The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday that it destroyed around 70 Hezbollah installations in the Bint Jbeil area of southern Lebanon. The statement, released on Telegram, came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was on the verge of eliminating Hezbollah’s main base in the region.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the military also intercepted a drone attack launched overnight from Lebanon. The IDF reported that Israeli naval crews shot down the drone and noted that since the start of the conflict, they have conducted about 40 defensive operations to protect the country’s airspace.

The developments reflect continued hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides engaging in aerial and ground operations as tensions remain high.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declined to hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a historic dialogue between the two leaders. A Lebanese official confirmed to CNN that Beirut informed Washington it was not ready to take such a step at this time.

According to the same official, Lebanon has clearly told both Israel and the United States that it will not engage in any discussions until a formal ceasefire agreement is reached between Israel and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet convened on Wednesday to discuss possible ceasefire arrangements.

The development comes as Trump recently announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon and received thanks from President Aoun for his mediation efforts, while Israel has issued threats of severe attacks against Iran.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which he expressed gratitude for Trump’s efforts to promote a ceasefire in Lebanon. The Lebanese presidential office confirmed the call, according to a report by Al Jazeera. In a post on social media platform X, Aoun thanked Trump for his initiatives aimed at establishing a ceasefire and ensuring long-term peace and stability in Lebanon.

The official statement added that President Aoun reiterated the urgent need to establish a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah “as soon as possible.” It was also reported that Trump expressed his support for Lebanon and for President Aoun personally. The exchange is being viewed as part of broader diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.

The phone call highlights renewed international engagement in seeking to end hostilities in the region, though the source did not specify any concrete outcomes or next steps following the discussion.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun stated that a ceasefire with Israel would serve as a natural entry point for future direct negotiations between the two countries. He made the remarks during a meeting with the British Minister of State for Middle East Affairs, according to a report by Al Jazeera. In a statement later shared on social media, Aoun said Lebanon seeks to end tensions across all regions, including the south, to stop attacks on civilians and the destruction of homes in villages and cities.

Aoun emphasized that any potential talks with Israel should be conducted solely through Lebanese authorities to preserve national sovereignty. He also highlighted that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is a key step toward implementing a ceasefire. Additionally, he mentioned redeploying the Lebanese army up to the international border to halt any armed presence.

The report noted that establishing a ceasefire could play a significant role in improving future Israel-Lebanon relations if successfully implemented.

UK Minister for Middle East Affairs Hamish Falconer has called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict was not initiated by Lebanon. He welcomed the start of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, describing them as a positive step toward de-escalation. Falconer made the remarks on April 16, 2026, according to Al Jazeera.

Falconer stated that recent attacks in Lebanon have had devastating effects on civilians. He urged Hezbollah to stop firing and disarm, stressing that the exclusive right to use force in Lebanon should rest solely with the Lebanese government. However, he did not mention Israel’s attacks, which have reportedly killed more than 2,100 people and displaced over one million since the conflict intensified earlier in the month.

Reports also indicated that following a meeting in the United States between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, both countries agreed to begin direct negotiations, signaling a potential diplomatic opening amid the violence.

More than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to ongoing conflict, accounting for one-fifth of the country’s population. The United Nations refugee agency chief, Barham Salih, described the situation as unprecedented and called on the international community to provide urgent relief and assistance to Lebanon. His appeal followed a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, over 2,100 people have been killed since March 2 in Israeli attacks. Israel stated that its operations in Lebanon aim to weaken Iran-backed Hezbollah and protect its citizens from cross-border rocket and other assaults. The UN’s call highlights the growing humanitarian crisis as violence continues to destabilize the region.

The situation underscores Lebanon’s vulnerability to recurring cycles of violence and the urgent need for international support to restore stability and prevent further displacement.

A Lebanese government source told AFP that the country was not informed about any planned talks with Israel, despite U.S. President Donald Trump announcing that leaders from both nations would hold discussions on Thursday. The source said there had been no official communication regarding such contact through any governmental channels.

Trump had earlier written on his Truth Social network that Washington was attempting to create a calmer atmosphere between Israel and Lebanon. He stated that the leaders of the two countries were set to speak for the first time in about 34 years, with the meeting scheduled for Thursday.

The Lebanese statement indicates a lack of coordination or awareness within Beirut regarding the reported diplomatic initiative, leaving uncertainty about whether the proposed talks will proceed as announced.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks targeting Israeli military positions and installations. According to statements released over several hours, the group said it launched rocket strikes on the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona. It also reported an attack on an Israeli military bulldozer in the southern Lebanese area of Bint Jbeil, where intense clashes were said to be continuing.

Hezbollah further claimed to have targeted two Israeli tanks in the center of the Lebanese border town of Mays al-Jabal. The group stated that rockets and shells were fired at Israeli troops and vehicles in the Bint Jbeil area. As of the latest reports, Israel has not issued any official comment on these alleged attacks.

