Israel-Lebanon Talks Postponed as Israeli Forces Escalate Strikes in South

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has halted new negotiations with Israel after Israeli forces detonated 1,100 tonnes of explosives on a ridge above Nabatieh and continued air strikes, shelling and home demolitions across southern Lebanon, killing at least 29 people in two weeks. Israel says troops will stay in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah's return, while Lebanon demands full withdrawal first, stalling the US-brokered framework meant to see Hezbollah disarmed. This unresolved standoff on Israel's northern border keeps a documented regional flashpoint active, sustaining the risk of wider confrontation involving Iran-aligned forces.