Israel Launches Devastating Strikes on Hezbollah After Washington Talks

Israel and Lebanon held direct talks in Washington for the first time in more than three decades.

“Israel has launched more deadly strikes on towns across southern Lebanon, pressing on with its invasion despite a diplomatic push in Washington for direct talks between the two countries”

Al Jazeera

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun voiced cautious optimism.

Al Jazeera

Israeli ambassador described the talks as the beginning of a battle against Hezbollah.

No ceasefire was announced, and Hezbollah strongly rejected the negotiations.

Fighting continued on the ground and in the air.

Roughly 50 Israeli aircraft struck more than 100 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon.

The IDF said it eliminated 250 Hezbollah terrorists in three areas simultaneously.

Al-Sharq

The strike was the result of weeks of intelligence work.

Many of those killed belonged to Hezbollah's Radwan Force.

Most of the infrastructure struck was embedded inside civilian areas.

Israeli strikes continued to pound southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported at least 20 people killed in attacks on Jbaa.

Four paramedics were killed in a triple-tap strike while on an emergency mission.

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in southern Lebanon.

Human rights groups warned that the strikes risked violating international law.

The Lebanese government announced an immediate ban on Hezbollah's security and military activities.

The cabinet affirmed its absolute rejection of any military actions outside legitimate institutions.

BBC

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah slammed the government's decision.

The European Council expressed support for Lebanon's decision.

The government called on all agencies to take immediate measures to implement the ban.