Israeli forces cross key Lebanon river in expanded ground offensive

Israel launched a powerful wave of airstrikes across Lebanon ahead of key diplomatic discussions linked to regional tensions, triggering massive destruction in southern Beirut and escalating fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Israel’s latest military operation started despite the “ceasefire” that began on April 17, and was extended for 45 days on May 17 following indirect talks mediated by the United States.

Despite a U.S.-brokered cease-fire, Israel has expanded evacuation warnings and carried out hundreds of strikes across southern Lebanon, leaving large areas effectively off-limits to civilians

The Israeli advance came as the U.S. military hosted Israeli and Lebanese defence representatives in Washington on Friday to pursue a U.S.-brokered plan to forge peace between the two countries and disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah.