Lebanon

Iran urges US to set timeline for ‘unconditional’ Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon

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Billboards featuring the late former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who were killed in U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran on February 28, are displayed on the Rafic Hariri International Airport highway with the text reading “Thank you, loyal Iran” in Beirut, Lebanon on June 21, 2026.[Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Iran urged the US on Sunday to set a timetable for Israel’s “unconditional” withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories under a war-ending memorandum of understanding signed between Tehran and Washington, Anadolu reports.

“Ending the war and military operations of the Zionist regime against Lebanon, as well as the withdrawal of occupiers from all occupied Lebanese territories, is a necessary condition for reaching a final and sustainable agreement to establish stability in the region,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Bagaei said in a news briefing carried by ISNA News Agency.

Bagaei said Tehran considers safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as “the dignity and security of all Lebanese people,” as “essential” for the durability of any agreement related to ending the war with the US.

Iran has placed “ending the war and military operations of the Zionist regime in Lebanon alongside ending the war against Iran” at the top of its demands in both the April ceasefire understanding and the June 18 memorandum, he added.

Bagaei also said Iran expects Washington to fulfill its commitments under the memorandum and “take all necessary measures to force the Zionist regime to stop any aggression and military operations against all Lebanese regions.”

He added that Tehran is calling for “the swift determination of a timetable for unconditional withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.”

The call comes as Iran and the US continue efforts to implement a broader 14-point understanding reached following weeks of regional military escalation and diplomatic negotiations.

READ: Israeli officer killed, soldier injured in southern Lebanon, military says

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel's criminal war for Israel's genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said "I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel’s criminal war for Israel’s genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Continue ReadingIran urges US to set timeline for ‘unconditional’ Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon

Lebanese foreign minister hails framework deal with Israel as ‘victory for diplomacy’

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A view of destruction following Israeli air strikes in the town of Mayfadoun, Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, on June 23, 2026. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi on Saturday described the framework agreement signed with Israel as a victory for diplomacy, Anadolu reports.

During a phone call with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, Raggi thanked Amman for its support, saying the US-brokered agreement “marks a victory for diplomacy and for the authority of the state and its institutions above all else,” according to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry.

For his part, Safadi expressed hope that the agreement would serve Lebanon and its people while helping “restore stability, reinforce the state’s sovereignty over its entire territory, and enable Lebanon to live in peace and security,” the ministry said.

In a separate statement, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said Safadi described the agreement as “an important step” toward supporting Lebanon’s security and stability and enabling the country to extend its sovereignty across all of its territory.

READ: Hezbollah chief rejects Lebanon-Israel deal, demands Israeli withdrawal

The remarks came as Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the agreement, describing it in a statement on Saturday as “humiliating and nonexistent,” while calling for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in accordance with the US-Iran memorandum of understanding.

The US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel was signed on June 26, concluding the fifth round of direct negotiations hosted by Washington that focused on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army.

According to the 14-point framework published by Lebanon’s National News Agency, the Lebanese Armed Forces will gradually assume full and effective security responsibility in “pilot areas” evacuated by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

Since March 2, 2026, Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon has killed 4,243 people, injured 12,186 others, and displaced more than 1 million people, according to official Lebanese figures.

OPINION: Lebanon’s Washington framework entrenches power, not order

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel's criminal war for Israel's genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said "I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel’s criminal war for Israel’s genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingLebanese foreign minister hails framework deal with Israel as ‘victory for diplomacy’

Washington talks stall as Israel refuses to leave southern Lebanon

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Buildings and structures suffer extensive damage after strikes carried out during the second day of Eid al-Adha, in the city of Tyre, southern Lebanon, on May 29, 2026. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Washington have reportedly hit a deadlock over the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, amid Israeli demands for guarantees preventing the return of Hezbollah and preserving the operational freedom of its military.

According to diplomatic sources cited by the Israeli newspaper Maariv, the fifth round of US-mediated talks has so far failed to produce an agreement that would allow Israeli troops to withdraw. Israel is insisting on remaining in southern Lebanon until it is assured that Hezbollah has been pushed away from the area and prevented from rebuilding its military infrastructure.

The dispute emerged during the fifth round of meetings between the Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Washington, according to the London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

READ: Israeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it

Sources familiar with the talks said Israeli Ambassador to the United States and head of the Israeli delegation, Yechiel Leiter, strongly objected to a proposed mechanism related to the Lebanese file, prompting US officials to intervene several times in an effort to ease tensions.

