Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged Hezbollah to support ongoing US-brokered negotiations with Israel, emphasizing the need for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal. Hezbollah, however, rejected the US-backed ceasefire plan, calling it 'shameful' and a 'roadmap for the annihilation and enslavement of the Lebanese people'.
Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire in Washington, DC, contingent on Hezbollah ceasing all fire and withdrawing operatives from southern Lebanon. The deal aims for Lebanese forces to control territory, excluding non-state actors, but faces uncertainty due to Hezbollah's non-participation.
Israel and Lebanon agreed to renew a ceasefire and establish security zones in southern Lebanon following US-brokered talks. The deal hinges on Hezbollah withdrawing from these zones. Meanwhile, US-Iran talks continue amid escalating tensions, with Iran demanding a halt to hostilities in Lebanon as part of any deal.
US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon entered their second day on Wednesday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing hope for a joint statement and action plan to ensure security in Lebanon. The negotiations aim to overcome past failures and achieve a comprehensive agreement for Lebanese sovereignty and Israeli security.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Sunday killed seven people, including an Islamic Jihad commander and his daughter near Baalbek. The strikes, which also wounded 15 others in southern towns, occurred despite a fragile ceasefire, with Hezbollah dismissing US-brokered talks as a "dead end".
Israeli strikes killed seven people in Lebanon on Sunday, including an Islamic Jihad commander and his daughter, despite a fragile ceasefire. Hezbollah dismissed US-brokered talks as a "dead end".
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed at least 22, including 8 children, amid rising tensions before US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, despite Hezbollah's opposition.
Acting US ambassador to Kyiv Julie Davis will depart her post and retire from the State Department in June 2026, the State Department confirmed. The announcement comes amid a lull in US-brokered ceasefire negotiations to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Financial Times reported Davis was leaving due to differences with President Trump's Ukraine policy, a characterization the State Department called 'false'. Davis, a career diplomat with over 30 years of experience, assumed duties as charge d'affaires in May 2025 following predecessor Bridget Brink's resignation over objections to Trump's Ukraine policy.
A Ukrainian drone strike caused a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, leading to local evacuations. The facility had already suspended operations following a previous attack earlier in April.
