Massive Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon ahead of US-backed talks in Washington

ALBAWABA- Israeli airstrikes and drone attacks hit multiple areas across southern Lebanon on Wednesday, killing civilians and causing extensive damage, according to Lebanese officials and local media.

A child was killed, and four others were injured when an Israeli strike targeted a residential building in the town of Saksakiyeh. Additional air raids struck nearby areas, including Zrariyeh and Deir Qanoun an-Naher.

In Al-Dwair village, two people were killed and two were injured after strikes hit several motorcycles, while a drone attack targeted a vehicle on the Jiyeh coastal highway near Saadiyat. Warplanes also bombed a residential apartment in Ansariyeh. Footage from Tebnine showed widespread destruction near a hospital following strikes in the surrounding area.

The attacks are part of intensified Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, which have continued despite a fragile regional environment following a recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Since then, the conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced more than a million people.

The aftermath of Israeli bombardment of surroundings of a hospital in Tebnine, South Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/GQQK1bW3WR

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) April 16, 2026

Israel says its strikes target Hezbollah infrastructure, while Lebanese authorities report that Israeli attacks have mainly hit civilian areas.

Amid the ongoing violence, diplomatic efforts have intensified. Lebanese and Israeli officials held rare direct talks in Washington this week, facilitated by the United States, the first such high-level engagement in decades. 

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are expected to speak directly, marking the first leader-level contact between the two countries in 34 years. The talks are expected to focus on border security and could pave the way for broader negotiations.

President Aoun has stressed that any direct engagement must be preceded by a ceasefire, describing a truce as essential to ending civilian suffering, restoring state authority in the south, and enabling the Lebanese army to assume full control. 

He has welcomed US mediation but insists that Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and a cessation of hostilities are key conditions for lasting peace. Hezbollah has expressed scepticism about the process.