World

Israel to transfer control of southern zones to Lebanese troops in US-backed talks

Washington has hosted several rounds of US-sponsored talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv and is preparing to host a new round on Tuesday.

Israeli officials, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have repeatedly said the Israeli army will not withdraw from the areas it occupies in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli army escalated attacks in Lebanon on Friday and Saturday, carrying out more than 200 strikes across southern and eastern parts of the country, claiming to target Hezbollah sites. Anadolu correspondents reported that many of the attacks hit homes and civilian infrastructure.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the strikes killed 105 people and injured over 150 others on Friday and Saturday.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,100 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures.

Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war.