The sources added that the US side argued that involving Iran in some arrangements linked to Lebanon could serve as a means of pressuring Hezbollah and ensuring the implementation of understandings aimed at preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

The current round of negotiations, which began on Tuesday and runs until Thursday, is focused on a proposal to establish so-called “pilot zones”, where the Lebanese army would assume full security responsibility to demonstrate its ability to prevent the return of Hezbollah activity.

READ: Israeli soldiers’ parents demand end to Lebanon fighting and return of troops

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ... unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone … unless he gets distracted or falls asleep.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.

Continue ReadingWashington talks stall as Israel refuses to leave southern Lebanon

Israeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it

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Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz holds a security situation assessment meeting with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN) Shlomi Binder and other senior commanders in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 07, 2026. [Israeli Ministry of Defense – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Wednesday army forces will not leave territory occupied in southern Lebanon “even if the United States demands withdrawal.”

“Israel will not leave its security zone in Lebanon, even if the United States demands withdrawal,” Katz said during an event in Tel Aviv, as cited by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

There was no immediate response from Washington.

The comments come as senior Israeli officials continue to insist on maintaining control over occupied areas in southern Lebanon despite a recent US-Iran understanding, which includes commitments related to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz and Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir pledged to maintain control of what Israel describes as a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. During its current military campaign, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

Since March 2, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have killed 4,192 people, wounded 12,171 others and displaced more than one million residents, according to Lebanese official figures.

Katz also vowed that Israel will not allow the return of around 200,000 Lebanese to their areas in southern Lebanon.

READ: Iran says Israeli strikes on Lebanon delayed next round of US talks

He claimed that allowing civilians to return could expose Israeli troops to attacks.

“What happened in the past in security zones that included civilian populations was the planting of explosive devices and attacks against soldiers,” he said.

“The soldiers are inside, the population is outside, the infrastructure is destroyed and the houses are demolished. We will not withdraw,” he said.

Katz further said Israel would maintain its occupation of areas in both Syria and Lebanon.

“We will not leave the security zone in Syria and Lebanon; this is the security doctrine,” he said, claiming that Israeli forces must “be present in enemy territory to protect Israeli communities.”

His remarks come as Lebanese and Israeli delegations are holding a fifth round of talks in Washington from Tuesday through Thursday.

According to Israeli media reports, the discussions include possible areas from which Israeli troops could withdraw and be replaced by Lebanese army forces.

In addition to occupying territory in southern Lebanon, Israel continues to occupy Palestinian territories and areas inside Syria, while rejecting international calls for withdrawal and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with relevant UN resolutions.

READ: Israeli soldiers’ parents demand end to Lebanon fighting and return of troops

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.

Continue ReadingIsraeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it

Lebanon building damage in Israeli attacks estimated at $1.38B

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Buildings and structures suffer extensive damage after strikes carried out during the second day of Eid al-Adha, in the city of Tyre, southern Lebanon, on May 29, 2026. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

The direct cost of damage to buildings in southern Lebanon due to the recent Israeli offensive on the country exceeded $1.38 billion, with rubble estimated at around 3.1 million cubic meters, a UN agency and a Lebanese research center said Monday.

The assessment report was released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Lebanon’s government-linked National Council for Scientific Research

It found that 11,095 buildings were completely destroyed, affecting 17,891 housing units, while 2,242 buildings were partially damaged, equivalent to 5,219 housing units.

The report also revealed that 9,311 buildings sustained minor damage, equivalent to 18,282 housing units.

The assessment covers areas south of the Litani River, including the districts of Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, Nabatieh, Tyre, and Sidon.

READ: Israeli Cabinet minister rejects ceasefire, says Lebanon ‘should be Israel’s playground’

The evaluation was based on a geospatial artificial intelligence methodology, supported by desk-based visual verification, without field inspections, the report explained.

The comparison was conducted between high-resolution satellite images taken on April 29, 2026, and others dated Oct. 23, 2025, allowing the detection of visible conflict-related damage, including roof collapses, structural deformation, and rubble accumulation at the building level, it added.

The report noted that the assessment does not include basements or underground structures, nor damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity, water, and telecommunications networks.

Since March 2, Israel has been carrying out an expanded offensive on Lebanon, involving shelling and demolition of homes, particularly in the south of the country, killing 4,106 people, injuring 12,153 others, and displacing over a million people, according to Lebanese officials.

READ: Israel plans to reduce forces in southern Lebanon under US pressure ahead of Lebanese army deployment

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingLebanon building damage in Israeli attacks estimated at $1.38B