Lebanese PM Meets Rubio Amid Israeli Strikes in Southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes conducted a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon early Monday, targeting areas including the Zibqin Valley, the outskirts of Hada, the region between Teben and Haris, and the towns of Kfar Tibnit, Talousa, and Mays al-Jabal. Israeli artillery also shelled the outskirts of Zibqin, the valleys around the town of Yater, and the area between Zawtar al-Sharqiyya and Mefdon. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that the Salouqi Valley was shelled overnight, accompanied by intensive reconnaissance flights and mock raids over the Tyre region. An Israeli strike on a house between Hada and Haris caused significant damage, with no final casualty or damage reports yet available. Lebanese sources also reported artillery shelling with phosphorus shells targeting the outskirts of Al-Qantara towards the Hujeir Valley.

These escalations occur amid growing concerns in Lebanon about a potential expansion of Israeli operations in the coming weeks, marked by ongoing raids and destruction in the south. The strikes coincide with an upcoming meeting in Washington between Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lebanon is seeking U.S. support and pressure to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict.

Israeli media reported that the Israeli military continues to target what it describes as Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. The Northern Command is reportedly preparing to reinforce its troops and establish a "new defensive line" along the "Blue Line," while maintaining offensive options. Israeli media also indicated that the army is gearing up for a "new phase" of combat in the south, with concerns about Hezbollah attempting to escalate activity on the northern front.

The meeting between Salam and Rubio comes as Lebanese-Israeli negotiations are stalled and amid anxieties over the security situation in the south. Discussions are also expected to cover aid for the Lebanese army and arrangements for the future of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate is set to expire on December 31, 2026.

Previously, Salam stated at the UN General Assembly that the Lebanese state is the sole representative of Lebanon and that the country will not be a "theater for conflicts or a bargaining chip." He also warned of the repercussions of any vacuum following UNIFIL's mission.