Israel Advances in Lebanon Amid Ceasefire

Israeli troops have surged deeper into southern Lebanon than in over 25 years, even as ceasefire talks begin for the first time in decades — a move that threatens to unravel peace efforts as Iran pushes for Hezbollah’s disarmament. With Israel targeting the Iranian-backed group for rocket attacks, Lebanese civilians flee in mass numbers while officials accuse Israel of widespread destruction. Analysts warn military force alone won’t resolve the crisis — diplomacy and political solutions are urgently needed. Talks, brokered by the U.S., focus on Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese troop deployment, and Hezbollah disarmament — though Hezbollah remains absent from the table.