Overview
- In an open letter to Lebanese leaders, the Iran-backed group asserted a self-defense right and ruled out political negotiations with Israel.
- Hezbollah said it remains committed to last year’s ceasefire even as it accuses Israel of persistent attacks.
- Lebanon’s cabinet is meeting Thursday to assess progress on a plan that tasks the army with disarming Hezbollah in the south by the end of the year.
- Israel has warned of expanded operations and accused Hezbollah of rearming, with Defence Minister Israel Katz criticizing President Joseph Aoun for delays.
- Israel maintains troops in five areas of southern Lebanon and has increased strikes in recent weeks as Washington steps up pressure on Beirut to implement disarmament.