In a game-changing development Ali Hassan Khalil signaled Hezbollahs openness to pull back from the Lebanese-Israeli frontier while firmly rejecting Israels demand for future military access in Lebanon
The situation remains hot with Israeli forces hitting south Beirut for a 3rd straight day (causing major damage to buildings in Hezbollah-run neighborhoods). The strikes come as part of an operation that kicked-off last fall: targeting the groups infrastructure weapons storage and command posts
Under the old UN deal from 06 – which ended previous fighting – Hezbollah needs to move its fighters and weapons bout 20 miles north of the border. Khalil‚ whos a close friend of the group and top advisor to Lebanons parliament head says theyre ready to follow these rules; however no Lebanese would ever let Israel have free movement in their country
The military toll keeps climbing:
- 6 Israeli soldiers died in recent border fights
- Over 3‚300 Lebanese casualties since last October
- Around 100 Israeli deaths in the past year
- Multiple buildings destroyed in Bint Jbeil area
US mediator Amos Hochstein thinks a truce might happen soon. Theres already some draft agreement text but its waiting for Israeli feedback. Lebanon seems ok with US or French oversight of any deal – but wont budge on letting Israel operate freely
Fresh strikes hit the towns of Bazourieh and Jumayjimah killing 5 people; while smoke rises above Beirut from todays bombardment (which targeted what Israel calls military sites)