sovereignty and opposition to any infringement in the proposed agreement.
The draft proposal does not include provisions for Israeli intervention in Lebanon if the ceasefire is violated. Talks are ongoing regarding the formation of a committee to supervise the agreement, with Hezbollah officials studying the draft and expected to provide feedback to Berri. The U.N. Security Council is also working on a resolution for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported additional casualties from Israeli strikes, bringing the total death toll to 43,799, with a significant number of women and children among the victims. The U.S. plays a crucial role in determining whether the U.N. Security Council adopts the resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, with support expected from other permanent members. The situation remains tense as efforts continue to end the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.
