Israel intensifies strikes in Lebanon despite Washington's promises of de-escalation
via SeneNews4 min read
Israel continued its strikes on southern Lebanon on Tuesday, even as Washington sponsored new talks between Lebanese and Israeli diplomats. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that an agreement could be reached "tomorrow" if not for the pro-Iranian Hezbollah, which opposes the negotiations. Delegations from Israel and Lebanon, which lack diplomatic relations, met at the State Department, though no statements were made by participants. This follows conflicting statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initially committed to not sending troops to Beirut and a Hezbollah ceasefire, but later reaffirmed Israel would "strike terrorist targets in Beirut" if Hezbollah continued attacks. His Defense Minister, Israel Katz, claimed the US had "validated the principle." The Israeli army struck about twenty localities on Tuesday, while Hezbollah claimed several attacks against Israeli soldiers. Netanyahu also stated his army would "continue to operate as planned in southern Lebanon" to "crush" Hezbollah. Marco Rubio reiterated that "without Iran, there would be no Hezbollah," emphasizing the US desire to separate Israeli-Lebanese negotiations from those with Iran. Donald Trump maintained that discussions with Iran to end the war, which began on February 28, were ongoing "without interruption." The conflict has resulted in 3,468 deaths in Lebanon, including 35 since Monday, and over a million displaced people. On the Israeli side, 26 soldiers and one civilian cont
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadDonald Trump has reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during complex negotiations with Iran. According to Axios, the American president called Netanyahu "completely crazy" and accused him of jeopardizing Iran negotiations through attacks on Lebanese Hezbollah. This follows a difficult exchange reported on May 20, which left Netanyahu "fuming." Mairav Zonszein, an Israel specialist for the International Crisis Group, advises caution regarding these reports, noting past instances of reported divergences followed by joint action in Iran. Dan Shapiro, former US ambassador to Israel and associate at the Atlantic Council, believes it was inevitable for American and Israeli interests in the Iran conflict to diverge. Trump had previously boasted that Netanyahu "will do whatever I want him to do." However, Trump had to intervene again regarding Lebanon, where the Israeli army and Hezbollah have been clashing since March 2. Trump later claimed both sides promised de-escalation, but fighting continued. The Republican billionaire aims to prevent the Lebanese conflict from derailing difficult US negotiations with Tehran to end the war. Both leaders face internal political challenges. With potential early legislative elections in Israel, Netanyahu has vowed to end the threat from Iran's "ayatollah regime" and disarm Hezbollah. His opponents accuse him of losing sight of these goals and being dictated by Washington, with opposition leader Yair Lapi
Must ReadThe mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, Juan Franco, has prohibited a friendly football match between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile, scheduled for June 9. The decision was made out of "sanitary prudence" due to the Ebola epidemic in the DR Congo. This measure follows recommendations from the regional government's health service and a report from the municipal health service chief, who advised against the match due to potential health risks. The game was intended as a preparation match for the 2026 World Cup. The DR Congo team is also scheduled to play Denmark in Liège, Belgium, on Wednesday. The DR Congo is in Group K for the World Cup, alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan. A Congolese team official stated on May 21 that the team had canceled its World Cup preparation in Kinshasa to transfer to Belgium. On May 23, the White House indicated that the team would need to isolate in a "bubble" for 21 days to avoid Ebola contamination if they wished to enter the United States for the World Cup. Three Mexican airlines announced restrictions on travelers from African countries affected by Ebola on Friday, as part of preventive measures coordinated with the United States and Canada ahead of the World Cup.
Must ReadOusmane Sonko, the former head of government, expressed his irritation with statements made by his successor, the new Prime Minister, issuing several thinly veiled warnings. Sonko advised the Prime Minister to stick to figures and technocracy. He also claimed that the new Prime Minister played a role in the tensions between the Pastef party and the President. Sonko stated that he and his party have refrained from revealing all details but warned the Prime Minister to calm down. He also criticized the Prime Minister's attitude during the government list's publication, suggesting he should apply his own lessons to himself. Sonko concluded by implying he possesses unreleased information, stating, "We know everything. We have chosen to keep certain facts silent, but let no one provoke us."
Must ReadThe 100th birthday of former President Abdoulaye Wade is a significant political, historical, and civilizational event for Senegal. Wade's journey mirrors a crucial part of contemporary Senegal's evolution, from a historical opposition figure to head of state, advocating pluralism and accelerated modernization. His legacy is complex, marked by both contributions and controversies. He was a major force in Senegal's post-independence democratic decompression, promoting the idea that political alternation was not only possible but legitimate, contributing to competitive pluralism and public debate. The 2000 alternation, where he came to power, was a symbolic breakthrough in African institutional history, demonstrating peaceful power transfer through elections. Beyond institutions, Wade's time in power reflected a strategic vision for development, focusing on infrastructure, Senegal's international projection, public ambition, investment, and economic initiative. He believed African nations needed visible material transformation and national ambition for true sovereignty. While his governance had ambiguities and contradictions, typical of long-serving figures, a nuanced understanding of his role is essential. In a time when Senegal's republican culture faces challenges, Wade's figure serves as a reminder that democracy requires moral continuity between political generations. Honoring him acknowledges that a country cannot build enduringly by disregarding its historical continuity