Overview
- Lebanon’s state news agency NNA reported on Wednesday that Israeli forces used white phosphorus on the Ali Al Taher heights in the Nabatiye district, an allegation that raises concerns under rules that restrict incendiary weapons in populated areas.
- The Israeli military says it is carrying out heavy air strikes, artillery fire and targeted operations to destroy Hezbollah command galleries and weapons depots beneath the Ali Al Taher ridge while trying, so far without success, to seize the high ground.
- Local firefighters and civil-protection officials say repeated incendiary strikes and deliberate arson have set vast areas ablaze and that responders have been forced to withdraw after nearby strikes and drone hits, hampering firefighting and recovery.
- Lebanese health authorities report strikes on ambulances and rescue teams that caused deaths and injuries and drew formal condemnation, while regional outlets have also reported, without independent verification, use of reconnaissance robots and toxic gas in tunnels under the ridge.
- The United States has confirmed a new round of Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome in early September, but Beirut has warned it may boycott the talks if fighting and perceived Israeli gains continue, a development that could undercut the fragile diplomatic track and invite legal scrutiny.