Israeli forces have continued artillery attacks and ground raids in southern Syria, alongside air strikes and property demolitions across southern Lebanon, despite US-backed diplomatic efforts to end the fighting.
In Syria, witnesses reported shelling near Beit Jinn late on Wednesday, while Lebanon’s National News Agency reported strikes and artillery fire in several southern towns. The latest violence has raised fresh questions about whether diplomatic efforts can halt the attacks.
What happened in southern Syria
Israeli forces shelled the Bat al-Warda hill near Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside, according to witnesses. Syria’s Alikhbariah TV separately reported that soldiers raided and searched a house in Taranja village in the Quneitra countryside.
The shelling came days after Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani met Israeli intelligence officials in Jordan in talks mediated by the United States. Damascus described the meeting as an effort to end Israeli attacks, arrests and targeting operations inside Syria.
Strikes and demolitions reported in Lebanon
The National News Agency reported Israeli air attacks on al-Mansouri in the Tyre district late on Wednesday and on Sarbine in the Bint Jbeil district earlier in the day. It also reported artillery fire in Wadi Zibqin and air strikes on Beit Lif and Yater.
Israeli forces continued demolishing property in southern Lebanon, including in Hula in the Marjayoun district. Large explosions were heard from Bayt al-Sayyad, Baraachit and Majdal Zoun, while drones were observed flying at low altitude over Beirut and its southern suburbs. For additional context, see “Dispute grows over Israel’s warning to the US before Syria strikes”.
Why the diplomatic track is under pressure
The Lebanon strikes followed a US-brokered framework agreement intended to end hostilities after an escalation in March. The agreement calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal in exchange for Lebanese army deployment and the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended negotiations as the option most likely to spare the country the horrors of war, while acknowledging delays and obstacles. Political analyst Khaldoun Al-Sharif said Israel had continued strikes and demolitions without consequences from the United States.
What happens next
The negotiating track remains active, with the Lebanon framework focused on a phased Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese army deployment and the disarmament of armed groups.
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