Israeli strikes on Wednesday targeted central Beirut and other Lebanese regions, killing 303 and wounding over 1000 according to a provisional official toll. The attacks jeopardize the fragile US-Iran ceasefire in its second day. Direct talks between Israel and Lebanon are confirmed for next week in Washington.
The Israeli army conducted massive unannounced strikes on Wednesday against central Beirut and several Lebanese areas, killing 303 and injuring over 1000, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. This provisional toll brings the death count to 1888 since hostilities began in March against Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahou ordered his cabinet to pursue 'direct negotiations' with Lebanon on Hezbollah disarmament. 'We will strike Hezbollah wherever necessary,' Netanyahou stated. Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad reaffirmed rejection of direct talks, demanding a ceasefire first.
Talks are set for next week at the US State Department, led by each side's ambassadors. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called the strikes a 'severe blow' to Hezbollah, stating its fighters fled south Beirut suburbs.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran against any 'toll' in the Strait of Ormuz, as the EU and Paris reject the notion, stressing freedom of navigation. Russia, Turkey, and others urge extending the ceasefire to Lebanon.