The developments come amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, with both sides reporting intermittent exchanges of fire in recent days.

Five Israeli soldiers were injured in a rocket attack in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli military. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the army said one soldier was seriously wounded while four others sustained minor injuries. The incident occurred amid ongoing hostilities in the Bint Jbeil area, where fierce fighting continues between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

Israeli Army Radio reported that the soldiers were hurt in the same area where clashes remain active. The violence follows days of heavy fighting in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message on X that the Israeli army is moving to take control of the southern Lebanese town where the battles have been concentrated. He added that he has instructed the military to strengthen security measures.

Netanyahu also mentioned that Israel is being kept informed by its American allies regarding contacts with Iran and stated that Israel is prepared for any possible escalation as fighting risks resuming.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country’s military is close to capturing the strategic southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil. In a video message posted on his social media account, he said that Israeli forces are advancing in the area where intense fighting with Hezbollah has continued for several days.

The city, located near Israel’s border, holds both strategic and symbolic importance. Netanyahu added that he had instructed the military to further strengthen security, describing the move as part of Israel’s broader operations in Lebanese territory. He also mentioned that the United States has been keeping Israel informed about its communications with Iran, noting that both countries share the same objectives.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is preparing for any possible escalation, as the potential for renewed conflict remains high, according to his statement cited by Al Jazeera.

Lebanon has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council against Israel following a series of airstrikes across the country. According to Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry, the complaint concerns more than 100 Israeli air raids carried out on April 8, which struck densely populated residential areas in Beirut during busy hours without prior warning.

The ministry stated that these attacks constitute a clear violation of international law. Official figures released by the Lebanese government report that 303 people were killed in the strikes, including 30 children and 71 women, while at least 1,150 others were injured.

The complaint marks Lebanon’s latest diplomatic move amid escalating regional tensions, as cited by Al Jazeera, which reported the details of the ministry’s statement.

Hezbollah spokesperson and parliament member Ibrahim Mousawi stated that a ceasefire could be implemented in Lebanon soon, supported by mediation efforts from Iran and other regional countries. The statement was reported by Reuters, citing Mousawi’s remarks on the ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

Two senior Lebanese officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, confirmed that discussions toward a ceasefire are underway. However, they did not provide details on when the ceasefire might begin or how long it would last. Both officials indicated that the duration of any Lebanese ceasefire could depend on how long the current truce between the United States and Iran continues.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, highlights the ongoing regional diplomatic activity aimed at de-escalating tensions in Lebanon, though the timing and sustainability of a potential ceasefire remain uncertain.

A group of 19 United Nations experts has condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon as illegal and called on all UN member states to suspend arms transfers to Israel. The experts, including special rapporteurs and independent human rights specialists, issued their statement on Wednesday as Israeli strikes continued in southern Lebanon, reportedly killing at least 16 people, including four paramedics. They described the April 8 wave of Israeli attacks, which Lebanese authorities said killed more than 350 people including 30 children, as a violation of the UN Charter and an assault on peace and multilateralism.

The experts urged Israel to cease all military operations in Lebanon and warned that the forced displacement of over 1.2 million civilians could constitute crimes against humanity. They also condemned the destruction of homes in predominantly Shia areas as collective punishment and a sign of ethnic cleansing. Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon followed Hezbollah rocket fire after the US-Israel killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, intensifying regional tensions.

Diplomatic efforts are reportedly under way, with Israel’s security cabinet set to discuss a possible ceasefire and Lebanese officials confirming ongoing negotiations.

The Israeli military has resumed airstrikes in parts of southern Lebanon, urging civilians to evacuate before launching the attacks. Officials said operations are being carried out with 'significant force' along the southern bank of the Zahrani River. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that anyone near Hezbollah members, facilities, or vehicles could be at risk.

According to the report, the renewed offensive marks an escalation in Israel’s military activity in the region. The IDF’s statement emphasized the danger to those in proximity to Hezbollah targets, suggesting a focus on militant infrastructure. Civilians were reportedly instructed to leave affected towns before the strikes began.

The situation follows ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with recent discussions about a possible ceasefire in Lebanon mentioned in related reports. However, no confirmation of such an agreement has been provided.

Israeli forces are carrying out large-scale destruction in villages across southern Lebanon, mirroring tactics used in Gaza, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz published on April 15, 2026. The report cites an Israeli military officer who said troops are following the same approach as in Gaza, maintaining a list of houses to demolish and measuring success by the number of buildings destroyed each day.

Haaretz reported that bulldozers are flattening homes in border villages to clear space for new military outposts. A soldier interviewed by the outlet suggested that the nature of new constructions indicates Israel may be planning a long-term presence in the area. The report also noted that Israeli troops have advanced to villages about 20 kilometers south of Lebanon’s Litani River.

The Gaza-style “scorched earth” policy in Lebanon has raised concerns about a renewed humanitarian and geopolitical crisis in the region, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.