An Israeli airstrike near Beirut’s Tayouneh junction on Friday intensified the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, targeting a more central location than previous strikes. The strike followed Israeli military warnings urging evacuations near Hezbollah facilities in the southern suburbs. Israel has escalated its campaign against the Iran-backed group this week, coinciding with renewed U.S.-led diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire.
The U.S. ambassador to Lebanon presented a draft truce proposal to Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday. The 13-point plan, based on U.N. Resolution 1701, outlines steps including Israel’s withdrawal, Lebanese forces and U.N. peacekeepers assuming control of a buffer zone, and Hezbollah relocating north of the Litani River. However, Lebanese officials fear Israel might withdraw its agreement, as it did in late September.
Iranian official Ali Larijani and Lebanese leaders, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, held talks in Beirut on Friday. Meanwhile, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen expressed optimism, suggesting ceasefire prospects are the strongest since the conflict began.
Months of U.S. diplomacy have yet to resolve the situation. The conflict has devastated Lebanon, with over 3,386 fatalities reported by Lebanon’s health ministry since October 7, 2023, and significant economic losses. Hezbollah attacks have killed about 100 people in Israel and nearby regions over the past year. Both sides remain wary, with Lebanon emphasizing strict adherence to Resolution 1701 and Israel insisting on maintaining operational freedom in border areas. Talks are expected to continue over the weekend, with a potential agreement next week.
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