Israel, Hezbollah Clash Again in Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire Talks

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Israel and Hezbollah clashed again along the border Friday despite ongoing ceasefire discussions. Hezbollah said its forces targeted an Israeli Merkava tank with a drone near Sheikh Castle in southern Lebanon. Artillery fire also struck Israeli gathering points in the same area. Israel's military said it carried out air strikes on several villages in southern Lebanon and that ground forces continued operations against Hashd al-Shabi infrastructure. The Israeli security cabinet did not approve a ceasefire in Lebanon following an overnight meeting, according to officials. U.S. President Trump said Hezbollah had contacted the United States regarding a ceasefire. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Kasım criticized the negotiations and said any agreement that includes disarmament is unacceptable.